TCU let us down in Week 0, but there’s no reason to dwell on that loss as Big 12 fans with an exciting Week 1 ahead! A few games should see Big 12 teams dominate, as is typical in early-season matchups before conference play begins, but there are also a few interesting matchups as the season really gets going this week.
Colorado at Georgia Tech, Thursday, September 3rd, 7:00 PM CT
This is a rematch from a very closely fought battle last season in Boulder. Georgia Tech pulled off a 27-20 win over Colorado in that one, and now the Yellowjackets will host the Buffaloes in the rematch. Both teams will look different than last year, most notably at the quarterback position.
Colorado will trot out Julian Lewis, who is from the Atlanta, Georgia area and allegedly considered transferring to Georgia Tech in January. Lewis decided to stay with Colorado and now looks to carry the team to a tough road win. The Buffaloes are a touchdown underdog despite Georgia Tech losing legendary quarterback Haynes King to the NFL. The Yellowjackets will now rely on former Indiana backup quarterback Alberto Mendoza. He is the brother of 2025 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Fernando Mendoza.
Georgia Tech is a home favorite for a reason, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see Colorado come out and cover the spread or win the game outright. This game will likely come down to whether the Buffs’ defense can stop veteran running back Justice Haynes.
Prediction: Colorado +7
Baylor vs Auburn, Saturday, September 5th, 2:30 PM CT, Atlanta, Georgia
This is a rematch from last year, when Auburn defeated Baylor 38-24 in Waco, Texas. This year, the game will be played at a neutral site: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. It will be more of a home atmosphere for Auburn right there in the heart of SEC territory. Like the Colorado and Georgia Tech game, this one will also feature two new quarterbacks at each respective school.
Baylor has former Florida quarterback DJ Lagway while Auburn welcomes South Florida transfer Byrum Brown. Lagway and Brown both have playmaking ability, but Brown was the only quarterback in the NCAA to throw for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards last season. He’s one of 12 quarterbacks to complete that feat all-time.
This could be a barn burner, so I’d take the over on total points. Based on the continuity between Auburn’s new head coach, Alex Golesh, and Brown both coming over from USF, I’m leaning toward Auburn winning and covering as a touchdown favorite.
Prediction: Auburn -7
Boston College at Cincinnati Saturday, September 5th, 2:30 PM CT
Cincinnati had a roller coaster of a season in 2025. A tough neutral-site loss to Nebraska to kick off the season led into a seven-game winning streak before the Bearcats closed the season on a five-game losing skid, including a bowl loss to Navy. Boston College was terrible with a 2-10 record and is looking to completely overhaul their program.
It’s hard to imagine Boston College going on the road and winning a game against a solid Cincinnati squad, but the Bearcats are only a touchdown favorite. Cincinnati has improved in each of its last three seasons, but the disappointing end to 2025 left a sour taste in the mouths of Bearcat fans. Still, another step forward could put Cincy in the upper tier of the Big 12.
The offense should continue to be high-flying despite the loss of Brenden Sorsby at QB. JC French IV, a dual-threat quarterback transfer from Georgia Southern, is ready to keep scoring lots of points just like he did with the Eagles. The Bearcat defense still has some question marks, but in Week 1 against Boston College, there should be enough offense to make up for any lack of defense in this one.
Prediction: Cincinnati -7
Overall in Week 1, I’m anticipating the Big 12 will go 13-2. Even if Colorado and Baylor take losses in big matchups, the rest of the league should make up for it across the board. Enjoy the first weekend of a full slate of college football games. We are so back!
