The Colorado Buffaloes football team dropped to a 2-3 record following a 29-7 home loss to Texas Tech on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. The defeat marked the team’s third consecutive loss, during which the offense has scored a total of 27 points. Head coach Deion Sanders, who is now 18-24 since joining the program before the 2023 season, described the team's recent play as "horrible" during a press conference on Monday, Oct. 5.
Sanders arrived at Colorado following a 1-11 season in 2022. While his presence has increased fan attendance and led to infrastructure upgrades, such as larger scoreboards and artificial turf at Folsom Field, the team has struggled to maintain consistency. Sanders’ current contract is valued at $54 million through 2029, and reports indicate the program is spending approximately $20 million on its 2026 roster.
The loss to Texas Tech highlighted challenges including a league-leading average of 82.6 penalty yards per game. During the Saturday game, Colorado missed two field goals and committed four turnovers. Sanders addressed a problem at the quarterback position, where Isaac Wilson has started in place of recruit Julian Lewis. Despite the results, Sanders maintains support from some figures; Cody Campbell, a Texas Tech billionaire and board of regents head, brought his son on a recruiting visit to Colorado for the game, citing Sanders' focus on player development.
The program’s struggle to retain talent despite increased spending highlights the nature of the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era. Booster Rob Wilhite noted that successful Colorado players are often "bought" by other programs, citing the departures of Dylan Edwards to Kansas State and Jordan Seaton to LSU. Some advocates suggest the Protect College Sports Act currently in Congress could shift these dynamics by implementing federal spending limits, which would assist schools without billionaire donors.
The program also faces internal and legal matters. A bankruptcy trial involving Shilo Sanders, the coach's son and a player on the team, began in late September 2026, with testimony continuing through at least Sept. 30. The team must also address its offensive production and penalty issues before its next matchup. Dates for upcoming games and a potential ruling on the Protect College Sports Act were not reported.