Buffzone CU Football Preview 2025

2025 COLORADO BUFFALOES

EYES AHEAD

New era, same goals as CU enters Coach Prime’s third season in Boulder

By Brian Howell bhowell

@prairiemountainmedia.com

On the night of Aug. 7, many of the coaches and players for the Colorado Buffaloes erupted in excitement as rookie LaJohntay Wester returned a punt for a touchdown in his preseason debut with the Baltimore Ravens.

“That’s another recruiting tool,” CU head coach Deion Sanders said of the former Buffs receiver shining. “Everybody stood up and went crazy. And, checking the feed on social (media), he’s everywhere, and they gotta mention where he came from So not only his hometown, but his college.”

The next night, many of the Buffs gathered to watch Shedeur Sanders make his first NFL start — and throw a pair of touchdown passes — for the Cleveland Browns. During that weekend, Travis Hunter, Jimmy Horn Jr., Shilo Sanders, BJ Green and Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig made some plays, too, for their NFL teams

While the first full weekend of the NFL’s preseason schedule was a celebratory time for the Buffs, it was also a sign that a new era is underway in 2025 All those stars who led CU to a resurgent 9-4 campaign a year ago are spread across the NFL and won’t be making plays on the luxurious new AstroTurf at Folsom Field.

Goals for this year certainly haven’t changed, however.

“We want to win. We want to win at all costs,” Coach Prime said at Big 12 media day in July. “We want

head

for back-to-back bowl seasons

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The hub of the Boulder Daily Camera’s coverage of the University of Colorado athletics teams, BuffZone.com is headed by longtime Colorado media members Brian Howell and Pat Rooney. In addition to complete game coverage for multiple sports, features, analysis, videos, podcasts and social media presence enhance the coverage of the Buffs programs.

On the cover

Colorado head football coach Deion Sanders, center, talks to his team at practice on July 29on the newly installed turf field at Folsom Field. Armed with new quarterbacks, a retooled offensive line and potential on the edges in 2025, the Buffaloes look to quickly answer how good they can be without Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and record-setting quarterback Shedeur Sanders. (CU Athletics/courtesy photo) Credits

Print sports editor: Adam Dunivan

Designer: Doug Walp

Column

Buffs in the middle of crowded Big 12 pack

Deion Sanders said it best.

Taking the stage at a news conference last month alongside his medical team, Colorado’s head football coach put an end to a summer of rumor and gossip by revealing his recent battle with bladder cancer.

While it was merely a 45-minute snapshot of CU’s leader, there was no overt sign of Sanders’ recent medical struggles. He appeared robust and healthy, without the gaunt pallor common among the brave warriors battling cancer. His spirits were high, with the session marked by plenty of self-deprecating humor from Sanders regarding his new normal.

At one point, Sanders conceded he’d already claimed the biggest victory of them all.

“We’ve already got one win stacked up,” Sanders said about being cancer-free, “so I’m happy.”

Alas, the time to seek wins on the field has arrived as the Buffs are set to kick off season three of the Prime Era. If year one was the setting of a new foundation, and year two a culmination of sorts for those efforts, year three offers a clean slate.

For Sanders, the clean slate is a clear health report that offers a sense of rejuvenation. For his team, the fresh slate arrives with a wealth of uncertainty.

Gone are the remarkable individual talents of Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who often willed CU to victory despite absolutely no run game and shoddy pass protection. Plenty of talent remains to compete, particularly at the skill positions on both sides of the ball, but question marks abound as well.

I guessed 6-6 last year and, to the joy of Buffs fans, I was off by three wins. Try as I might to not repeat myself, I’m going with 6-6 again.

While I said 6-6 last year, I also noted at the time it felt like a difficult team to get a preseason pulse on. “I’d be equally un-surprised,” I

wrote, testing the boundaries of legible grammar, “if CU went 4-8 as 8-4.”

Obviously the Buffs were even one win better than that ceiling. But I don’t feel the same about this 6-6 projection. I don’t think the potential floor is as low as 4-8 (Heck, I think they’ll start 3-1). But I also don’t think a surge into the leading pack of the Big 12 race is in the cards, either. I think this is the definition of a middle-of-the-pack squad.

No offense to the young men working to change this recent history, but it’s difficult to have confidence in CU’s offensive line until the Buffs go out there and prove otherwise. Jordan Seaton is a stud, but he’s just one man. The offensive dynamic will be interesting to watch. Pat Shurmur returns as offensive coordinator, but the Buffs will have to be far more clever in their approach than they were by letting Shedeur drop back on almost every down, crossing fingers he’d remain upright on enough of them to make plays. It wasn’t the most inventive approach, but Shedeur and his array of NFL-caliber receivers made it work.

This year, the Buffs enter the season with a glaring disconnect offensively. The largest collection talent on the roster remains in the receiver room, but the Buffs are likely to turn to a run-first quarterback in Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter. The running back room is probably the one place where the outgoing assets weren’t replaced by comparable talent and depth. Coach Sanders and his staff have professed a desire to run the ball this year, but they will lean upon unproven talent to reverse CU’s status as the worst rushing team in the nation the past two years.

Combined with the non-Seaton question marks up front, that’s a big ask.

However, even if CU is a middle-of-the-pack club, there

during their game Nov. 29in Boulder. The Buffs were dominant against the Big 12’s bottom half in going 9-4last season but face a tougher schedule in 2025, particularly down the stretch with games against Arizona State, Kansas State to end the season.

Drew Litton’s take on the 2025 Colorado football team

Buffs

PAGE 3

to be in that (Big 12) championship game. … That’s what we want to do, and that’s what we’re gearing up for. That’s all we’re playing for. We play to win. We don’t just play to compete.”

If the Buffs do win, it likely won’t look like it did a year ago, when Shedeur was shattering school passing records and Hunter was dominating the game on both sides of the ball in winning just the second Heisman Trophy in CU history.

“We’re going to win differently, but we’re going to win,” Coach Prime said.

Outside the Champions Center, there are plenty of skeptics. The Big 12 chose not to do a preseason poll this year, but others have weighed in.

In Phil Steele’s preview magazine, he tabbed the Buffs for a 13thplace finish in the Big 12 Lindy’s magazine predicts a 12th-place finish and Athlon Sports has the Buffs placing 10th.

After a No. 25 finish in the Associated Press poll last year, CU re-

ceived just one point in this year’s preseason poll. Vegas oddsmakers have the Buffs’ over/under win total at 5.5 — on the edge of bowl eligibility.

Inside the Champions Center, however, there is a wealth of confidence from a team ready to prove the doubters wrong.

“I think this team has a great mentality,” junior receiver Omarion Miller said. “I think now, in my three years being here, we’re finally building that team structure that it takes time to build. I feel like the (past) two years, everybody has seen a lot of things, and I feel like everybody’s just starting to come together and have that mentality of, ‘My brother.’”

The Buffs have plenty of new faces. That’s the nature of the beast in college football, especially in the transfer portal era. But, 55 of the 105 players on the roster were here a year ago and have helped to build a foundation for this season.

Miller and fellow receiver Drelon Miller are two of the top returning players. They may not have had starring roles last year, but both learned under NFL receivers and are ready to break out on their own.

