{"id":109,"date":"2026-05-13T20:36:17","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T20:36:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/?page_id=109"},"modified":"2026-05-13T21:24:50","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T21:24:50","slug":"colorado-buffalos","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/?page_id=109","title":{"rendered":"Colorado Buffalos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Schedule and Analysis <\/a>\/ Recruiting<\/a> \/ Colorado football home page<\/a><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Colorado 2026 Season Preview<\/h2><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Projected Depth Chart<\/h2><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Head Coach: <\/strong>Deion Sanders 
Offensive Coordinator:<\/strong> Brennan Marion 
Defensive Coordinator:<\/strong> Chris Marve 
2025 Record:<\/strong> 3-9
2025 Big 12 Finish:<\/strong> 1-8 (15th)
2026 Record Projection: <\/strong>
   Ceiling: 5
   Floor: 1
Top NFL Prospects: <\/strong>Liona Lefau, DeAndre Moore Jr., 
Biggest Impact Transfers:<\/strong> Danny Scudero, Boo Carter
Most Likely Impact Freshmen:<\/strong> Carson Crawford, Preston Ashley 
Biggest Strength:<\/strong> Experienced transfers, Diverse running back room 
Biggest Concern:<\/strong> Limited proven Power 4 production, Proven quarterback play 
Biggest Game<\/strong>: Utah
Trap Game:<\/strong> Baylor
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QB: <\/strong>Julian Lewis arrived in Boulder as one of the highest-rated quarterbacks Colorado has signed and  2026 feels like the foundation year for his future in the program. The arm talent and confidence are easy to see, but this still will probably be a season with some growing pains as he adjusts to Big 12 defenses and college speed. Colorado clearly understood that and brought in several experienced transfers around him to help ease the transition. Isaac Wilson also was a highly regarded recruit coming out of high school but never fully found an opportunity at Utah.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RB:<\/strong> This backfield finally has real depth and different body types to work with.  Micah Welch brings valuable Big 12 experience while Damion Henderson II and Jaqual Smith both followed Brennan Marion from Sacramento State and already know the system. Henderson gives the room a bigger downhill presence while Smith adds explosiveness and versatility. Richard Young still might have the highest ceiling of the entire group as a former elite recruit with obvious physical talent. There may not be enough carries to go around which should create strong competition throughout camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WR\/TE:<\/strong> Losing familiar names from last season may not hurt this group as much as people expect.  Danny Scudero arrives after nearly 1,300 receiving yards at San Jose State and looks capable of becoming one of the most productive receivers in the Big 12. Kam Perry brings more explosiveness while Joseph Williams gives the room another bigger target who can stretch the field. DeAndre Moore Jr. still has major upside after beginning his career at Texas and Ernest Campbell adds another dangerous speed option. This room may not have a single superstar, but there are multiple receivers here capable of creating explosive plays and getting into the end zone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
OL: <\/strong>Colorado finally looks like it has a legitimate Power 4 offensive line from a size and experience standpoint. The Buffs brought in several transfers who already have playing experience at the Power 4 level and that should be critical for helping Lewis build the foundation he needs early in his career. Demetrius Hunter gives the group an experienced presence at center while Taj White, Leon Bell, and Bo Hughley all bring proven size. There are still questions about chemistry but the overall talent and depth look noticeably improved. This group does not need to become elite. It just needs to become dependable and physical enough to keep the offense on schedule. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
