Colorado football's brutal early schedule could define 2026 season

Every year, college football teams face a season-defining stretch of games. Sometimes that stretch happens at the beginning of the season, before you even realize it might matter. No matter when it takes place, they can make-or-break the season.

Last season, Colorado faced a five-game stretch in October that included matchups against BYU, Utah and Arizona. The Buffs were blown out in the final two games of that stretch and never recovered. Games are still more than three months from kicking off, but a simple glance at Colorado's 2026 schedule and the most difficult stretch is easily identifiable.

Three of the team's first four games are both on the road and against Power Four opponents (Georgia Tech, Northwestern, and Baylor). Those three games come right before a home matchup against the reigning Big 12 champions, the Texas Tech Red Raiders. The Buffaloes open their season with four high-caliber Power Four programs before getting a respite with a Week 6 bye.

What makes this stretch so challenging? The fact that it opens Colorado's season is the biggest factor. CU is a team filled with 40-plus transfers and an entirely new coaching staff, making chemistry that much more important.