Year 4 of the Deion Sanders era at Colorado has arrived, and the pressure is on. After a 4-8 debut season in 2023 that was highlighted by a few massive early-season moments that put the Buffaloes back on the map, Colorado took a major step forward in 2024. The Buffs won nine games behind Travis Hunter's Heisman Trophy campaign and a stellar season from Shedeur Sanders.
However, Colorado took a major step back last season in its first year without the Sanders brothers and Hunter. The Buffs won just three games and lost five straight to end the season, including a 53-7 thrashing against Utah and a 52-17 blowout loss at home to Arizona. But a new season is here, and Sanders has once again utilized the transfer portal to rebuild his roster.
More than 40 transfers were brought in, including Danny Scudero, who led the country in receiving yards last season at San Jose State. Colorado also added DeAndre Moore Jr. from Texas, where he caught 77 passes for 988 yards and 11 touchdowns over the past two seasons. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners.
If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. The Buffs also brought in two experienced offensive linemen, Jayven Richardson and Taj White, to help fix a unit that has struggled throughout Sanders' tenure.
At quarterback, Julian Lewis will get the Week 1 start. As a highly touted freshman last season, Lewis completed 55.3% of his passes for 589 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions across four games. The Buffs went 0-2 in his two starts.
The defense underwent an even bigger overhaul, with 28 players transferring in. Of the 44 defensive players on Colorado's roster last season, only eight return, meaning most of the expected starting lineup will feature new faces. Former Tennessee safety Boo Carter, Texas linebacker Liona Lefau and Notre Dame corner Cree Thomas were among the biggest additions.
But now comes the real test: what happens on the field. Colorado will kick off its season against Georgia Tech on Thursday night in a rematch of last year's Week 1 matchup in Boulder. The Yellow Jackets won that game 27-20 after scoring the go-ahead touchdown with just 1:17 remaining.
So, can Sanders and company flip the script a year later? Let's dive into the odds for Colorado's Week 1 matchup, along with all of the Buffaloes' odds for the 2026 season at DraftKings Sportsbook. Moneyline Colorado: +200 (bet $10 to win $30 total)Georgia Tech: -245 (bet $10 to win $14.08 total) Spread Colorado +6.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)Georgia Tech -6.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total) Total Over 51.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)Under 51.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
