After opening the season against South Dakota State, Northwestern will face its biggest nonconference challenge of the year when Colorado visits Evanston in Week 3.

The Buffaloes enter the season looking to bounce back after a disappointing 3-9 (1-8 Big 12) campaign in 2025. Although the record fell well below expectations, head coach Deion Sanders returns determined to restore the program's momentum after an offseason focused on rebuilding the roster and strengthening the team's culture.

Colorado once again turned to the transfer portal to replace several key departures as Sanders continues reshaping the roster entering his latest season in Boulder. 

Sanders has emphasized leadership, accountability and player development throughout the offseason as the Buffaloes look to become a much more competitive team in 2026.

The Buffaloes will open the season against Georgia Tech, then face Weber State in Week 2 before traveling to Evanston, allowing Northwestern to study a revamped Colorado roster before the Week 3 matchup.

For the Wildcats, the game presents an important measuring stick before Big Ten play begins.

The biggest storyline entering Week 3 will be how Northwestern's rebuilt offense performs against a Power Four opponent.

The Wildcats enter the season with a new starting quarterback, several new faces along the offensive line, a new offensive coordinator and additional transfer portal additions expected to play significant roles. While the offense has plenty of talent, Colorado will provide its toughest defensive test of the early season.

Building chemistry up front will be especially important.

If Northwestern's offensive line can establish the running game and give Aidan Chiles time to operate, the Wildcats should be able to keep Colorado's athletic defense from dictating the pace. If protection breaks down, however, the Buffaloes have enough speed and athleticism to create problems throughout the afternoon.

Week 3 should offer Northwestern its clearest look yet at how far its rebuilt offense has progressed.

If Northwestern wants to control the game, it starts with Caleb Komolafe.

After rushing for 941 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, the preseason All-Big Ten running back remains the centerpiece of Northwestern's offense. His ability to consistently gain positive yardage can take pressure off the new quarterback while allowing the Wildcats to control possession.

Against a Colorado defense looking to regain its confidence, establishing Komolafe early could become one of the biggest keys to victory.

Griffin Wilde:

Wilde enters the season as Northwestern's top receiving threat after totaling 71 receptions, 880 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 2025.

His ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays could provide Northwestern's offense with the spark it needs against an athletic Colorado secondary.

His chemistry with Aidan Chiles will be one of Northwestern's biggest storylines throughout the season, and Week 3 provides an early opportunity for the duo to establish themselves against a Power Four defense. 

Aidan Chiles:

Few players will be under a bigger spotlight than Aidan Chiles.

After arriving to lead Northwestern's new-look offense, Chiles enters Week 3 facing his toughest challenge of the young season. The matchup against Colorado will provide one of the first opportunities to see how the Wildcats' new quarterback performs against Power Four competition.

Beyond his arm talent, Chiles' decision-making and composure will be critical. Colorado's defense features plenty of athleticism and will look to force mistakes by creating pressure and disguising coverages.

If Chiles can protect the football, extend plays when necessary and consistently move the offense, Northwestern will have an opportunity to keep pace with the Buffaloes. A strong performance would also continue building confidence as the Wildcats prepare to enter Big Ten play.

Robert Fitzgerald:

One of the Big Ten's most productive defensive players last season, Fitzgerald recorded 114 tackles, including a conference-leading 69 solo tackles.

His leadership and experience will be critical as Northwestern attempts to limit Colorado's explosive playmakers.

Colorado's 3-9 record from a year ago doesn't tell the full story.

With Deion Sanders returning, another transfer-heavy recruiting class arriving and a renewed emphasis on leadership and accountability, the Buffaloes expect to be a much different team in 2026.

For Northwestern, this game is about more than earning a nonconference win.

It represents the Wildcats' first opportunity to see how their revamped offense performs against Power Four competition before entering the heart of the Big Ten schedule. 

If Northwestern can establish Komolafe, protect its quarterback and limit explosive plays defensively, the Wildcats will give themselves an excellent opportunity to earn one of their biggest wins of the early season. Otherwise, Colorado has enough speed, athleticism and playmakers to hand Northwestern its toughest test of the nonconference schedule.