If you're frantically checking your phone to see what time does colorado play, you aren't alone. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and the sports world in Boulder is currently revolving around the hardwood. While the frenzy of football season under Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders has settled into the offseason—and trust me, there is plenty of drama there to discuss later—the immediate action is with the basketball programs.
The women's team is actually on the court today. The Colorado Buffaloes women's basketball team faces off against UCF today, January 18, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. MT. This is a road game for the Buffs, taking place at the Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida. You can catch the action streaming on ESPN+.
If you were looking for the men's team, they just wrapped up a tough road trip to West Virginia yesterday. They’ll be back home soon, and if you're planning your week, you need to mark Tuesday on your calendar.
Upcoming Men’s Basketball Games and Tip-Off Times
The men's squad is currently navigating a grueling Big 12 schedule. Transitioning back to the Big 12 hasn't been a walk in the park, but the atmosphere at the CU Events Center has been electric.
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Here is the immediate look-ahead for the men’s team:
- January 20 (Tuesday): vs. Kansas Jayhawks. This is the big one. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. MT. You'll find this on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.
- January 24 (Saturday): vs. UCF Knights. The game starts at 12:00 p.m. MT.
- January 29 (Thursday): at Iowa State Cyclones. Road trip to Ames. Tip-off is 4:00 p.m. MT.
Honestly, the Big 12 is a gauntlet this year. Every single game feels like a tournament matchup. Freshman sensation Isaiah Johnson has been the talk of the town, averaging over 16 points a game. If he keeps shooting over 50% from the floor, the Buffs might just make some serious noise come March.
Looking Ahead: What Time Does Colorado Play Football in 2026?
I know, I know. Even in the middle of winter, everyone wants to talk about Coach Prime. The 2025 season was a bit of a roller coaster, finishing 3-9 after that incredible 9-4 run in 2024. But the 2026 schedule is already set, and it's a doozy.
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While specific kickoff times for the fall are usually announced 6 to 12 days before the game (thanks to the TV networks' "selection windows"), we already know the dates and the venues.
2026 Non-Conference Schedule:
- September 5: at Georgia Tech (Atlanta, GA)
- September 12: Weber State (Boulder, CO)
- September 19: at Northwestern (Evanston, IL)
The game in Atlanta against Georgia Tech is expected to be a massive national draw. Given the viewership numbers Colorado pulls, expect that to be a "Big Noon Kickoff" or a primetime ESPN slot. Basically, don't make plans for that Saturday.
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Why Kickoff Times Change Last Minute
It’s annoying, right? You want to plan a tailgate or a watch party, but the schedule says "TBA." Here is how it works: the Big 12 has deals with FOX and ESPN. These networks usually wait to see which teams are winning before they claim a game for their best time slots.
If Colorado is winning, they get the 6:00 p.m. MT or 8:00 p.m. MT slots because the "Prime Effect" still drives insane ratings. If things are looking rough, you might see those early 10:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. MT starts.
Actionable Tips for Buffs Fans
Don't get caught unaware. If you want to stay updated on exactly what time does colorado play without constantly Googling it, follow these steps:
- Download the Colorado Buffaloes App: It’s the fastest way to get push notifications for time changes.
- Check the "Big 12 Now" Schedule: Since the move from the Pac-12, almost all games that aren't on main ESPN/FOX channels live on the ESPN+ streaming platform.
- Sync to Calendar: The official
cubuffs.comsite has a "Sync to Calendar" feature. Do it once, and the times update automatically on your phone when the networks finally make a decision.
Whether you're heading to the CU Events Center or watching from your couch, the 2026 season is shaping up to be a defining year for Colorado athletics. Keep an eye on those Tuesday night tip-offs—the Big 12 doesn't sleep.
Next Steps for You:
Check your ESPN+ subscription status today to ensure you don't miss the women's game at noon or the massive Kansas matchup this Tuesday. If you're planning to attend the Weber State football home opener in September, ticket renewals typically begin in early spring, so keep an eye on your inbox.