The wait is over. Colorado football is back, and Coach Prime is ready to launch Year 3 in Boulder with a nationally televised matchup under the Friday night lights at Folsom Field.
The Buffaloes host the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in one of the most intriguing Week 1 games of the 2025 season. With a new quarterback, a roster full of fresh faces, and plenty of skepticism from national pundits, this opener is dripping with storylines that Buffs Nation won’t want to miss.
Here’s your full guide on how to watch, what to know, and why Colorado could be poised to shock the college football world once again.
What time does Colorado vs. Georgia Tech start?
Kickoff is set for Friday, Aug. 29, at 6 p.m. MT (8 p.m. ET) from Folsom Field in Boulder.
The game will air nationally on ESPN, giving the Buffs another primetime spotlight in front of a massive audience.
Who are the announcers for Colorado vs. Georgia Tech?
ESPN will send a marquee crew to Boulder for the opener:
Play-by-play: Chris Fowler (a Colorado alum and fan favorite)
Analyst: Kirk Herbstreit
Sideline reporter: Holly Rowe
For us, having Fowler on the mic for another prime CU moment feels poetic.
What is the series history between Colorado and Georgia Tech?
The two teams have never met, but they've been connected since 1990 when Coach Bill McCartney's Buffs split the college football national championship with the Yellow Jackets in 1990.
That history makes Friday’s matchup essentially a way to settle the '1990' debate, adding to the intrigue of two programs trying to prove themselves nationally.
What are the current betting odds for Colorado vs. Georgia Tech?
According to FanDuel Sportsbook (as of Tuesday):
Spread: Colorado +4.5 (home underdog)
Moneyline: Colorado +164, Georgia Tech -198
Over/Under: 52.5
It’s rare to see the Buffs as home underdogs in a season opener — and that underdog label should fuel Coach Prime’s squad.
What’s the injury report for both teams?
Colorado has remained mostly healthy through camp, but depth at wide receiver is thinner than expected after transfers. The Buffs expect most key contributors available for Friday.
Georgia Tech will be without starting safety Jaylon King, which could open passing lanes for new CU quarterback Kaidon Salter.
What is the weather forecast for the game?
The forecast in Boulder on Friday calls for clear skies and mild temperatures in the low 70s at kickoff, cooling into the 60s by the second half. Perfect Folsom Field weather for a stripe-out crowd.
Key storylines for Colorado vs. Georgia Tech
Kaidon Salter takes the reins
Coach Prime officially named Kaidon Salter, the Liberty transfer, as Colorado’s starting quarterback. Salter replaces Shedeur Sanders, who turned CU into must-watch TV before heading to the NFL. Salter brings dual-threat ability and a winning pedigree, but this is by far the biggest stage of his career.
As Deion Sanders put it: “He wants that smoke.”
Defense looking to build on 2024 success
Colorado’s defense led the Big 12 in sacks last season. With Robert Livingston now in charge, the Buffs believe they have the depth to keep pressure on opposing QBs — and they’ll need it against Georgia Tech’s veteran signal caller Haynes King.
Georgia Tech’s big-game résumé
Don’t sleep on the Yellow Jackets. They pushed Georgia to overtime last year and upset Miami. Haynes King is entering his sixth season of college football, bringing steadiness and poise. If Colorado lets him get comfortable, it could be a long night.
Folsom Field Stripe-Out
Colorado fans are bringing the energy with a stripe-out planned across the stadium. After last season’s electric home crowds, the Buffs are banking on Folsom Field magic to give them the edge.
Prediction: Can Colorado pull the upset?
This has the makings of a nail-biter. Colorado’s new-look offense may take time to gel, but with a pumped-up home crowd and a hungry defense, the Buffs are in position to stun Georgia Tech.
Glory Colorado Prediction: Colorado 27, Georgia Tech 25
— Want more stories like this? Follow us on X (@GloryColorado) for all things Colorado Football and Basketball.