After a tough 2025 season, coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes are hoping to rebound and have a much better showing in 2026. The one problem is that this schedule Colorado has could make next season very difficult.Brett McMurphy of On3 ranked the toughest Big 12 schedules for the 2026 season and had the Buffaloes at the No. 1 spot. This ranking is not just because the conference schedule is tough, but also because of the difficult opponents that Colorado has on their non-conference schedule.The Buffaloes may have the talent to have a great season, but it will not be easy to stack wins against what seems to be one of the hardest schedules in the Big 12.Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectHostile Road Environments EarlyThe tough schedule for Colorado starts right away in Week 1 as the Buffaloes travel to Atlanta for a road matchup with Georgia Tech. In addition to this trip to Georgia Tech, Colorado also has to travel to Northwestern and Baylor. The only soft spot in this early stretch is a home game against an FCS opponent in Weber State.When looking at Colorado’s non-conference and conference schedule combined, it is definitely near the top in terms of difficulty as the Buffaloes play 11 Power Four opponents, which is something that no other team in the Big 12 will do, and only four other teams will do across the entire nation.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 | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectWith this tough stretch, one of the biggest factors to monitor is the play of redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Lewis, who is the projected starter for Colorado as of now. If Colorado does choose to start Lewis, playing at Georgia Tech, Northwestern, and Baylor will be a tough ask but may reveal if Lewis is truly ready for the moment, in addition to seeing if he has grasped the new offense under offensive coordinator Brennan Marion.If Colorado can get out of this stretch somewhere between 2-2 and 4-0, that would be great news for the Buffaloes with several tough conference games left. FSU linebackers coach Chris Marve at the FSU National Signing Day Party on Feb. 5, 2020.