(BCSNN) - Colorado’s 2026 football season will begin earlier than planned, as the Buffaloes’ opener at Georgia Tech has been moved to Thursday, Sept. 3, the school announced. The game in Atlanta will air nationally on ESPN, with kickoff time to be announced later.

The shift continues a familiar trend for Colorado, which has now opened on a non‑Saturday for the third straight season and for the 12th time in the last 14 years. Last season’s matchup against Georgia Tech in Boulder was played on a Friday night.

The game marks the second half of a home‑and‑home series. Georgia Tech leads the series 1–0 after a 27–20 win at Folsom Field last season. Colorado will be playing in the state of Georgia for just the second time and in Atlanta for the first time.

The trip carries added significance for head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, who spent portions of his NFL and MLB careers in the city. Sanders played for the Atlanta Falcons from 1989–93 and the Atlanta Braves from 1991–94, famously appearing in both an NFL and MLB game on the same day on Oct. 11, 1992.

Colorado’s home opener is set for Sept. 12 against Weber State, the first of six home games in 2026. Big 12 opponents visiting Boulder include Texas Tech, Utah, Kansas State, Houston and UCF as the Buffaloes prepare for another high‑profile season at Folsom Field.