The Colorado Buffaloes find themselves in a familiar but uncomfortable spot as the 2026 season approaches: near the bottom of the Big 12 power rankings. After a spring camp filled with significant roster turnover and coaching staff changes, the Buffs have been ranked 15th out of 16 teams in the conference, according to USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg.
It's been a whirlwind offseason in Boulder. With two new coordinators and over 40 transfers coming through the program, evaluating this team has been a challenge. The Buffaloes landed at No. 107 overall among 138 FBS teams—a ranking that reflects both the uncertainty and the high expectations that come with Deion Sanders' tenure.
Myerberg's assessment highlights a key concern: despite a nine-win season two years ago, Colorado failed to build on that momentum. Now, with another revamped roster and a reworked coaching staff, the question isn't just about talent—it's about consistency. "Even if there’s enough talent to reach bowl eligibility if things come together before September, the Buffaloes’ recent track record and lack of an answer at quarterback have dimmed expectations," Myerberg wrote.
But here's the twist: unlike last season, quarterback play might actually be a strength. Redshirt freshman Julian Lewis has emerged as the top option, with Utah transfer Isaac Wilson providing a strong backup. That gives Colorado a solid 1-2 punch under center. The real challenge, as Myerberg pointed out, is whether the team can maximize its talent throughout the season—something that has been an issue in two of Sanders' three years.
The full Big 12 power rankings after spring camp put Texas Tech at No. 1, followed by BYU and Houston rounding out the top three. Colorado, meanwhile, sits just above Iowa State at the bottom of the conference. For a program that made waves with its flashy offseason moves, this ranking is a sobering reminder that rebuilding takes time—and that on-field results are what ultimately matter.
As the Buffs gear up for Sanders' fourth season, the pieces are there for a bowl-eligible run. But with a tough conference schedule and lingering questions about execution, Colorado will need to prove it can turn potential into wins. For fans and gear enthusiasts alike, this season promises to be a defining one in Boulder.