Three must watch Colorado football games on the 2026 schedule

Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes start their 2026 redemption path in just under two months, taking on a loaded out-of-conference schedule and another difficult path through the Big 12.

While most Colorado fans will be tuning into every one of the Buffaloes' contests, that doesn't mean you won't need to make arrangements to ensure you're there for the most critical games on the schedule. Once the Buffs kick off, we'll know more about which games will become appointment television, but for now, let's dip into some offseason speculation and potentially get you out of an awkward conversation or two.

Here are Colorado's three most intriguing games on their 2026 schedule.

All kickoff times are listed in Mountain Time, unless stated otherwise.

Week 3: Colorado at Northwestern

Game Date: Sept. 19

Kickoff time: 5:30 p.m.

While it would be easy to put the Buffs' opener against Georgia Tech here, I am fascinated by this Northwestern game and would go as far as to say Colorado's season depends on it. While a ruckus environment in Week 1 could disrupt the Buffaloes' new offense, there will be few excuses left in the tank for a team that went winless on the road last season by Week 3, making one a potential statement win for Colorado.

Aside from the implications of this game, the proposed on-field product is about as close to a toss-up as you'll get in modern college football. Both teams are installing new offenses, with Northwestern bringing in Chip Kelly as their offensive mind and a new quarterback in Aidan Chiles, while Colorado is adapting to the fast-paced "Go-Go" offense of Brennan Marion.

While a loss might not end the season, Colorado should go in expecting to win this game, and if they don't, it could spell disaster for the rest of the season.

Week 8: Colorado at Oklahoma State

Game Date: Oct. 24

Kickoff time: TBA

The two basement dwellers of the Big 12 last season meet for a game that should have conference title implications. That sentence alone should be enough to pull you in, but beyond that, both of these teams represent transfer-portal rebuilds with exciting offenses. Oklahoma State brought in one of the top portal classes in the nation, headlined by quarterback Drew Mestemaker, while Colorado followed behind with a deep class.

Adding to the intrigue is the environment at Boone-Pickens Stadium, which will no doubt be another vicious test for Colorado. Yet again, a loss may not sink the Buffs' chances in the Big 12, but how they play in these big games compared to last year will make the difference.

Week 11: Colorado vs. Houston

Game Date: Nov. 13

Kickoff time: 8:15 p.m.

As the season winds down, every game ramps up in intensity, but Colorado's game against Houston will be the most pivotal for the Buffs. Fresh off a shockingly good 10-3 season, the Cougars enter as an under-the-radar conference title contender.

Unlike the previous two games, this one will be played at Folsom Field, which should give Colorado an advantage. If the Buffs want to get back into Big 12 contention, they'll have to win this game and play better than they did in last season's 36-20 loss. That means slowing down a strong Houston offense led by quarterback Connor Weigman and hopefully building on the rest of the season's successes.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Three must watch Colorado football games on the 2026 schedule