Rooney

FROM PAGE 4

probably will be plenty of those in the Big 12. On paper, the Buffs face a difficult conference schedule, although the Big 12 proved last year the preseason outlook on paper could be crumpled up within a few weeks. And defensively, even without Hunter, the Buffs should be solid once again. The most important returnee in the program might be a second year with defensive coordinator Robert Livingston Still, plenty fell into place to make 2024 a memorable campaign. When all was said and done, however, CU was just 2-3 against the top 10 teams in the Big 12 (including the Alamo Bowl loss against BYU) and 5-0 against the bottom six. One of the highest quality wins of the season was against Baylor, and it took a prayer being answered on the last play of regulation in the form of a Hail Mary to make it happen.

The Buffs won’t be bad, but they won’t be great either. Still, that should be enough to go bowling. And after two decades of mostly misery pre-Deion Sanders, remaining competitive should feel as joyous, football-wise, to CU fans as a clean bill of health.

Left tackle Jordan Seaton and cornerback DJ McKinney were both significant contributors a year ago and are not only back, but tabbed as preseason first-team AllBig 12 selections.

Others, such as running backs Dallan Hayden and Micah Welch; defensive linemen Anquin Barnes and Amari McNeill; edge rushers Samuel Okunlola, Keaten Wade, Arden Walker and Quency Wiggins; nickel Preston Hodge; and safety Carter Stoutmire are back from last year, as well.

“The guys (who graduated from last year’s team), they definitely set the foundation for the leadership,” McKinney said. “They kind of made it to where the guys who are still here would pick it up and raise it, raise the ceiling, honestly.”

To help raise the bar, the Buffs brought in plenty of newcomers expected to play important roles, most notably at quarterback. Shedeur is gone, but the Buffs have fifth-year senior Kaidon Salter — the Conference USA MVP in 2023 at Liberty — and five-star freshman JuJu Lewis to take his place.

A load of talent at receiver — including AAC 2024 freshman of the year Joseph Williams — was added.

Nine transfers on the offensive line — four of which might start, including first-team All-Conference USA guard Xavier Hill from Memphis — were brought in. The defensive line, linebackers and secondary have been bolstered, too.

Most of the newcomers have been in Boulder since January, and the offseason has brought the Buffs together, many of them say

“I feel like this is the most tightknit team we’ve ever had,” Stoutmire said. “Just going into the season, we got a whole lot closer this offseason.”

Coach Prime had a theme for each the previous two seasons. In 2023, it was “Hope,” after taking over a program that went 1-11 the year before. In 2024, it was “Expectation,” with the Buffs’ stars ready to win.

While Coach Prime said he hasn’t come up with a theme this year, it just might be that the 2025 Buffs will rally together to prove they’ve still got what it takes to make noise in the Big 12 Conference.

“You’re seeing guys coming together and just all have the same mindset and goals,” McKinney said. “So it’s just an amazing feeling. I’m excited for the season.”

CU ready to run into the new season

By Brian Howell bhowell @prairiemountainmedia.com

Sophomore running back Micah Welch certainly won’t be calling plays this season for the Colorado Buffaloes, but he’s been in enough meetings and practices this offseason to know there’s a big change coming.

“I know for a fact we’re gonna run the ball this year,” Welch said during the second week of preseason camp.

With record-setting quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Heisman Trophy-winning receiver Travis Hunter and three other receivers now in the NFL, CU will, of course, look different on offense this year.

With that quintet leading the way, CU was pass-first — and second and, sometimes, third — the past two years There were moments when the Buffs would attempt to establish the run, but those were few and far between, as they finished last in the country in rushing yards in 2023 and 2024.

named a starting quarterback between senior Kaidon Salter and freshman JuJu Lewis, but both have plenty of arm talent. Salter threw for 4,762 yards and 47 touchdowns the past two years at Liberty, while Lewis threw for over 11,000 yards and 144 touchdowns in his three years of varsity football in high school.

There’s also a loaded group of talented receivers to catch the ball

“We definitely have a deep receiver corps this year, to the point where we can come in and throw, you know, 10 guys on the field that can really go out there and play,” said junior Omarion Miller, who might be the best of the group.

The run game, however, could be the key to the whole offense.

being bottomdwellers in the nation in their ground attack this season.

Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said, however, that the Buffs have “got to do more things” this year to be successful.

Overall it worked, as CU averaged 32.9 points per game last year.

The ball will still be in the air a lot. As of mid-August, CU hadn’t

CU retooled the offensive line in the offseason and could have as many as four new starters. It’s a group that includes returning sophomore Jordan Seaton, who has received several preseason All-Big 12 honors, and senior transfers Zy Crisler (Illinois) and Xavier Hill (Memphis), both who have all-conference recognition under their belt.

MEET THE OFFENSE

Quarterbacks

Returners with 2024starts: None.

Other returners: Ryan Staub, 6-foot-1, 200pounds, So.; Colton Allen, 6-3, 210, Jr. (walk-on); Dominiq Ponder, 6-5, 200, So. (walk-on)

Transfers: Kaidon Salter, 6-1, 190, Sr. (Liberty)

True freshmen: Julian “JuJu” Lewis, 6-1, 190, Fr.

Key losses: Shedeur Sanders (graduated)

Running backs

Returners with 2024starts: Dallan Hayden, 5-foot-10, 205pounds, Jr.; Micah Welch, 5-9, 215, So.

Other returners: Titus Bautista, 5-10, 185, Fr. (walk-on); Christian Sarem, 6-2, 220, Jr. (walk-on)

Transfers: Simeon Price, 6-0, 215, Sr. (Coastal Carolina); DeKalon Taylor, 5-9, 165, Sr. (Incarnate Word). True freshmen: None.

Key losses: Isaiah Augustave (transferred to South Carolina); Brandon Hood (transferred to Massachusetts); Charlie Offerdahl (retired from football).

Receivers

Returners with 2024starts: Terrell Timmons Jr., 6-2, 185, Sr. (2 starts); Drelon Miller, 5-11, 200, So (3starts).

Other returners: Isaiah Hardge, 5-10, 165, So.; Kam Mikell, 6-1, 195, R-Fr.; Omarion Miller, 6-2, 210, Jr.; Tagert Bardin, 6-0, 160, So (walkon); Ronald Coleman, 5-9, 165, So. (walk-on); Gavin Marsh, 6-0, 190, So (walk-on); Kaleb Mathis, 5-9, 165, So. (walk-on); Carson Westbrook, 5-11, 170, R-Fr. (walk-on)

Transfers: Sincere Brown, 6-5, 190, Sr. (Campbell); Jack Hestera, 6-0, 185, Sr. (Utah State); Hykeem Williams, 6-2, 220, Jr. (Florida State); Joseph Williams, 6-2, 200, So. (Tulsa)

True freshmen: Quanell Farrakhan Jr., 6-1, 180, Fr.; Quentin Gibson, 5-9, 155, Fr.

Key losses: Jimmy Horn Jr. (graduated); Travis Hunter (graduated); Will Sheppard (graduated); LaJohntay Wester (graduated)

Tight ends

Returners with 2024starts: Sav’ell Smalls, 6-3, 265, Sr. (1start).

