Colorado will open its 2026 season against Georgia Tech on Thursday in what multiple outlets are framing as a crucial non-conference matchup for Deion Sanders' program. The Buffaloes finished 3-9 last season, and CBS Sports reports Sanders is hoping for a bounce-back campaign against a new-look Georgia Tech offense.

The game has drawn significant attention from both sportsbooks and predictive models. CBS Sports' SportsLine Projection Model has issued picks for the matchup, and the outlet also reported that its advanced model has locked in predictions based on 10,000 simulations. Multiple sportsbooks are offering promotions for the game, with BetMGM, FanDuel and other platforms providing bonus bets to bettors wagering on the contest.

CBS Sports has framed the game as a defining moment for Sanders' tenure. One piece noted that while Sanders has brought increased visibility to the Colorado program, he now needs a strong 2026 showing to establish his legacy at the school.