A Sneaky-Important Season Opener Looms for the Buffs
There’s no storied rivalry. No primetime buzz. And not a lot of preseason hype. But make no mistake—when Georgia Tech rolls into Folsom Field on August 29, we’ll find out exactly what kind of team the 2025 Colorado Buffaloes are.
Vegas isn’t giving CU much love in this one, and that’s understandable. Georgia Tech brings a battle-tested quarterback in Haynes King, a downhill run game, and a defense that gave up the fewest sacks in the ACC last season.
It may not sound glamorous, but Georgia Tech plays the kind of physical, calculated football that can spoil a home opener in a heartbeat if you’re not ready.
QB Spotlight: Salter vs. Lewis
Every storyline around Colorado football right now starts at the quarterback position. It’s a true battle between Kaidon Salter, the electric Liberty transfer, and JuJu Lewis, a 5-star freshman already drawing comparisons to Bryce Young.
Whoever wins the job won’t have time to ease in. Georgia Tech disguises pressure well and keeps everything in front—perfect for rattling a young or newly-transferred QB. Rhythm is everything in Sean Lewis’ offense, and whoever lines up under center will need to find it early.
Salter offers mobility and experience. Lewis has elite arm talent and undeniable upside. Odds are, we’ll see both take snaps in Week 1, especially if the offense sputters out of the gate.
A New Identity? Defense Might Lead the Way
For the first time in the Coach Prime era, Colorado’s identity might start on the defensive side of the ball—and that’s not a bad thing.
CU’s defensive front has been overhauled. Alabama transfer Jaheim Oatis and Fresno State standout Gavriel Lightfoot give this group a real chance to hold the line rather than get pushed around.
They’ll need to. King isn’t just experienced—he’s efficient and mobile, coming off a season with over 2,100 passing yards, nearly 600 on the ground, and just two interceptions. He’s surgical on third downs, and with backs like Jamal Haynes and Ivy League transfer Malachi Hosley behind him, Georgia Tech’s offense is built to grind you down.
Still, there’s a potential weak spot. The Yellow Jackets lost their top receiver, Eric Singleton Jr., to Auburn. Their offense thrives on RPOs and quick reads but lacks consistent downfield threats. If CU’s corners can hold up in man coverage and force King to win from the pocket, the Buffs could seize early momentum.
Matchup to Watch: CU Receivers vs. GT Secondary
This isn’t Alabama’s defense. Georgia Tech ranked last in the ACC in sacks and struggled to generate consistent pressure. They lean heavily on zone coverage—sound, but not explosive—and they don’t have many elite athletes in the secondary.
That opens a door.
Quentin Gibson has to be the breakout star. CU’s wide receiver room is stacked with speed and playmakers. If Salter or Lewis can get the ball out quickly and on time, Colorado has a chance to stretch the field and dictate the tempo.
Get hot early, and Georgia Tech will be forced to adjust. That’s when the Buffs can take control.
So What Are We Walking Into?
Truthfully? A chess match. Brent Key’s Georgia Tech squad doesn’t beat itself. Last year, they opened the season by knocking off Florida State in Dublin and pushed Georgia to eight overtimes. That tells you everything you need to know about their toughness and discipline.
But this is Folsom. This is a new season. And for the first time in years, it’s a post-Shedeur, post-Travis Hunter era.
This opener has to set the tone.
If Colorado wants to be a real contender in the Big 12, this can’t be a nail-biter. It has to be a statement. Georgia Tech is solid. Well-coached. Physical. But if the rebuild is truly ahead of schedule, if the hype is more than just hashtags—we should be the better team. Period.
It’s time to stop talking about potential and start stacking wins.
Let’s see it.
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