In their season opener, the Colorado Buffaloes, under head coach Deion Sanders, defeated North Dakota State 31-26 in their first game as a Big 12 member. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders showcased his potential, throwing for 445 yards and four touchdowns, while Travis Hunter highlighted his athleticism with a 41-yard touchdown run and a spectacular catch for another score. Despite a shaky defensive performance that allowed NDSU to lead at halftime, Colorado's defense improved in the second half, ultimately securing the win. Shilo Sanders, Shedeur's brother, faced criticism for his aggressive play, contributing to a perception of poor sportsmanship within the program. Colorado also debuted new all-black uniforms for the season, aiming to rebound from a disappointing previous season. The win marks a hopeful start for Colorado as they aspire to build on their success in the competitive Big 12 landscape.