Colorado Basketball took a major step back this past year after winning 26 games and making the NCAA Tournament in the previous season. They won just 14 games total and went 3-17 in Big 12 play. This was despite starting out 9-2, including a win over then-No. 2 UConn in the Maui Invitational Tournament.

The Buffaloes' non-conference schedule has been released, including their participation in the Acrisure Series, which includes Ole Miss and Saint Louis. There are also 11 other confirmed games for the team, including some talented opponents. Here are the three to watch.

The rivalry matchup will always be intriguing, but the Rams may take a step back after losing star guard Nique Clifford, who became an NBA first-round draft pick this week. In his place are several transfers with high ceilings, including Carey Booth (Illinois), Jase Butler (Washington), and Josh Pascarelli, who produced 16 ppg at Marist last season. The biggest loss may be head coach Nico Medved, who is now at Minnesota.

The Cardinal were led by a trio of 13+ ppg scorers, including star big man Maxime Raynaud. He, as well as Oziyah Sellers and Jaylen Blakes, are now gone. They’ll need returning pieces such as Chison Okpara, Ryan Agarwal, and Benny Gealer to take leaps with larger roles in the offense to have any hope of competing in the ACC.

Providence is without Bryce Hopkins and lead guards Bensley Joseph and Jayden Pieer, but did well in the transfer portal. The Friars landed 17 ppg scorer Jason Edwards, as well Jaylin Sellers, who, when healthy at UCF, produced over 16 ppg two years ago. They’ll need sophomore center Erhunwunse Oswin to take a leap as the projected starter but the Friars should still have firepower to be a threat in the Big East.