Other returners: Brady Kopetz, 6-4, 270, Jr. (walk-on); Charlie Williams, 6-4, 245, So. (walk-on)

Transfers: Zach Atkins, 6-4, 240, Jr (Northwest Missouri State).

True freshmen: Zayne DeSouza, 6-6, 260, Fr.; Corbin Laisure, 6-5, 250, Fr.

Key losses: Morgan Pearson (transferred to Central Missouri)

Offensive line

Returners with 2024starts: Tyler Brown, 6-3, 325, Sr. (12starts); Ka-

In the backfield, Dallan Hayden and Welch are both back after dealing with injuries last year. The Buffs added seniors DeKalon Taylor (Incarnate Word) and Simeon Price (Coastal Carolina) to bolster the room. Salter is also a runner, racking up 1,676 yards on the ground the past two years

CU might have the personnel to reach 32 points per game again but certainly won’t use the same formula to get there.

Of course, until the Buffs actually prove they can — and will — run the ball, there will be skeptics. But head coach Deion Sanders is confident this year will be different.

“We have a tremendous amount of personnel — at the running back position, at the coaching positions, at the offensive line positions — that the running game will be impacted, and the commitment that we have to the running game this year,” Sanders said.

“We can’t sit back and just wait for somebody to magically drive us down the field. That’s not going to happen. We’re going to run the darn football and we’re going to be tremendously physical.” OFFENSE PREVIEW

reem Harden, 6-5, 330, Sr. (seven starts); Phillip Houston, 6-5, 250, Sr. (nine starts); Jordan Seaton, 6-5, 310, So. (13starts).

Other returners: Yahya Attia, 6-4, 340, R-Fr.

Transfers: Zy Crisler, 6-7, 340, Sr. (Illinois); Xavier Hill, 6-4, 320, Sr. (Memphis); Cooper Lovelace, 6-5, 315, Sr. (Northwestern); Zarian McGill, 6-2, 320, Sr. (Louisiana Tech); Aki Ogunbiyi, 6-4, 340, Sr. (Texas A&M); Mana Tainmani, 6-5, 340, Sr (Mississippi); Larry Johnson III, 6-7, 350, Jr. (Tennessee); Andre Roye Jr., 6-6, 295, Jr. (Maryland); Walker Anderson, 6-5, 290, R-Fr. (UCLA).

True freshmen: Chauncey Gooden, 6-3, 380, Fr.; Carde Smith, 6-5, 300, Fr.; Hudson Steber, 6-3, 270, Fr. (walk-on).

Key losses: Justin Mayers (graduated); Kahlil Benson (transferred to Indiana); Hank Zilinskas (transferred to Rutgers); Cash Cleveland (transferred to Texas Tech)

Confidence brewing for Buffs under Livingston

By Brian Howell bhowell @prairiemountainmedia.com

Colorado defensive coordinator

Robert Livingston doesn’t have the luxury of relying on Heisman Trophy winner and Big 12 defensive player of the year Travis Hunter in the secondary this year.

Heart-and-soul leader Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig, hard-hitting safety Shilo Sanders, both starting linebackers and a trio of defensive linemen are gone, too

What he does have, however, is some returning talent that learned from a lot of those stars that are now in the NFL.

“After you’re around them, you can clearly define what culture is,” Livingston said as the Buffs opened preseason camp “So culture, to me, is when your best player is your hardest worker, and that’s Travis Hunter. The guys that had the benefit to be in the room, well, hopefully that gets paid forward.”

While this year will look different, the Buffs believe they have the talent, and perhaps the leadership, on defense to be as stingy — if not more so — than they were a year ago.

MEET THE DEFENSE

Defensive line

Returners with 2024starts: Anquin Barnes, 6-foot-5, 340pounds, Sr. (3starts); Amari McNeill, 6-4, 300, Sr. (3starts).

Other returners: Taurean Carter II, 6-3, 280, Sr.; Tawfiq Thomas, 6-4, 300, Sr.

Transfers: Tavian Coleman, 6-1, 300, Sr. (Texas State); Gavriel Lightfoot, 6-3, 310, Sr. (Fresno State); Jehiem Oatis, 6-5, 325, Jr. (Alabama).

True freshmen: Christian Hudson, 6-1, 300, Fr.

Key losses: Shane Cokes (graduated); Chidozie Nwankwo (graduated)

Edge defenders

Returners with 2024starts: Samuel Okunlola, 6-4, 250, Jr. (10 starts); Arden Walker, 6-2, 250, Sr. (2starts).

Other returners: Brandon Da-

Colorado defensive end Arden Walker works during football practice on July 30in Boulder

Although just sixth in the Big 12 in scoring defense (allowing 23.1 points per game) and eighth in total defense (allowing 351.9 yards per game), the Buffs made historic improvement from the previous year. It was first time in CU history that the total defense improved by at least 100 yards (101.4) and the 11.7-point improvement in scoring defense was the best by a CU team since 1985.

CU also led the Big 12 in sacks (39) and tackles for loss (93).

Replacing eight regular starters won’t be easy, but the Buffs are confident in what they have this season.

Between the defensive tackles and edge rushers, CU has 11 players back, including end Arden Walker The Cherry Creek High School graduate made just two starts last year, but he was second on the team with 4.5 sacks and has had a great offseason.

“Arden Walker is the first one that comes to mind (as a leader),” edge coach George Helow said “I’m really, really happy with his progress. The thing about Arden is he leads by doing, so that’s, to me, the best form of leadership. … You learn by doing the right thing over and over and over again, and Arden’s done that. I’m really, really happy with his progress and where he’s headed.”

CU didn’t add any transfers on the edge, but Walker is joined by Samuel Okunlola (seven tackles for loss, three sacks) and Keaten Wade (7.5 TFLs, four sacks) as returning players. Another returner, Quency Wiggins, has had an exceptional offseason as he looks to finally break out.

Amari McNeill, a polished An-

quin Barnes Jr and a now-healthy Taurean Carter II could lead the defensive tackle group. They are joined, however, by an experienced group of transfers, led by Jehiem Oatis, formerly of Alabama

Linebacker has been an ongoing competition, with transfers Martavius French (UTSA) and Reggie Hughes (Jacksonville State) leading the way. Both received all-conference honors at their previous school last year.

The big names are gone from the secondary, but cornerback DJ McKinney earned preseason firstteam All-Big 12 honors; nickel Preston Hodge is a sixth-year senior who has been a leader; and Carter Stoutmire is a versatile defensive back eager to solidify a spot at safety. All three have had great moments for the Buffs.

Transfer safety Tawfiq Byard (South Florida) and corners RJ Johnson, Tyrecus Davis and Teon Parks are looking to make a difference, too.

“I love what I see in the secondary and, shoot, what’s on the roster is tremendous, not just now, for years to come,” head coach Deion Sanders said.

vis-Swain, 6-4, 290, R-Fr.; Keaten Wade, 6-4, 245, Sr.; Nikhil Webb-Walker, 6-6, 275, Jr.; Quency Wiggins, 6-5, 255, Jr.; Tristan Marois, 6-6, 240, Sr. (walk-on)

Transfers: None.

True freshmen: Alexander McPherson, 6-4, 240, Fr.; London Merritt, 6-3, 250, Fr.

