Nobody saw Coach Prime and Colorado coming in 2024. Coming off a 4-8 season in 2023, slight improvement was expected in the second season of the Prime era in Boulder, but Deion Sanders led the Buffaloes to a nine-win season instead.
Despite last season's five-win improvement, it hasn't earned Sanders any benefit of the doubt after losing a couple of program-changing players in QB Shedeur Sanders and two-way Heisman winner Travis Hunter.
Replacing players of that caliber won't be easy, and in Hunter's case, it's outright impossible, but as Coach Prime said, Colorado may win differently in 2025, but they're going to win regardless.
Most experts don't think Colorado is a serious contender in the Big 12 this season. On FanDuel, the Buffaloes' win total is set at 5.5, meaning Vegas thinks it's probably as probable for Colorado to make a bowl game as it is for them to miss one.
Let's take a game-by-game look at Colorado's schedule and make some predictions with the season just nine days away:
Game-by-Game Predictions for Colorado in 2025
1. vs. Georgia Tech - Friday, August 29th
The season opener next Friday night at home against Brent Key and Georgia Tech will be an excellent litmus test for Coach Prime to see where his team is at. The Yellow Jackets are primed for another step forward in Key's third season in Atlanta, and some believe they are a dark horse in the ACC. I'm one of those people.
This game will be close, but Georgia Tech comes to Folsom Field and knocks off Colorado in Week 1.
Pick: Georgia Tech 27, Colorado 24
Record: 0-1
2. vs. Delaware - Saturday, September 6th
A newcomer to the FBS, Delaware doesn't figure to stand much of a chance here. Colorado's ground attack overwhelms as they establish their identity.
Pick: Colorado 45, Delaware 7
Record: 1-1
3. at Houston - Friday, September 12th
In Colorado's first road game of the year, they're going to face off against a Houston team that figures to be much improved in year two under Willie Fritz. In what could prove to be a pivotal Big 12 matchup early in the season, in a coin-flip game, I'll take the Cougars in a close one.
Pick: Houston 31, Colorado 27
Record: 1-2 (0-1)
4. vs. Wyoming - Saturday, September 20th
Wyoming is coming off a three-win season a year ago. Even if they are improved, it won't be enough to make a difference at Folsom Field.
Pick: Colorado 38, Wyoming 17
Record: 2-2 (0-1)
5. vs. BYU - Saturday, September 27th
Closing out September, Colorado will host BYU in a rematch of last season's Alamo Bowl. The Cougars will be starting a true freshman at QB in Bear Bachmeier this season, and this will be his first real experience in a hostile road environment at the college level. BYU travels to East Carolina the week before, but with due respect to the Pirates, that environment is nothing like what will be awaiting him in Boulder.
Pick: Colorado 29, BYU 22
Record: 3-2 (1-1)
6. at TCU - Saturday, October 4th
TCU bounced back nicely from a disappointing 2023 season to win nine games last season. This won't be an easy road game for the Buffaloes, but - and this might sound crazy based off of what we've seen from Colorado up front the last two seasons - I think the Buffs have a nice advantage on the line of scrimmage that will prove to be the difference.
Pick: Colorado 34, TCU 31
Record: 4-2 (2-1)
7. vs. Iowa State - Saturday, October 11th
After a 1-2 start to the season, a fourth consecutive win, this time over a ranked Iowa State team, will signal that Coach Prime and Colorado are legitimate contenders in the Big 12. The Cyclones are probably the better team on paper, but home field advantage matters here.
Pick: Colorado 33, Iowa State 27
Record: 5-2 (3-1)
8. at Utah - Saturday, October 25th
Utah went 5-7 last season, but my money is on the Utes bouncing back. Kyle Whittingham is still in charge in Salt Lake City, and his track record suggests that there won't be a second consecutive mediocre season. Rice-Eccles is a tough place to play, and Colorado suffers a tough road loss that damages its chances in the Big 12.
Pick: Utah 31, Colorado 20
Record: 5-3 (3-2)
9. vs. Arizona - Saturday, November 1st
Colorado doesn't stay down for long. They'll bounce back with a home win over Arizona to get to bowl eligibility and stay alive in the conference championship picture.
Pick: Colorado 42, Arizona 28
Record: 6-3 (4-2)
10. at West Virginia - Saturday, November 8th
I'm a believer in what Rich Rodriguez is going to do in his second go-around at West Virginia. It's just not going to happen overnight. It's a long road trip for Coach Prime's team, but a veteran QB in Kaidon Salter won't be intimidated by a raucous road crowd.
Pick: Colorado 38, West Virginia 28
Record: 7-3 (5-2)
11. vs. Arizona State - Saturday, November 22nd
This will be a massive game with Big 12 and College Football Playoff implications. If Colorado can knock off last season's conference champions, it will be proof of concept for Sanders, who desperately wants to bring a championship to Boulder. Colorado gets it done, setting up a massive matchup to end the regular season.
Pick: Colorado 31, Arizona State 30
Record: 8-3 (6-2)
12. at Kansas State - Saturday, November 29th
If the season plays out like this, at 8-3 and 6-2 in the Big 12, this game would likely be played for a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game. Unfortunately for Colorado, they have to finish the regular season on the road in a tough environment against a really good Kansas State team. The Buffs, for the second year in a row, finish one game away from a trip to Arlington.
Pick: Kansas State 28, Colorado 17
Record: 8-4 (6-3)
An eight-win season would be a big accomplishment for Sanders and Colorado this season, beyond the expectations of many. It would send them to a middle-tier bowl game, giving Coach Prime a chance to lead Colorado to its first bowl win in 21 years.