Colorado Buffaloes

Colorado opened 2026 with a 14-13 comeback win at Georgia Tech, but the offense struggled for most of the night. Quarterback Julian Lewis completed just 6 of his first-half passes for 41 yards before finishing 14-of-27 for 124 yards and the game-winning 20-yard touchdown to tight end Charlie Williams with 42 seconds left. The running game was the bright spot: Micah Welch and Damian Henderson II combined for 123 yards on 25 carries, with Welch scoring from 5 yards out. The offensive line, rebuilt with four new starters and eight transfer additions, held up well enough against a solid Georgia Tech front, but the passing game lacked explosiveness. Brennan Marion's Go-Go offense has yet to show its vertical threat, and Lewis will need more consistent protection and timing as the season progresses.

Chris Marve's overhauled defense, which returned only five scholarship players from last year and no full-time starters, showed resilience in the opener. The unit allowed 237 passing yards and a field goal drive late, but it made the decisive play when Boo Carter blocked Aidan Birr's 45-yard field goal attempt with the game on the line. The front seven, featuring FCS transfers like Toby Anene and Balansama Kamara, sacked Georgia Tech's quarterback three times for 22 yards in losses. The defense bent at times, especially against the run, but it kept the game within reach and gave the offense a chance to win. This group will face tougher tests, but the early returns are encouraging for a unit that was expected to be a liability.

Colorado's special teams were a deciding factor in the season opener. Beyond Carter's game-saving block, the unit avoided the mistakes that plagued Georgia Tech, which lost a fumble and had a kickoff returned 100 yards for a touchdown by Rahkeem Smith. The Buffs' own kickoff coverage will need improvement after that return, but the overall special teams performance was a net positive. The team also showed composure in a hostile road environment, overcoming 91-degree heat and a 1,200-mile trip to Atlanta. Deion Sanders praised his offensive linemen for maintaining belief during the comeback, a sign that this team's mental toughness could be an asset in close games down the road.

Julian Lewis, a former 5-star recruit, showed both his inexperience and his potential in the opener. He struggled early, but he led a 17-play, 61-yard drive that ate 9:07 off the clock in the fourth quarter, and then he engineered the game-winning two-minute drill. Sanders challenged him at halftime in front of the team, and Lewis responded with a clutch performance. Utah transfer Isaac Wilson remains a backup option, but Lewis appears to have the job for now. His growth in Year 2 under Marion will determine whether Colorado can exceed expectations. The offensive line's ability to protect him, especially against stronger Big 12 fronts, will be critical. If Lewis can build on this late-game confidence, the Buffs could surprise teams that overlook them.

Colorado's 1-0 start is its first since 2023, and the win over Georgia Tech, a team with a higher power rating, provides a boost of confidence. The Buffs now host Weber State, a team with a power rating of -20.8, and are heavy favorites. This home game offers a chance to refine the offense and build rhythm before the difficult early-season stretch that follows. The roster is deep at running back and receiver, with Danny Scudero, who led the country in receiving yards last year, yet to make a major impact. If the offensive line continues to gel and the defense maintains its clutch play, Colorado has the pieces to push for a bowl game, which would be a significant step forward for Sanders' program after a 16-21 start in Boulder.