Three Main Takeaways From Colorado's First Four Games of the Season

The Colorado Buffaloes have delivered mixed results through the first quarter of the 2026 season.

The 2-2 mark showcases that, with a concoction of high and low marks. Although Colorado now walks into October with a two-game slide.

Julian Lewis Kamren Washington Baylor Bears McLane Stadium Colorado Buffaloes College Football Big 12 Conference — Sep 26, 2026; Waco, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis (10) is sacked by Baylor Bears defensive lineman Kamren Washington (96) during the first half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

While the college football nation learns enough about certain teams through the true halfway point of six games, fans are learning more and more about this 2026 Buffaloes team. But here are three things we've learned that deserve more attention.

Quarterback Leadership Isn't a Consistent Strength

Coach Deion Sanders became honest about the leadership intangibles of quarterback Julian Lewis ahead of the Sept. 26 Baylor contest.

"I told y’all he’ll be coming around the mountain, so what does that mean…He ain’t there yet … I can’t expect something out of you that’s not in you. That’s not an insult," Sanders explained with a raised voice during a press conference held on Sept. 23.

Julian Lewis Colorado Buffaloes Kedrick Walker Baylor Bears College Football Big 12 Conference McLane Stadium — Sep 26, 2026; Waco, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis (10) passes the ball as Baylor Bears linebacker Kedrick Walker (36) applies pressure during the first half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Now, Lewis's benching during the Baylor loss fires off this signal: Leadership behind center is a big flaw. And certainly not the kind of flaw any team wants.

The fact offensive coordinator Brennan Marion went viral for yelling out "stop playing scared" toward Lewis is alarming itself for Buffalo fans. Lewis clearly is playing with a deer in the headlights look.

He's only looked poise and comfortable against Weber State. But Colorado was supposed to overwhelm the Wildcats anyway, given the whole Big 12 versus Big Sky/Football Championship Subdivision dynamic. Forget improving numbers, Lewis must play with more fire and command the huddle moving forward because now, it looks like Isaac Wilson is breathing down his neck for starting quarterback honors. But Wilson must show a fiery side too if he does win it.

Defense is Breaking Because There's Not Enough Help

Naeten Mitchell Colorado Buffaloes Gavin Freeman Deion Sanders Chris Marve Lamont Lester Jr. Big 12 Conference — Sep 26, 2026; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Gavin Freeman (6) hurdles Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Naeten Mitchell (4) during the second half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Defensive coordinator Chris Marve has earned some closet Most Valuable Player honors. He's done everything in his power to keep the Buffaloes in each game.

But this defense has broken the last two weeks. And largely due to the lack of help in key areas.

Jadon Porter Baylor Bears Colorado Buffaloes Jason Stokes Jr. Big 12 Conference Deion Sanders McLane Stadium — Sep 26, 2026; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Jadon Porter (3) catches a touchdown pass against Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Jason Stokes Jr. (13) during the second half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Colorado is battling depth issues at the interior defensive line. Not having Ezra Christensen (eligibility issues) and Malachi Brown (torn labrum, out for 2026) doesn't help. The Buffaloes needed to slide down Santana Hopper from edge rusher, while also allowing offensive guard Chauncey Gooden to go both ways.

The Buffaloes run defense improved greatly compared to the Northwestern game, holding Baylor to 3.3 yards per carry. But the Bears still hit 116 rushing yards. But depth inside isn't the only issue.

Colorado's offense has become turnover prone or struggling to capitalize on third downs, which leads into the defense breaking. Plus highlights one last picture that deserves mention.

Air Attack is Off to Rough Start

Joseph Williams Colorado Buffaloes Baylor Bears McLane Stadium College Football Big 12 Conference Deion Sanders — Sep 26, 2026; Waco, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Joseph Williams (8) scores a touchdown against the Baylor Bears during the second half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Colorado's real slow start is on offense. The Buffaloes have scored a combined 34 points against non Football Bowl Subdivision foes. They dropped 52 on FCS challenger Weber State.

Running game is hot and cold, but has produced costly turnovers. Yet the air attack is off to a rough start.

Prized transfer and 2025 NCAA receiving yardage leader Danny Scudero hasn't played healthy. Wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. left the Baylor game early with his own injury. Receiver Joseph Williams has led the way with 22 catches, but averages only 5.5 receptions per game.

Colorado has no one outside of Williams and More who have surpassed double digit receptions. But for this team to think about a bowl run, this air attack must become the one that ignites the "Go-Go" offense, or the critics will once again think Colorado's offense continues to keep the inconsistent label attached to them.

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