Colorado football ranked near bottom of Big 12 after spring camp

TL;DR

Colorado football is ranked 15th out of 16 teams in the Big 12 after spring camp, with a power ranking of No. 107 among FBS teams. The team has undergone significant changes, including new coordinators and over 40 transfers.

Key points

Colorado football ranked 15th out of 16 in Big 12
Ranked No. 107 among 138 FBS teams
Team underwent major changes with new coordinators and 40+ transfers

Colorado BuffaloesBig 12

Colorado football underwent major program changes this offseason, including two new coordinators and 40-plus transfers. All the changes make it a bit hard to evaluate the Buffaloes heading into the 2026 season.

In recent power rankings, the Buffs fell outside the top 100 among the 138 FBS teams, coming in at No. 107. USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg dove into Big 12-specific power rankings following spring ball.

Making sense of Colorado's ranking

Colorado comes in at No. 15 out of 16 Big 12 teams, moving past Iowa State. Myerberg highlights the revamped roster and new coaching staff, but notes that quarterback play will determine how far the Buffs can go.

After failing to capitalize on a nine-win finish two years ago, Colorado enters the 2026 season with another revamped roster and a reworked coaching staff. Even if there’s enough talent to reach bowl eligibility if things come together before September, the Buffaloes’ recent track record and lack of an answer at quarterback have dimmed expectations heading into coach Deion Sanders’ fourth season.

Unlike last year, CU does have an answer at quarterback with redshirt freshman Julian Lewis the top option and Utah transfer Isaac Wilson a strong second option. Quarterback play should not be a problem in 2026, but Myerberg's point about Colorado failing to maximize its talent throughout the season was an issue in two of Deion Sanders' three seasons.