Key losses: BJ Green (graduated); Dayon Hayes (transferred to Texas A&M); Taje McCoy (transferred to Oklahoma State).

Inside linebackers

Returners with 2024starts: None.

Other returners: Jeremiah Brown, 6-foot-2, 235pounds, Sr.; Bo LaPenna, 6-1, 235, Jr. (walk-on); Gage Goldberg, 6-0, 210, R-Fr. (walk-on)

Transfers: Martavius French, 6-2, 225, Sr. (UTSA); Reginald Hughes, 6-2, 225, Sr. (Jacksonville State); Shaun Myers, 6-1, 220, Sr (North

Alabama); Kylan Salter, 6-2, 230, So. (TCU).

True freshmen: Mantrez Walker, 6-1, 230, Fr

Key losses: LaVonta Bentley (graduated); Nikhai Hill-Green (transferred to Alabama); Jaylen Wester (transferred to Western Kentucky); Trevor Woods (transferred to Jacksonville State).

Cornerbacks

Returners with 2024starts: Preston Hodge, 6-foot, 195pounds, Sr. (9starts); DJ McKinney, 6-2, 190, Jr. (13starts).

Other returners: RJ Johnson, 6-2, 185, So.; Ivan Yates, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Braden Keith, 5-10, 180, Jr (walkon); Kole Mathis, 5-8, 140, R-Fr. (walk-on).

Transfers: Tyrecus Davis, 5-10, 190, Sr. (Wyoming); Teon Parks, 6-1, 180, Jr. (Illinois State); Makari Vickers, 6-1, 190, So. (Oklahoma).

True freshmen: Kyle Carpenter, 6-3, 200, Fr.; Noah King, 6-2, 200, Fr. (transferred from Kansas State after spring)

Key losses: Colton Hood (transferred to Tennessee); Travis Hunter (graduated).

Safeties

Returners with 2024starts: Carter Stoutmire, 5-11, 210, Jr. (7 starts)

Other returners: Ben Finneseth, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Nathaniel Watson, 5-10, 180, Jr. (walk-on)

Transfers: Tawfiq Byard, 6-1, 195, So. (South Florida); Terrance Love, 6-2, 210, Jr. (Auburn); John Slaughter, 6-2, 195, Jr. (Tennessee)

True freshmen: TJ Branch Jr., 6-3, 170, Fr.

Key losses: Shilo Sanders (graduated); Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig (graduated).

SPECIAL TEAMS PREVIEW

Buffs hoping for boost from specialists

By Brian Howell bhowell @prairiemountainmedia.com

The first time Alejandro Mata got a look at Buck Buchanan’s kicks in practice last winter, he was in awe.

“To be honest, I saw him and I’m like, ‘Holy crap,’” said Mata, the Colorado Buffaloes’ senior kicker “It’s just insane. He has a very strong leg, and kind of makes me jealous, to be honest with you.”

On track to be the most accurate field-goal kicker in CU history, Mata is still the Buffaloes’ top option when it comes to putting three points on the board. But, the addition of Buchanan and some other pieces in the kicking game might make this the best special teams unit the Buffs have had in head coach Deion Sanders’ three seasons in Boulder.

“I’ve always believed we have a good group,” Mata said “With Buck and the depth that we’ve added, it’s insane. So I truly believe we’re going to be special in special teams this year.”

Mata, who played his freshman year for Sanders at Jackson State before following him to Boulder, has made 34 of 40 field goals (85%) in his career. In two years at CU, he’s 22-of-27 (81.5%), on pace to break the school record of 76.9% by Jeremy Flores (2000-01).

Mata’s range has always been limited, however, as his career long is 47 yards and he’s never attempted a field goal longer than 48 yards. While Mata has worked this offseason on his strength, CU special teams coordinator Michael Pollock said the Buffs want him to remain consistent inside 50.

“Mata has done a great job of focusing on what he’s good at this offseason,” Pollock said, adding that

MEET THE SPECIAL TEAMS UNIT

Returners with 2024starts: PK Alejandro Mata, 5-foot-9, 190 pounds, Sr.; LS Kameron Hawkins, 5-11, 220, Sr. (walk-on)

Mata has missed just two field goals in preseason camp. “Just be consistent where we’re expecting you to be consistent at, and where you’ve been consistent in the past. That’s kind of where we’re at with him.”

Not that Mata won’t get a crack at a long field goal or two, but Buchanan comes to CU with longrange ability that the Buffs haven’t had

Sanders has been frustrated the past two years with CU’s inability to put kickoffs through the end zone for touchbacks, but Buchanan has been one of the best in the country at doing just that At Louisiana Tech last year, Buchanan had just four of his 56 kickoffs re-

turned By comparison, CU gave up 53 kickoff returns — more than any other team in the country.

Buchanan is also 20 of 31 in his career on field goals, including 4 of 9 from 50-plus yards. He has a career long of 57 yards

Mata and Buchanan are both likely to get opportunities on field goals this year, depending on the range.

“Any time you got one that’s real consistent from a certain range, and then you’ve got one that can give you a shot from way back, that gives you a lot of flexibility, and that’s a good feeling,” Pollock said “They both know their role, and they both know what they bring to the table and what we’re expecting

out of them.”

Redshirt freshman Alexander Stoyanovich and true freshman Elliott Arnold also have strong legs and could be options if the Buffs are in a pinch.

At punter, Damon Greaves will replace the graduated Mark Vassett Like Vassett, Greaves is from Australia and he comes to CU after two seasons at Kansas.

“Damon Greaves is outstanding in the punt game,” Pollock said.

Long snapper Kameron Hawkins, who didn’t have any snap issues last season, returns to solidify the kicking game.

“He’s just a guy that we can count on, and he’s solid,” Pollock said

Other returners: LS Camden Dempsey, 6-2, 260, Sr. (walk-on); LS Aiden DeCorte, 6-1, 300, So. (walk-on); LS Gabe Landers, 5-11, 215, Jr. (walk-on); P/PK Daniel Gerlach, 6-0, 160, Jr. (walk-on); PK Alexander Stoyanovich, 5-9, 180, Fr. (walk-on)

Transfers: PK Buck Buchanan, 5-11, 185, Sr. (Louisiana Tech); P Damon Greaves, 6-1, 190, Jr. (Kansas); LS Luke Whiting, 6-4, 225, So. (Florida Atlantic, walkon).

True freshmen: PK Elliott Arnold, 5-10, 165, Fr. (walk-on)

Key losses: P Mark Vassett (graduated)

Swasey making big difference for Buffs in the weight room

By Brian Howell bhowell @prairiemountainmedia.com

Colorado tackle Jordan Seaton is stronger and leaner. Defensive tackle Anquin Barnes has a new, chiseled body that’s helping him dominate.

Running back Micah Welch is leaner and has learned more about his body this offseason than he knew as a freshman in 2024 Even kicker Alejandro Mata feels different physically.

“It’s just coach Swasey, to be honest,” Mata said.

CU has yet to play a game in 2025 but already has a leading candidate for the “newcomer of the year” award. Perhaps nobody has been praised more this offseason than first-year head strength and conditioning coach Andreu Swasey.

In January, CU head coach Deion Sanders hired Swasey to energize the strength and conditioning program. From 2022-24, Swasey was the head strength and conditioning coach at Miami (Fla.) Columbus High School. His career goes back nearly three decades and includes a long run at the University of Miami.

