The Big 12 has its first win over a Power Four opponent in 2026 … and it came in thrilling fashion

The Big 12 has its first win over a Power Four opponent in 2026 … and it came in thrilling fashion

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The Big 12 has its first win over a Power Four opponent in 2026 … and it came in thrilling fashion
Colorado defensive back Boo Carter (6) prepares to block a kicked ball by Georgia Tech place kicker Aidan Birr (33) during game, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, in Atlanta.
Colorado defensive back Boo Carter (6) prepares to block a kicked ball by Georgia Tech place kicker Aidan Birr (33) during game, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, in Atlanta.
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Mike Stewart

When TCU took the field against North Carolina in Ireland in Week 0, the Horned Frogs had the chance to get the Big 12’s 2026 season off to a strong start.

That didn’t happen, as TCU floundered its way to a 15-10 loss.

Colorado, instead, took advantage of the opportunity to deliver the Big 12 its first nonconference win over a fellow power conference team Thursday night, as the Buffaloes opened the season with a thrilling 14-13 win at Georgia Tech.

Julian Lewis, despite completing just over 50% of his passes, connected on the most important one of the night, finding Charlie Williams for a 20-yard touchdown pass with 42 seconds remaining.

The night was far from over, though, as Georgia Tech quickly moved into field goal territory, thanks to a 42-yard pass from Alberto Mendoza to Dalen Penson on the first play of the Yellow Jackets’ ensuing drive.

After three straight plays to set up a field goal attempt, Aidan Birr had a shot for the win on a 45-yard attempt, but it was blocked by Boo Carter as time expired, giving Colorado the much-needed win — one year after the Buffaloes went 3-9.

That gives the Big 12 a 1-1 record against other power conference schools — both against the ACC thus far in the season’s early going. Over the next several weeks, Big 12 schools will face a total of 13 Power Four nonconference opponents.

Two other Big 12 programs played Thursday, both against FCS opponents — No. 21 Utah rolled past Idaho 66-14, while UCF blasted Bethune-Cookman 73-6.

Here’s a look at what other games featuring Big 12 teams are on tap this weekend.

Friday’s game

  • Long Island at Kansas, 6 p.m. MDT (ESPNU)

Saturday’s games

  • Oregon State at No. 23 Houston, 10 a.m. MDT (ESPN/Disney+)
  • Coastal Carolina at West Virginia, 10 a.m. MDT (TNT)
  • Southeast Missouri State at Iowa State, 11 a.m. MDT (ESPN+)
  • Baylor at Auburn, 1:30 p.m. MDT (ABC/Disney+)
  • Boston College at Cincinnati, 1:30 p.m. MDT (Fox)
  • Oklahoma State at Tulsa, 1:45 p.m. MDT (ESPNU)
  • Abilene Christian at No. 12 Texas Tech, 5 p.m. MDT (FS1)
  • Nicholls at Kansas State, 5 p.m. MDT (ESPN+)
  • Utah Tech at No. 14 BYU, 6 p.m. MDT (ESPN+)
  • Northern Arizona at Arizona, 7:30 p.m. MDT (ESPN+)
  • Morgan State at Arizona State, 8 p.m. MDT (ESPN+)

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