When TCU took the field against North Carolina in Ireland in Week 0, the Horned Frogs had the chance to get the Big 12’s 2026 season off to a strong start.
That didn’t happen, as TCU floundered its way to a 15-10 loss.
Colorado, instead, took advantage of the opportunity to deliver the Big 12 its first nonconference win over a fellow power conference team Thursday night, as the Buffaloes opened the season with a thrilling 14-13 win at Georgia Tech.
Julian Lewis, despite completing just over 50% of his passes, connected on the most important one of the night, finding Charlie Williams for a 20-yard touchdown pass with 42 seconds remaining.
The night was far from over, though, as Georgia Tech quickly moved into field goal territory, thanks to a 42-yard pass from Alberto Mendoza to Dalen Penson on the first play of the Yellow Jackets’ ensuing drive.
After three straight plays to set up a field goal attempt, Aidan Birr had a shot for the win on a 45-yard attempt, but it was blocked by Boo Carter as time expired, giving Colorado the much-needed win — one year after the Buffaloes went 3-9.
That gives the Big 12 a 1-1 record against other power conference schools — both against the ACC thus far in the season’s early going. Over the next several weeks, Big 12 schools will face a total of 13 Power Four nonconference opponents.
Two other Big 12 programs played Thursday, both against FCS opponents — No. 21 Utah rolled past Idaho 66-14, while UCF blasted Bethune-Cookman 73-6.
Here’s a look at what other games featuring Big 12 teams are on tap this weekend.
Friday’s game
- Long Island at Kansas, 6 p.m. MDT (ESPNU)
Saturday’s games
- Oregon State at No. 23 Houston, 10 a.m. MDT (ESPN/Disney+)
- Coastal Carolina at West Virginia, 10 a.m. MDT (TNT)
- Southeast Missouri State at Iowa State, 11 a.m. MDT (ESPN+)
- Baylor at Auburn, 1:30 p.m. MDT (ABC/Disney+)
- Boston College at Cincinnati, 1:30 p.m. MDT (Fox)
- Oklahoma State at Tulsa, 1:45 p.m. MDT (ESPNU)
- Abilene Christian at No. 12 Texas Tech, 5 p.m. MDT (FS1)
- Nicholls at Kansas State, 5 p.m. MDT (ESPN+)
- Utah Tech at No. 14 BYU, 6 p.m. MDT (ESPN+)
- Northern Arizona at Arizona, 7:30 p.m. MDT (ESPN+)
- Morgan State at Arizona State, 8 p.m. MDT (ESPN+)