Colorado football falls slightly in final preseason SP+ rankings

Colorado football's preseason SP+ ranking has dipped slightly from 0.9 (No. 65 nationally) to 0.7 (No. 66) as the 2026 season approaches. The metric, created by ESPN guru Bill Connelly, evaluates teams based on returning production, recent recruiting including transfers, and program history. Colorado's ranking drop is likely due to other teams improving, not the Buffaloes' own performance since March.

With a solid offseason, the team's ranking is expected to rise once the season begins, especially with winning streaks. The Buffs are currently No. 66 in the nation, with a 26.1 offensive rating, 25 defensive rating, and a -0.5 special teams rating. They return nearly 55% of their roster and are leading the Big 12, just ahead of Iowa State and West Virginia. A strong start to the season should see Colorado quickly climb the SP+ charts.