Heading into the 2026 season, coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes appear to be under a significant amount of pressure, with each game holding major weight. Colorado must take advantage of each opportunity it has to stack wins early in the season. The Buffaloes' three game non-conference schedule does seem manageable, but the team must perform to their potential in each game to ensure they can head into conference play with positive momentum. So, here are Colorado’s non conference games ranked from easiest to hardest. Nov 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesWeber State WildcatsThere is no doubt that Colorado’s matchup with the Weber State Wildcats is the Buffaloes’ most manageable non-conference game. Weber State is an FCS opponent, and Colorado should be able to dominate this game while generating confidence for players on both sides of the ball. One player specifically to look out for in this game will be redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Lewis.Last season, Lewis played in four games and started in two, and recorded 589 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions while completing 55.3 percent of his passes. Lewis showed promise, but entering 2026, he will have to adapt to a change in offensive scheme.Entering next season, Lewis and Colorado will be implementing a new offensive scheme after the addition of Brennan Marion as the new offensive coordinator. In a game like this, Lewis and the offense have a chance to build confidence and set themselves up for success as they run Marion’s offense.From a schematic standpoint, Marion’s focus has been on establishing a physical rush attack while also getting the ball out in space to playmakers in the passing game. With Marion’s offensive scheme, Colorado should be able to run the ball more effectively and help Lewis to find a rhythm as a passer.With this being Colorado’s first game at Folsom Field in 2026, if the Buffaloes can get the offense going early and often, Colorado has a great chance to build a lead on a path to a dominant team performance.FSU linebackers coach Chris Marve at the FSU National Signing Day Party on Feb. 5, 2020.