Gary Barnett Returns to Sidelines as Colorado Faces Northwestern
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Gary Barnett Returns to Sidelines as Colorado Faces Northwestern
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Former head coach Gary Barnett is set to be a prominent figure as his two former teams, the Colorado Buffaloes and the Northwestern Wildcats, face off on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The game holds particular significance for Barnett, who coached both programs, leading Northwestern to its first Big Ten Conference title in 47 years in 1995 and Colorado to a Big 12 Conference title in 2001.
Barnett’s coaching career spanned from 1982 to 2005, including stints at Fort Lewis College, Northwestern, and Colorado. He served as head coach for Northwestern from 1992 to 1998, compiling a 35-45-1 record, and then for Colorado from 1999 to 2005, where he achieved a 49-38 record. His 1995 Northwestern team went 10-2 overall and 8-0 in Big Ten play, earning a trip to the Rose Bowl. At Colorado, he guided the Buffaloes to four Big 12 North Division titles and a Big 12 Conference championship in 2001.
The Buffaloes and Wildcats have a limited historical rivalry, having only played each other twice before, in 1951 and 1978. Northwestern won the first matchup 35-14 in 1951, while Colorado secured a dominant 55-7 victory in 1978. This upcoming game on September 19, 2026, will mark the third meeting between the two programs and the first game of a home-and-home series.
Barnett is currently involved in broadcasting as a color commentator for Colorado football radio games. The game will be played at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium in Evanston, Illinois, and will be broadcast nationally.