The Big 12 season kicks off this week with more intrigue than any other conference. With Texas and Oklahoma long gone to the SEC, the league is wide open, and the storylines are layered across new rivalries, transfers, and playoff hopes. For Colorado, back in the Big 12 for the first time since 2010, the spotlight is immediate. Here are five things to watch as Week 1 unfolds. 1. Colorado’s Return The Buffs open against Georgia Tech, a matchup that doubles as a national stage for quarterback Kaidon Salter. Coach Deion Sanders has rebuilt again through the portal, and the question is whether CU’s offense can come together quickly. The Buffs will be judged not just by results, but by how they look against Power Five competition from the first snap. 2. Quarterbacks Everywhere The Big 12 is defined by quarterback turnover this season. Beyond Salter in Boulder, Kansas State, Baylor, and Texas Tech all hand the keys to new starters. Week 1 will tell us who has the talent to elevate their teams and who may struggle under the lights. 3. Utah’s Big 12 Debut Utah enters the league with expectations of being the most physical team in the conference. Their opener against Baylor should provide an early litmus test: can the Pac-12 transplant establish dominance right away, or will the grind of Big 12 balance keep them in check? 4. Transfers as Game-Changers This is the most portal-heavy conference in college football. From Salter at Colorado to skill players at Texas Tech and Houston, transfers will decide outcomes. Week 1 provides the first look at whether these new faces can deliver immediately, or if chemistry takes time. 5. National Respect on the Line The Big 12 has fought for credibility in the playoff era, and Week 1 matters for perception. Strong showings from Colorado, Kansas State, and Utah can elevate the league’s profile. A stumble or two, however, risks feeding the narrative that the Big 12 lags behind the SEC and Big Ten. For Colorado, this is more than just one game. It is a statement of identity. If Salter plays with confidence and the Buffs’ offensive depth shines, national eyes will take notice. If the Buffs stumble, the chorus of skepticism only grows louder. The Big 12 is wide open. Week 1 is only the beginning, but in a league defined by balance and unpredictability, first impressions matter more than ever.