Why Colorado's Latest Bowl Projection Should Anger Buffaloes Fans

The Colorado Buffaloes spent spring to fall camp with a different feel compared to 2025.

Coach Deion Sanders insists he's back to his old, confident self, which he explained during Big 12 Media Days. Assistant coaches have raved about their mix of newcomers (cornerbacks Cree Thomas and Boo Carter from Notre Dame and Tennessee, respectively) to guys aiming to take a big leap (defensive tackle Quency Wiggins). The arrival of new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion has energized offensive players too when one looks at his deep track record.

These elements fuel Colorado's desire to break out of its 3-9 mark. And perhaps receive some bowl projection love. Yet one national projection released on the eve of the 2026 season will grab the Buffaloes and their fan base's attention one last time before kickoff.

Colorado Buffaloes Receive No Bowl Projection Love

Colorado Buffaloes Julian Lewis Damian Henderson Folsom Field Cree Thomas Boo Carter Brennan Marion Big 12 — Apr 11, 2026; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis (10) hands the ball off to running back Damian Henderson (26) during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

ESPN released its latest projections on Aug. 22 from College Football Playoff pairings to the other bowl lineups.

The outlet predicts 11 of the 16 Big 12 teams earning a bowl spot. But none of them are the Buffaloes.

Of the Big 12 projections, BYU and Texas Tech received the most love when it came to representing the conference in the 12-team postseason. Meanwhile, the likes of Arizona State, TCU, Cincinnati and Houston are expected to make a return to a bowl game. With Houston receiving the most picks to play in the Alamo Bowl (Colorado's last bowl game) against USC on Dec. 29.

Meanwhile, teams that finished at .500 or under got picked over Colorado to make a bowl game: Kansas, UCF, West Virginia, Kansas State, and Baylor. The latter earned a projection to play in the Liberty Bowl against former Big 12 representative turned SEC team Missouri.

But once again, Colorado and Sanders receive no bowl projection love in what many believe will be another letdown season in Boulder. Yet as many fans plus college football coaches know, every projection never becomes a reality. It's no different than top 25 rankings, which last year saw Texas drop from its No. 1 spot, No. 2 Penn State go unranked, and Indiana jump from No. 20 to national champion.

Games that can Elevate Colorado's Bowl Hopes

Arizona State Sun Devils Colorado Buffaloes Micah Welch Folsom Field Big 12 College Football Bowl Projections — Nov 22, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Adrian Wilson (6) pushes Colorado Buffaloes running back Micah Welch (29) out of bounds in the first quarter at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Surely it starts with Sept. 5 against Georgia Tech. Although the Yellow Jackets are unranked despite coming off a solid 9-4 season. Still, a road win here can slowly grab some eyeballs about how the Buffaloes will shape up for the rest of the year.

Oct. 3 is the one that'll determine if Colorado is a bowl contender. No. 12 Texas Tech comes to town that afternoon. The Buffaloes' confidence will be high if they enter 2-2 or better for this home game to kick off the October slate.

Then Utah two weeks later arrives to Folsom. The Utes join the Red Raiders in becoming the second nationally-ranked team CU will face in the 10th month of the year. Houston at No. 23 becomes the final top 25 team the Buffaloes will face, which is Nov. 14.

Colorado can go 6-6 and persuade a bowl committee to get them in. But half of those victories must come against the aforementioned ranked foes on the schedule. Doubtful the committee will take CU seriously if its biggest wins are against Baylor or a rebuilding Oklahoma State team.

But again, these latest bowl projections will likely get plastered somewhere inside the Colorado facility.

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