BOULDER, CO (November 13, 2026) – Just when it looked like another disappointing night was unfolding for Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes, everything changed at Folsom Field. Trailing by 13 points late in the second quarter, Colorado erupted for 28 unanswered points on its way to a stunning 42-32 upset of No. 14 Houston, delivering one of the biggest surprises of the college football weekend.
The victory was more than just another win for Colorado. It marked the Buffaloes’ first triumph over an AP top-15 opponent since defeating No. 3 Oklahoma in September 2007, ending a 35-game losing streak against top-15 teams. As the final seconds ticked away, Colorado fans poured onto the field in celebration, turning Folsom Field into a scene of pure excitement.
For a Buffaloes team that entered the matchup having lost six of its previous seven games, the turnaround couldn’t have come at a better time. Colorado’s offense, which had struggled to consistently produce points throughout the season, suddenly found its rhythm behind an explosive rushing attack that Houston simply couldn’t contain.
The Buffaloes piled up 249 rushing yards, their highest total since 2021, with four different players finding the end zone on the ground. Colorado’s first four touchdowns came on plays covering 38, 67, 32, and 53 yards, showcasing a level of explosiveness that had largely been missing from its offense this season.
Even an injury scare involving quarterback Isaac Wilson couldn’t slow the momentum. Wilson exited in the third quarter with a leg injury, but freshman Kaneal Sweetwyne helped keep the Buffaloes rolling with a 14-yard touchdown run that pushed Colorado’s advantage to 35-20. Wilson eventually returned, although his mobility appeared limited.
While Colorado celebrated a breakthrough performance, the loss delivered a crushing blow to Houston’s postseason ambitions. The Cougars entered the game at 7-2 and firmly in the Big 12 championship conversation, but their inability to stop Colorado’s rushing attack and sustain their early momentum proved costly.
Houston head coach Willie Fritz took responsibility for the disappointing performance, acknowledging that the Cougars struggled on both sides of the ball and that the coaching staff also fell short.
For Sanders, whose future at Colorado had become a topic of discussion amid the team’s recent struggles, Friday’s victory provided a much-needed reminder of what his program is capable of producing.
The Buffaloes improved to 4-6 overall and 2-5 in Big 12 play, keeping their hopes of bowl eligibility alive. Colorado must now win its remaining games against Cincinnati and UCF to reach six victories and potentially secure its second bowl appearance under Sanders.
Houston, meanwhile, dropped to 7-3 overall and 4-3 in conference play, suffering a significant setback in its pursuit of a Big 12 championship and a potential College Football Playoff berth.
For Colorado, the night was about more than ending a losing streak against ranked opponents. It was about resilience, responding to adversity, and delivering when few expected the Buffaloes to win.
And for one unforgettable Friday night in Boulder, Coach Prime and the Buffaloes reminded the college football world that they still have plenty of fight left. To see that reminder click here.
