Colorado · Big 12Colorado’s 4.5-Win Line Puts Julian Lewis Under Immediate Pressure
Colorado enters 2026 with postseason expectations already working against it, a smaller roster and a season opener against Georgia Tech. Julian Lewis now faces an early fit test as Deion Sanders tries to reverse the program’s recent direction.
AUG 23, 2026
01 · The NewsThe Projection
Jeff Hauser reports that Colorado faces a 4.5-win line ahead of the 2026 season, with analysts projecting another losing year for Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes. The outlook arrives alongside concerns about Colorado’s smaller roster and the immediate fit of quarterback Julian Lewis. Colorado opens the season against Georgia Tech, giving Lewis and the new-look Buffaloes an early chance to challenge the preseason skepticism. The projection is not a team announcement or a depth-chart decision. Colorado has not publicly named a different quarterback plan in the supplied reporting, and the article does not provide a specific injury, roster count or postseason forecast beyond the 4.5-win line.