Colorado vs Northwestern: Matchup Breakdown

Colorado vs Northwestern head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 3, Saturday, September 19, 2026.

The Breakdown

  • Northwestern's 63 composite beats Colorado's 59; Wildcats' defense averages 3.3 years, Buffs start 73% portal additions.
  • When Colorado has the ball: Deandre Moore Jr's 3.3★ receivers meet Northwestern's 3.3★ secondary — even talent, defense holds 3.3 years.
  • When Northwestern has the ball: A 2.3★ receiver group faces Colorado's 3★ secondary; Chiles leans on 4★ tight end Luke Dehnicke.
  • Swing factor: Same 4★ billing, different résumés: Aidan Chiles owns 3 college years, Julian Lewis just 1.
  • X-factor: A September Saturday in Evanston, Week 3 — Colorado makes the long trip into Northwestern's home crowd.