Colorado's early trap game could expose 2026 team for Deion Sanders

Colorado's 2026 schedule has a sneaky danger spot, and it comes early.

Weber State in Week 2 looks like the kind of game the Buffaloes should handle, but it arrives in the middle of a demanding opening stretch that could test Deion Sanders' revamped roster and staff. Colorado also enters the season coming off a 3-9 finish in 2025, so a fast start will matter more than ever.

The concern is less about Weber State itself and more about timing. Colorado is set to navigate three road games in a four-game span, with trips to Georgia Tech, Northwestern and Baylor adding pressure around that home matchup in Boulder. The Buffaloes also dealt with early-season inconsistency a year ago, including a sluggish start against Delaware before pulling away for a 31-7 win.

That is why Week 2 matters. Colorado needs a cleaner performance, especially with new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion and defensive coordinator Chris Marve in place. The Buffaloes also added key transfer pieces, including wide receiver Danny Scudero, tackle Taj White, defensive lineman Santana Hopper, linebacker Liona Lefau and safety Randon Fontenette, giving Sanders more options if the group clicks quickly.

If Colorado handles the games it should win and survives the tougher ones, bowl eligibility is on the table. But if the Buffaloes sleepwalk through Weber State, the Big 12 grind could get ugly fast.

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