Swasey was the head of strength and conditioning for the Hurricanes from 2001-15 He was the cohead of strength and conditioning in 2000 and also worked at Miami in an assistant role from 1997-98. He also spent five years (2017-21) at Florida International.

In a short time with the Buffs, Swasey has made a significant difference for numerous players, some of who needed to lose weight, others who needed to gain weight, increase speed, etc

“I’m seeing it in the weight room also with coach Swasey,” cornerback DJ McKinney said. “He’s

ATHLETICS — COURTESY PHOTO

Colorado head strength and conditioning coach Andreu Swasey shares a moment with the team during practice July 29.

transformed a lot of guys’ bodies and a lot of guys’ speed, and just built confidence into them. So it’s just amazing seeing everybody fly around and get the job done.”

Safety Carter Stoutmire has been in great shape and making plays for the Buffs the past two years but said he bonded with Swasey instantly and has seen a difference in himself and the team

“There was one night, probably within the first month he was here, I remember I was in his office probably till about eight, nine o’clock at night, just asking questions, because I know where he’s been, all of Miami players and all that,” Stoutmire said. “I just try to grab nuggets as much as I can. So we got tight really quick.”

Welch struggled with hamstring issues during his freshman season but said he feels much better coming into this year.

“I learned more about my body this year from coach Swasey,” he said. “So I fixed it.”

There are many players who look quite different physically —

most notably Seaton and Barnes — who will be depended on heavily in the trenches this season.

All of the Buffs have gone through what Stoutmire calls “very old-school” workouts — and it’s worked wonders.

“Those are the kind of workouts I grew up on,” Stoutmire said. “I did a whole lot of old-school garage workouts growing up, so this kind of reminds me of just home, doing workouts in the garage. I really like how we did the off season this year.”

So did Sanders Diagnosed with bladder cancer in the spring, Sanders had the cancer removed through surgery and then spent the summer at his home in Texas recovering. During that time, he had to rely on his staff, and in the summer months that’s mainly the strength and conditioning coaches.

“(The staff) did a good job,” Sanders said of his time away. “Especially strength and conditioning with Swasey and his team. They did a phenomenal job.”

“I’m seeing it in the weight room also with coach Swasey. He’s transformed a lot of guys’ bodies and a lot of guys’ speed, and just built confidence into them. So it’s just amazing seeing everybody fly around and get the job done.”

— Buffs cornerback DJ McKinney

Colorado cornerback DJ McKinney participates in a photo shoot July 9 at Big 12football media days.

PRESEASON ALL-BIG 12 FOOTBALL TEAM

Offense

QB: Sam Leavitt, Arizona State, RS-So

RB: Bryson Washington, Baylor, RS-So.

RB: Jahiem White, West Virginia, Jr.

FB/H-Back: Will Swanson, Kansas State, Sr

WR: Eric McAlister, TCU, Sr.

WR: Chase Roberts, BYU, RS-Sr

WR: Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State, RS-Jr.

TE: Joe Royer, Cincinnati, RS-Sr

OL: Ben Coleman, Arizona State, Gr

OL: Spencer Fano, Utah, Jr.

OL: Bryce Foster, Kansas, RS-Jr

OL: Caleb Lomu, Utah, RS-So

OL: Jordan Seaton, Colorado, So.

PK: Will Ferrin, BYU, RS-Sr.

PR/KR: Josh Cameron, Baylor, RS-Sr Defense

DL: David Bailey, Texas Tech, Sr.

DL: Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati, RS-Sr

DL: C.J. Fite, Arizona State, Jr.

DL: Lee Hunter, Texas Tech, Sr.

DL: Domonique Orange, Iowa State, Sr.

LB: Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech, Sr.

LB: Austin Romaine, Kansas State, Jr.

LB: Keaton Thomas, Baylor, RS-Jr

DB: Xavion Alford, Arizona State, RS-Sr.

DB: Bud Clark, TCU, Sr.

DB: Jeremiah Cooper, Iowa State, Sr.

DB: DJ McKinney, Colorado, Jr.

DB: Jontez Williams, Iowa State, RS-Jr.

P: Palmer Williams, Baylor, Jr.

CU SCHEDULE LOOKAHEAD

A glance at each of Colorado’s 12 opponents this season

Georgia Tech

Head coach: Brent Key, 4th season (18-16)

2024season: 7-6, 5-3ACC; lost to Vanderbilt in Birmingham Bowl Series with CU: First meeting The game

Who: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Colorado Buffaloes

When: Friday, Aug. 29, 6p.m. (ESPN)

Where: Folsom Field in Boulder 5Guys to watch

LB Kyle Efford: Led the Yellow Jackets with 64tackles last year, while also posting 5.5tackles for loss and three sacks. He earned third-team All-ACC honors. He also led the team in tackles in 2023, with 81.

RB Jamal Haynes: One of the best backs in the ACC, despite spending his first two seasons at Tech as a

Delaware

Head coach: Ryan Carty, 4th season (26-11)

2024season: 9-2, 6-2Coastal Athletic Association

Series with CU: First meeting

The game

Who: Delaware Blue Hens at Colorado Buffaloes

When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 1:30p.m. (Fox)

Where: Folsom Field in Boulder

5Guys to watch

TE Caleb Fauria: A former Buff who spent four years in Boulder (202023), Fauria had a breakout season last year for the Blue Hens. He was third-team All-CAA after making 10 starts and catching 12passes for 134yards and a touchdown

QBs Zach Marker and Nick Minicucci: Both started multiple games last year. Marker threw for 1,011yards and 10touchdowns with no interceptions, while Minicucci threw for 825yards, 10TDs and three interceptions and is more of a running threat

LB Gavin Moul: Led the Blue Hens with 71tackles last year and was second on the team with six tackles for loss. He also had two inter-

Georgia Tech’s Kyle Efford plays against Georgia State on Aug. 31, 2024, in Atlanta

slot receiver who didn’t record any stats. He moved to running back during fall camp in 2023and rushed for 1,059yards and seven TDs Last year, he rushed for 944yards and nine scores.

QB Haynes King: After starting his

career at Texas A&M, he’s been the full-time starter at Tech the past two years, completing 66.4% of his passes for 4,956yards, 41touchdowns and 18interceptions He’s also rushed for 1,324yards and 21 touchdowns. The Longview, Texas,

9, 2023, in State College, Pa.

ceptions and six QB hurries and earned All-CAA honorable mention in his first year as a starter

S KT Seay: Earned third-team AllCAA last year while posting 38tackles, four interceptions and two pass breakups. He has started 21of his 23games at Delaware, posting 37 tackles and an interception in 2023.

WR Jake Thaw: He was second on the team with 41receptions for 334yards and five touchdowns. Thaw was also second-team AllCAA at punt returner (12.0average

on nine returns). He played four seasons (2020-23) at Michigan and was the Wolverines’ primary punt returner during their 2023 national title season.

Good to know

• Since Division I split into subdivisions in 1978, Delaware is 16-19 against FBS teams. Its most recent games against Power Four teams, however, were a 63-7loss at Penn State on Sept. 9, 2023, and a 45-13loss at Rutgers on Sept. 18, 2021

native will be a sixth-year senior.

