Last season, the Colorado Buffaloes struggled to find success as a team, and are looking to change that trend in 2026. For coach Deion Sanders, the pressure seems to be ramping up, and each game could be increasingly more important as the season progresses.There are three games that the Buffaloes cannot afford to lose if they want to compete for a Big 12 title. Apr 11, 2026; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis (10) prepares to pass the ball during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesSept. 26 at Baylor BearsAt the beginning of Colorado’s schedule, there are a few tough tests on the road, but the key game in the early part of the Buffaloes' schedule is when Colorado visits Baylor. One of the biggest reasons the Buffaloes cannot afford to lose this game is that home games against Utah and Texas Tech directly follow the Baylor game. For Colorado to have a successful season, the early part of the schedule is critical, with three road games in the first four weeks. Baylor will be the final road game in that stretch, which could turn out to be the most important. In addition to the tough schedule that follows the Baylor game, Colorado must also win this game to build confidence as early on as possible as a team, but specifically on the offensive side of the ball. Heading into next season, the Buffaloes are expected to start redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Lewis, who showed flashes of potential in his 2025 performance. To help Lewis, Coach Prime brought in Brennan Marion to be Colorado’s offensive coordinator. As an offensive coordinator, Marion could put Lewis in a great position to succeed with an offense that brings a balance of a quick and efficient passing game, in addition to a physical run game. In the early part of the schedule, Colorado must win as many games as possible so the Buffaloes can build confidence as a team, but primarily to give Lewis the confidence he needs to lead Colorado to a successful 2026 season. The matchup with Baylor seems to be one of the more important games on the schedule, as it is Colorado’s first conference game next season. If the Buffaloes can perform well and beat Baylor, that could give Colorado great momentum as the Buffaloes move through intense conference games throughout the rest of the season in the Big 12. MSU defensive run game coordinator Chris Marve speaks to reporters at Media Day on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at the Leo Seal Complex. Photo by Keith Warren