DL:<\/strong> Almost the entire defensive line two-deep is new, but the talent level is undeniably better.  Yamil Talib looks ready to step into a major role after producing 4 tackles for loss and 2 sacks at Charlotte while Vili Taufatofua arrives from San Jose State after posting 7 tackles for loss and 4 sacks last season. Inside, Santana Hopper and Ezra Christensen bring proven production and much more physicality to the middle of the defense. The entire two-deep is basically new which creates some uncertainty, but this group finally looks capable of holding up physically in the Big 12 trenches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
LB: <\/strong>Gideon Lampron and Liona Lefau have a chance to become one of the better linebacker pairings in the Big 12. Lampron arrives after a huge season at Bowling Green where he piled up tackles all over the field and Liona Lefau brings valuable Power 4 experience from Texas. The two starters complement each other well with Lampron playing fast downhill while Lefau gives the defense more size and physicality inside. Depth is still a concern behind them, but Tyler Martinez flashed athleticism at New Mexico State and Kylan Salter adds another experienced body to the rotation. Do not be surprised if freshman Carson Crawford pushes his way into the two-deep early. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
DB: <\/strong>Boo Carter changes the entire feel of this secondary. His athleticism gives the defense a true hybrid piece that can move around the formation and create problems in multiple ways. Emory Floyd and Justin Eaglin both arrive with experience and should stabilize the outside corner spots while Randon Fontenette brings a much more physical presence after shifting to safety. Naeten Mitchell quietly put together a productive season at New Mexico State and gives the back end another reliable starter. This group may not have the same star power as some recent Colorado secondaries, but the overall depth, versatility, and toughness look noticeably better. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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QB<\/strong>
1. Julian Lewis \u2014 FR \u2014 6'1\/190 \u2014 Colorado
  2. Isaac Wilson \u2014 SO \u2014 6'0\/210 \u2014 Utah 
RB<\/strong>
1. Damion Henderson II \u2014 R \u20146'2\/205 \u2014Sac St
  2.Jaqual Smith \u2014 SO \u2014 5'11\/170 \u2014 Sac St
WR<\/strong>
1. Danny Scudero \u2014 SR \u2014 5'9\/175 \u2014 San Jose 
1. DeAndre Moore Jr. \u2014 SR \u2014 6'0\/190 \u2014 Texas
1. Joseph Williams \u2014 JR \u2014 6'2\/200 \u2014 Tulsa 
   2.Kam Perry \u2014 SR \u2014 5'9\/170 \u2014 Miami (OH) 
   2. Ernest Campbell \u2014 SO \u2014 5'9\/14\u2014 Sac St
   2. Hykeem Williams\u2014 SR \u2014 6'2\/220 \u2014 Fl St
TE<\/strong>
1. Zach Atkins \u2014 SR \u2014 6'4\/240 \u2014 Colorado
  2. Fisher Clements \u2014 GR \u2014 6'7\/265 \u2014 N Col
T<\/strong>
1. Larry Johnson III \u2014 SR \u20146'7\/350 \u2014Col
1. Taj White \u2014 SR \u2014 6'5\/310 \u2014 Rutgers 
   2. Bo Hughley \u2014 JR \u2014 6'7\/295 \u2014 Georgia 
   2. Leon Bell \u2014 GR \u2014 6'8\/330 \u2014 California 
G<\/strong>
1. Jose Soto \u2014 JR \u2014 6'3\/310 \u2014 Sac St 
1. Yahya Attia \u2014 SO \u2014 6'4\/340 \u2014 Colorado 
  2. Jayven Richardson \u2014SR \u20146'6\/315\u2014 Missou
  2. Javon McFadden \u2014 FR \u2014 6'3\/295 \u2014 Ore St 
C<\/strong>
1. Demetrius Hunter \u2014 GR \u2014 6'2\/310 \u2014 Hou
  2. Sean Kinney \u2014 JR \u2014 6'2\/305 \u2014 Lafayette 
DE<\/strong>
1. Vili Taufatofua \u2014 SR \u20146'3\/260 \u2014 San Jose  
1. Yamil Talib \u2014 SO \u2014 6'2\/240 \u2014 Charlotte 
  2 Toby Anene \u2014 SR \u2014 6'4\/260 \u2014 ND St 
  2.Immanuel Ezeogu \u2014 SO \u2014 6'2\/240 \u2014Jam Mad
DT<\/strong>
1. Santana Hopper \u2014 SR \u2014 6'2\/265 \u2014 Tulane
1. Ezra Christensen \u2014 SR \u2014 6'2\/280 \u2014 NM St
  2. Dylan Manuel \u2014 FR \u2014 6'1\/300 \u2014 App St 
  2. Cedric Smith \u2014 JR \u2014 6'4\/320 \u2014 Maryland 
LB<\/strong>
1. Gideon Lampron \u2014 SR \u2014 6'0\/220 \u2014 Bowl Gr
1. Liona Lefau \u2014 SR \u2014 6'1\/230 \u2014 Texas
  2. Tyler Martinez \u2014 FR \u2014 6'1\/220 \u2014 NM St
  2. Kylan Salter \u2014 JR \u2014 6'2\/230 \u2014 Colorado
CB<\/strong>
1. Emory Floyd \u2014 SR \u2014 6'1\/195 \u2014 App St
1. Justin Eaglin \u2014 SR \u2014 6'1\/175 \u2014 Jam Mad
   2. Paul Omodia \u2014 JR \u2014 6'2\/200 \u2014 Lamar
   2. Makari Vickers \u2014 JR \u2014 6'1\/190 \u2014 OU
NB <\/strong>
1. Boo Carter \u2014 JR \u2014 5'11\/200 \u2014 Tennessee
  2. Jah Jah Boyd \u2014 SO \u2014 5'11\/190 \u2014 Indiana 
S<\/strong>
1. Naeten Mitchell \u2014 JR \u2014 5'10\/175 \u2014 NM St
1. Randon Fontenette \u2014 SR \u2014 6'2\/220 \u2014 Vandy