WR Malik Rutherford: Briefly entered the transfer portal, but chose to stay. He led Tech with 62 catches last year, racking up 702 yards and three touchdowns. In four years with the Yellow Jackets, he’s caught 136passes for 1,491 yards and seven scores. He’s also a running threat, with nine carries for 87yards last year.

DT Jordan van den Berg: Earned second-team All-ACC honors last year, posting 23tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack and two fumble recoveries. He spent three years at Penn State before transferring to Tech last year.

Good to know

• King’s completion percentage of 72.9% last year tied for third nationally with Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel and only behind CU’s Shedeur Sanders (74.0) and Ohio State’s Will Howard (73.0).

2025 COLORADO BUFFALOES FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

• Aug. 29(Friday)

GEORGIA TECH, 6p.m. (ESPN)

• Sept. 6(Saturday)

DELAWARE, 1:30p.m. (FOX)

• Sept. 12(Friday)

At Houston, 5:30p.m. (ESPN)

• Sept. 20(Saturday)

WYOMING, TBD (TV TBD)

• Sept. 27(Saturday)

BYU, 8:15p.m. (ESPN)

• Oct. 4(Saturday)

At TCU, TBD (TV TBD)

• Oct. 11(Saturday)

IOWA STATE, TBD (TV TBD)

• Oct. 25(Saturday)

At Utah, TBD (TV TBD)

• Nov. 1(Saturday)

ARIZONA, TBD (TV TBD)

• Nov. 8(Saturday)

At West Virginia, TBD (TV TBD)

• Nov. 22(Saturday)

ARIZONA STATE, TBD (TV TBD)

• Nov. 29(Saturday)

At Kansas State, TBD (TV TBD)

• Dec. 6(Saturday)

Big 12Championship, at Arlington, Texas, 10a.m. (ABC)

Houston

Head coach: Willie Fritz, 2nd season (4-8; 212-124career)

2024season: 4-8, 3-6Big 12

Series with CU: Buffs lead 1-0

The game

Who: Colorado Buffaloes at Houston Cougars

When: Friday, Sept. 12, 5:30p.m. (ESPN)

Where: TDECU Stadium in Houston

5Guys to watch

NT Carlos Allen: Leader up front finished last year with 43tackles, four tackles for loss, 2.5sacks and two fumble recoveries. He is a sixthyear senior who played his first four seasons at Kennesaw State

LB Brandon Mack II: A seventh-year senior who was granted an extra year of eligibility, he posted 39 tackles, five tackles for loss and three sacks last year, along with two forced fumbles

Started his career with four years at Mississippi

RB Re’Shaun Sanford II: Houston didn’t have a great rushing attack last year, but Sanford was the leader and he’s back this year. He gained 444yards and a touchdown, averaging 4.7yards per carry

WR Amare Thomas: Comes to

Wyoming

Head coach: Jay Sawvel, 2nd season (3-9)

2024season: 3-9, 2-5Mountain West

Series with CU: Buffs lead 24-2-1

The game

Who: Wyoming Cowboys at Colorado Buffaloes

When: Saturday, Sept. 20, TBD

Where: Folsom Field in Boulder

5Guys to watch

QB Kaden Anderson: Now a sophomore, he took over as the starter late last year, starting three games He finished the year with 955yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions. He also ran for two TDs, but is not a big running threat (49yards on 22carries)

NT Ben Florentine: The only full-time starter back on defense, he had 26tackles, four tackles for loss and a sack last year. He’ll be a leader up front for what should be a solid defensive line.

TE John Michael Gyllenborg: One

Houston after two productive years at UAB. Last year, he caught 62 passes for 670yards and eight touchdowns. As a freshman, he hauled in 53passes for 437yard and three touchdowns. In addition to a redshirt year (2019) and COVID season (2020), he missed all of the 2021season and all but two games in 2023.

of the top tight ends in the Mountain West, he caught 30passes for 425yards and three touchdowns last year, earning second-team all-conference honors He’s caught 53passes, with six touchdowns, in the past two years.

WR Jaylen Sargent: Finished last year with just 23catches, but for 480yards (20.9-yards per catch average) and two touchdowns. He had 317of his yards in Anderson’s three starts.

DE Tyce Westland: A part-time starter last year, he could be Wyoming’s top pass rusher this year. He recorded 41tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks last year. He has 10.5tackles for loss in the past two seasons

Good to know

• Of the 27games between CU and Wyoming, only six have been played since 1947. This is the first meeting since 2009. The teams tied in 1926 and Wyoming’s two wins came in 1935and 1982. The first meeting was a 10-6CU win on Nov 5, 1900, in Boulder

QB Conner Weigman: Texas A&M transfer threw for 2,964 yards and 19 touchdowns (seven interceptions) in 13 career starts with the Aggies and he’s projected to take over at Houston. Last year, he struggled a bit, completing 56.1% of his passes for 819 yards, three touchdowns and five interceptions.

Good to know

• Tight end Tanner Koziol could be one of the most impactful transfers in the conference. The 6-foot-7senior caught 94passes for 839yards and eight touchdowns at Ball State. In three years at Ball State, he caught 163passes for 1,507yards and 18TDs. He spent this past spring at Wisconsin before making the move to Houston.

BYU

Head coach: Kalani Sitake, 10th season (72-43)

2024season: 11-2, 7-2Big 12; Beat Colorado, 36-14, in Alamo Bowl

Series with CU: Buffs lead 8-4-1

The game

Who: BYU Cougars at Colorado Buffaloes

When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)

Where: Folsom Field in Boulder 5Guys to watch

OLB Isaiah Glasker: Led the Cougars in tackles (70) and tackles for loss (14.5) last year, while adding 3.5sacks, three interceptions and four pass breakups. His 14.5TFLs led the Big 12, and he received all-conference honorable mention.

OLB Jack Kelly: Former Weber State transfer had 51tackles, 10 tackles for loss and five sacks last year, along with 14QB hurries. In 24games at Weber State from 2022-23, he posted a total of 20TFLs and 16.5sacks.

RB LJ Martin: One of the better backs in the Big 12, Martin ran for 718yards and seven touchdowns last year, averaging 5.2yards per carry. He’s got 1,236yards in his two seasons at BYU, despite carrying the ball just 246times (12.3attempts per game)

WR Chase Roberts: Posted 52 catches for 854yards and four touchdowns last year, leading the Cougars in all three categories. During his career, he has 116 catches for 1,784yards and 12 touchdowns

WR/Return Parker Kingston: He’s on the Paul Hornung Award preseason watch list after returning two punt returns for touchdowns in 2024, and he’s just the third player in Big 12history to have multiple career games with a passing and receiving touchdown

Good to know

• CU was the only team in the Big 12with three players recording at least 10tackles for loss in 2024, but BYU was the only other team with two players reaching that mark. Isaiah Glasker and Jack Kelly combined for 24.5TFLs, the most of any pair of Big 12 teammates.

