(BCSNN) — College football is finally back, and with it comes the familiar rush of hype, hope and the sense that anything can happen. That's certainly the case for both the Buffs and Jackets in Week 0. Colorado enters things with more new faces than almost any Power Four program, while Georgia Tech arrives with upgrades of its own and a belief that its foundation is much stronger than last season.
For Colorado, the Deion Sanders era continues to evolve. Last year’s defensive struggles prompted a complete overhaul, and now 22 of the 24 players on the defensive two‑deep are new. The offensive line, long the Buffaloes’ Achilles heel, has also been rebuilt with three new starters. In total, 35 to nearly 40 players on the two‑deep are transfers or newcomers.
It’s a refresh in every sense — and a reminder that last year’s issues don’t have to define this one. But with so many new pieces, Colorado likely needs a few weeks of live action to settle into its identity.
Georgia Tech, meanwhile, has patched holes of its own. Former Michigan running back Justice Haynes headlines the offensive upgrades, while three new starters bolster the defensive front. At quarterback, Alberto Mendoza steps in for King, giving the Yellow Jackets a fresh look under center.
Colorado’s approach is clear: throw a massive influx of talent at the roster and let competition sort out the rest. Quarterback Julian Lewis, a dynamic freshman with elite upside, leads a retooled offense stacked with new receivers. But the question remains the same — can Colorado’s lines hold up?
Georgia Tech's new offensive coordinator George Godsey, a former Tech quarterback himself, plans to lean heavily on Haynes and a veteran running back group behind an offensive line that should be ready immediately. Defensively, the Jackets expect their rebuilt front to test Colorado’s new offensive line early and often.
Headlines for Colorado at Georgia Tech in Week 0
CU's QB Sitch is Resolved for Now: Colorado’s quarterback competition stretched deep into Week 1 before fifth‑year senior Kaidon Salter secured the starting role. Salter brings proven production and dual‑threat ability, having thrown for 5,283 yards and 59 touchdowns and rushed for 1,697 yards while compiling a 20–4 record as Liberty’s starter.
His primary challenger, freshman Julian Lewis, ranked as the No. 10 quarterback in his class and now moves into a developmental role behind the veteran.
Coach Prime is Back: Sanders’ offseason was marked by a significant personal challenge. During a routine checkup in the spring, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer and underwent surgery to remove his bladder. His oncologist has since declared him cancer‑free.
Sanders kept the diagnosis private — even from his sons — until shortly before a public press conference. Despite the physical and emotional toll, he never wavered on coaching and returned fully committed to preparing Colorado for the season.
Lineman May Decide This Game: Both teams enter the opener with rebuilt fronts on both sides of the ball.
Colorado retooled its offensive line through the portal, aiming to stabilize protection around former five‑star left tackle Jordan Seaton. Defensively, the Buffaloes return production from a unit that led the Big 12 in sacks last season, but still shuffled pieces with transfer depth.
Georgia Tech must replace multiple contributors up front on offense, leaning on transfers like Malachi Carney (South Alabama) to keep veteran quarterback Haynes King upright. Defensively, the Jackets are also working in new faces after turnover in the trenches, with Jordan van den Berg serving as the lone returning starter.
With both teams in transition along the lines of scrimmage, the outcome may hinge on which rebuilt front asserts itself first — and which roster of newcomers gels fastest.