  2. Ben Finneseth \u2014 SR \u2014 6'2\/205 \u2014 Colo
  2. Jaydan Hardy \u2014 FR \u2014 5'10\/180 \u2014 OU
K<\/strong>
1. Josh McCormick \u2014 GR \u2014 6'0\/220 \u2014 Gramb
P<\/strong>
1. Damon Greaves \u2014 SR \u2014 6'1\/190 \u2014 Colorado
<\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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ST: <\/strong>Josh McCormick gives the kicking game a veteran presence even though he still has not handled a large workload during his career. The leg strength is there and Colorado will need him to become a reliable option in close games. At punter, Damon Greaves returns after a strong season in Boulder and could be an all-conference player. He consistently flipped field position last year and quietly became one of the more valuable specialists on the roster. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coach: <\/strong>Deion Sanders enters another important season at Colorado after completely reshaping large portions of the roster once again through the portal. The biggest offseason move may have been the hiring of Brennan Marion as offensive coordinator. Marion has become one of the hottest young offensive minds in college football over the last few years and his system should bring a more balanced and physical identity to the offense. Defensively, Chris Marve takes over a unit that badly needed more consistency and toughness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outlook:<\/strong> There is more experience on this roster and overall depth but this still looks like a difficult year ahead in Boulder. The schedule is tough and a large portion of the roster is made up of transfers who have not consistently proven themselves at the Power 4 level yet. Julian Lewis has obvious talent, but expecting him to immediately carry a team through a difficult Big 12 schedule is asking a lot. For Colorado to reach a bowl game, he probably needs to develop ahead of schedule and the rebuilt lines have to hold up much better than they have in recent years. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Swing Players<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Julian Lewis, DeAndre Moore Jr., and Boo Carter may ultimately decide how successful this season becomes in Boulder. Lewis appeared in four games last season where he showed some flashes of talent and confidence that made him one of the highest-rated recruits in the country. Now the challenge becomes putting that ability together consistently over a full Big 12 season. Moore has always had the talent to become a major playmaker but has never fully put everything together.. If this finally becomes the breakout year many expected, the offense suddenly looks much more dangerous. Carter brings that same type of upside defensively. The athleticism and versatility are obvious, but consistency has not always followed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Schedule and Analysis \/ Recruiting \/ Colorado football home page Colorado 2026 Season Preview Projected Depth Chart Head Coach: Deion Sanders Offensive Coordinator: Brennan Marion Defensive Coordinator: Chris Marve 2025 Record: 3-92025 Big 12 Finish: 1-8 (15th)2026 Record Projection: Ceiling: 5 Floor: 1Top NFL Prospects: Liona Lefau, DeAndre Moore Jr., Biggest Impact Transfers: Danny Scudero, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-109","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"blocksy_meta":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"big12review","author_link":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/?author=1"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Schedule and Analysis \/ Recruiting \/ Colorado football home page Colorado 2026 Season Preview Projected Depth Chart Head Coach: Deion Sanders Offensive Coordinator: Brennan Marion Defensive Coordinator: Chris Marve 2025 Record: 3-92025 Big 12 Finish: 1-8 (15th)2026 Record Projection: Ceiling: 5 Floor: 1Top NFL Prospects: Liona Lefau, DeAndre Moore Jr., Biggest Impact Transfers: Danny Scudero,…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/109","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=109"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/109\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":114,"href":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/109\/revisions\/114"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=109"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}