TCU

Head coach: Sonny Dykes, 4th season (27-13; 98-76career)

2024season: 9-4, 6-3Big 12; beat Louisiana, 34-3, in New Mexico Bowl

Series with CU: Tied 1-1

The game

Who: Colorado Buffaloes at TCU Horned Frogs

When: Saturday, Oct. 4, TBD

Where: Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas

5Guys to watch

S Bud Clark: Earned second-team All-Big 12honors last year after posting 67tackles, three interceptions and three pass breakups. A sixth-year senior, he has posted 145tackles, 11interceptions and 24pass breakups in the last three years.

Edge Devean Deal: Former North Texas transfer had a huge first year at TCU, posting 46tackles, 9.5tackles for loss and 5.5sacks.

Iowa State

Head coach: Matt Campbell, 10th season (64-51; 99-66career)

2024season: 11-3, 7-2Big 12; lost to Arizona State, 45-19, in Big 12 title game; beat Miami, 42-41, in Pop-Tarts Bowl

Series with CU: Buffs lead 49-15-1

The game

Who: Iowa State Cyclones at Colorado Buffaloes

When: Saturday, Oct. 11, TBD

Where: Folsom Field in Boulder

5Guys to watch

LB Caleb Bacon: Suffered a season-ending injury in the 2024 opener, but he’s back and may be ISU’s best defender. Former walk-on earned a scholarship after a stellar 2023season Playing as a reserve that year, he was second on team with 60tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks

QB Rocco Becht: One of the better quarterbacks in the country, Becht completed 59.4% of his passes for 3,505yards, 25touchdowns and nine interceptions last year. He also ran for 318yards and eight touchdowns. Over the course of the past two years, he’s thrown for 6,625yards, 48touchdowns and 17 interceptions.

S Jeremiah Cooper: Finished the

caught 109passes for 1,651yards and 18TDs.

QB Josh Hoover: In his first full season as the starter, Hoover set a TCU record for passing yards (3,949) in a single season, while also throwing 27touchdowns, but he was picked off 11times. Over the past two seasons, he’s thrown for 6,155yards, 42touchdowns and 20 interceptions.

At North Texas in 2023, he had 12 TFLs and six sacks. His younger brother, Markis, is a starting defensive tackle for the Horned Frogs

WR Jordan Dwyer: A newcomer this year, he was a star at Idaho, catching 78passes for 1,192yards and 12touchdowns in 2024. In three years with the Vandals, he

WR Eric McAlister: TCU’s top three receivers all graduated, but McAlister still put up good numbers last year, catching 39passes for 762yards (second on the team) and five touchdowns. Prior to transferring to TCU last year, he caught 47passes for 873yards and five touchdowns at Boise State in 2023. Good to know

• Last season, Hoover finished second in the Big 12in passing yards (3,949) and completion percentage (66.5), behind only CU’s Shedeur Sanders (4,134, 74.0). He tied for third with his 27TD passes and was third in passer rating (151.13).

2024season with 48tackles, two interceptions and seven pass breakups, earning All-Big 12honorable mention. He was first-team All-Big 12in 2023, when he had 45tackles, five interceptions and 10pass breakups

RB Carson Hansen: Became the lead back in 2024and rushed for 752yards and 13touchdowns, while averaging 5.0yards per carry He caught just 13passes, but two of them went for touchdowns

CB Jontez Williams: He earned second-team All-Big 12honors last year after recording 46tackles, four interceptions and five pass breakups.

Good to know

• From 1979-99, Iowa State posted 17losing seasons and played in no bowl games. Since 2000, the Cyclones have had 12winning seasons and 15bowl appearances

Utah

Head coach: Kyle Whittingham, 21st season (167-86)

2024season: 5-7, 2-7Big 12

Series with CU: Utah leads 3533-3

The game

Who: Colorado Buffaloes at Utah Utes

When: Saturday, Oct. 25, TBD

Where: Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City

5Guys to watch

LB Lander Barton: Returns after leading the team with 72tackles last season. He also had five tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions and four pass breakups. He has made 22starts in his career, posting 152tackles.

QB Devon Dampier: The starter at New Mexico last year, he completed 57.9% of his passes for 2,768yards, 12touchdowns and 12interceptions, while rushing for 1,166yards and 19 touchdowns. He was the first-ever

West Virginia

Head coach: Rich Rodriguez, 1st season (60-26; 190-129-2career)

2024season: 6-7; 5-4Big 12; lost to Memphis, 42-37, in Frisco Bowl Series with CU: Tied 1-1

The game

Who: Colorado Buffaloes at West Virginia Mountaineers

When: Saturday, Nov. 8, TBD Where: Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, W.Va.

5Guys to watch

CB Michael Coats Jr.: Nevada transfer was first-team All-Mountain West last year after posting 17passes defended — ranking second in the country. He had four interceptions, 13pass breakups and 41tackles.

DE Jimmori Robinson: He was the American Athletic Conference defensive player of the year at UTSA last year, recording 43tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 10.5sacks. Robinson tied for 10th nationally in sacks last year. He had 11TFLs and 4.5sacks as a sophomore in 2023.

WR Cam Vaughn: As a freshman at Jacksonville State last year, he was exceptional, hauling in 48 receptions for 803yards and five touchdowns. Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) and Ryan Williams (Alabama) were the only freshmen in the coun-

QB from New Mexico to be named first-team All-Mountain West.

RT Spencer Fano: One of the best linemen in the country He has started 24of his 25games at Utah. As a true freshman in 2023, he started 11games at left tackle and earned freshman All-American honors. Last year, he started all 12 games at right tackle, earning firstteam All-Big 12and second-team All-American honors.

RB Wayshawn Parker: As a true freshman last year at Washington State, he rushed for 735yards and four touchdowns on 137carries, averaging 5.4yards per carry

DB Smith Snowden: Versatile nickel back posted 48 tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions and eight pass breakups last year as a sophomore. He also averaged 26.7 yards on seven kickoff returns

Good to know

• Whittingham has led the Utes to 16bowl games. Utah was 10-1in the first 11of those bowls but has lost five in a row.

West Virginia quarterback Nicco Marchiol plays against Arizona on Oct. 26 in Tucson, Ariz.

try with more receiving yards

RB Jahiem White: Led the Mountaineers in 2024with 844 rushing yards — the second-most among returning players in the Big 12— while scoring seven TDs and averaging 5.7yards per carry As a freshman in 2023, he ran for 842 yards and four TDs, averaging 7.7 yards per rush.

LB Chase Wilson: A transfer from Colorado State, where he was twice named second-team All-Mountain West. Last year, he had 98tackles, three tackles for loss and two

Arizona

Head coach: Brent Brennan, 2nd season (4-8, 38-56career)

2024season: 4-8, 2-7Big 12 Series with CU: Buffs lead 17-10 The game

Who: Arizona Wildcats at Colorado Buffaloes

When: Saturday, Nov. 1, TBD Where: Folsom Field in Boulder 5Guys to watch

QB Noah Fifita: Entering his third year as the starter, Fifita has thrown for 5,955 yards, 44 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in his career. He had a stellar 2023 season (165.9 rating), but slipped to a 126.5 rating last year

RB Ismail Mahdi: A transfer from Texas State, Mahdi isn’t the guaranteed starter, but he brings a great deal of success to Tucson. He rushed for 2,322 yards and 14 touchdowns the past two years at Texas State He ran for 459 yards as a freshman at Houston Christian. In his career, he’s also caught 74 passes for 720 yards and five TDs.

S Genesis Smith: He recorded 63tackles, 3.5tackles for loss, three interceptions and six pass breakups last year as a first-time starter. In his first two seasons, he’s posted 87tackles and four interceptions.

DE Tre Smith: Led Arizona with 4.5 sacks in 2024, while adding 43 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss. He was first-team

All-Mountain West in 2023 at San Jose State, recording 9.5 TFLs and 6.5 sacks.

interceptions. He had 234tackles, 14tackles for loss and six sacks in three years with the Rams. Good to know

• Two former CU Buffs are on the Mountaineers’ roster. Carson Lee (2020-21at CU) is projected to start at center after transferring from Eastern Michigan, where he spent three seasons. Defensive lineman Devin Grant (2021-22at CU) comes to West Virginia after two years at Incarnate Word. He was second-team all-conference last year.

DB Treydan Stukes: His 2024 season was limited to four games because of injury, but he posted 18tackles, 2.5tackles for loss and an interception A sixth-year senior, he has played in 42games, posting 154tackles, 11tackles for loss, three interceptions and 25 passes defended.

Good to know

• The Wildcats will play five of their first six games at home in Tucson. That includes a nonconference matchup with Big 12 rival Kansas State, a game that was scheduled before Arizona’s move to the Big 12. Four of the last six games for the Wildcats will be on the road.

Arizona State

Head coach: Kenny Dillingham, 3rd season (14-12)

2024season: 11-3, 7-2Big 12; Beat Iowa State, 45-19, in Big 12 title game; lost to Texas, 39-31(OT) in CFP quarterfinals

Series with CU: ASU leads 10-4

The game

Who: Arizona State Sun Devils at Colorado Buffaloes

When: Saturday, Nov. 22, TBD

Where: Folsom Field in Boulder

5Guys to watch

S Xavion Alford: He’s found a home at ASU, earning a starting job last year and securing first-team

All-Big 12honors. He posted 85 tackles, two interceptions and five pass breakups. Played at Texas in 2021and USC in 2022before transferring to ASU in 2023(sitting out that season for the now-outdated NCAA transfer rule).

LB Keyshaun Elliott: Earned second-team All-Big 12last year, with 65tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception. Prior to ASU, he spent two years at New Mexico State. In 2023at NMSU, he had 111tackles, 10TFLs and 2.5sacks, earning second-team all-conference honors.

QB Sam Leavitt: After spending his

Kansas State

Head coach: Chris Klieman, 7th season (48-28; 120-41career) 2024season: 9-4, 5-4Big 12; Beat Rutgers, 44-41, in Rate Bowl Series with CU: Buffs lead 45-21-1 The game

Who: Colorado Buffaloes at Kansas State Wildcats

When: Saturday, Nov. 29, TBD

Where: Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kan.

5Guys to watch

WR Jayce Brown: One of the top receivers in the Big 12, he caught 47passes for 823yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore in 2024. Already in his career, he has posted 74receptions for 1,260 yards and eight TDs

RB Dylan Edwards: The former CU Buff is expected to take over a starting role. Last year at K-State, he had 1,117all-purpose yards (546 rushing, 133receiving, 140in punt returns, 298in kickoff returns) and

first year at Michigan State, he came to ASU last year, won the starting job and had a sensational year, earning second-team All-Big 12honors He completed 61.7% of his passes for 2,885yards, 24touchdowns and six interceptions, while also finishing second on the team with 443 rushing yards (and five TDs).

TE Chamon Metayer: Caught 32passes for 306yards and five touchdowns last year, earning second-team All-Big 12honors

Began his career with three seasons at Cincinnati before transferring to Colorado in December of 2023. He spent the spring 2024semester at CU before jumping to ASU

WR Jordyn Tyson: Flashing the star potential he showed at CU in 2022, Tyson was first-team All-Big 12last year, hauling in 75receptions for 1,101yards and 10touchdowns. As a true freshman at CU in 2022, he caught 22passes for 470yards and four TDs (and had a punt return TD) before a season-ending knee injury that also kept him out in 2023. Good to know

• Dillingham is the second-youngest head coach in the FBS, as he turned 35on April 28. The only coach younger than him is Florida Atlantic’s Zach Kittley (who turns 34on Aug. 14). Dillingham is a Phoenix native and ASU alum.

scored eight total touchdowns. As a true freshman at CU in 2023, he had 768all-purpose yards and scored five times.

QB Avery Johnson: As a sophomore last year, his first as a starter,

he threw for 2,712yards and 25 touchdowns, while also rushing for 605yards and seven TDs. So far in his career, he’s accounted for 44 touchdowns (30passing, 14rushing)

S VJ Payne: Finished second on

the team with 64tackles in 2024, while adding 3.5tackles for loss, two interceptions and four pass breakups, earning All-Big 12honorable mention. He has started 29 consecutive games and has posted 121tackles and three interceptions the past two years

LB Austin Romaine: Earned second-team All-Big 12honors last year after leading the Wildcats with 96 tackles. He also had 7.5tackles for loss, two sacks and three forced fumbles. In 2023, he received votes from league coaches for the defensive freshman of the year award

Good to know

• K-State has five players on the roster from Colorado high schools, including two that might wind up starting on the offensive line: Left tackle George Fitzpatrick (Cherry Creek) and right tackle John Pastore (Erie). Quarterback Blake Barnett (Erie) and tight ends Garrett Harstad (Loveland) and Andrew Metzger (Regis) also played prep football in Colorado.

Preseason AP Top 25 poll

A team-by-team look at The Associated Press preseason Top 25released Aug.11:

• No. 1Texas is the AP preseason No. 1team for the first time. The Longhorns have been No. 2in the preseason five times (1962, 1965, 1970, 2005and 2009)

• No. 2Penn State has its highest preseason ranking since it was No. 1 in 1997. That team lost its last two games and finished 9-3and No. 16in the final poll.

• No. 3Ohio State extended its record streak of consecutive seasons appearing in the preseason poll to 37. The Buckeyes are in the top five for the ninth straight year.

• No. 4Clemson is in the preseason top 10for the ninth time in 10years.

• No. 5Georgia is in the preseason Top 25for the 25th time since 2000 Only Ohio State and Oklahoma have appeared in all 26since then.

• No. 6Notre Dame is ranked in the preseason top 10for the sixth time in

the last seven seasons

• No. 7Oregon has appeared in 21of 25preseason polls after having just one preseason ranking between 1950 and 2000(1954)

• No. 8Alabama’s ranking is its lowest in the preseason since it was No. 24in 2008, Nick Saban’s second season.

• No. 9LSU, which has been in all but one preseason poll since 2001, has lost five straight season openers

• No. 10Miami is in the preseason top 10for only the second time since 2006. The Hurricanes were No. 8in 2018

• No. 11Arizona State has its highest ranking to open a season since the 1998team was No. 8.

• No. 12Illinois has a preseason ranking for the first time since 2008under Ron Zook. The Illini’s No. 12ranking is its highest in a preseason, regular season or postseason poll since they opened at No. 7in 2001.

• No. 13South Carolina has ended a

10-year preseason Top 25drought. The Gamecocks’ last preseason ranking was 2014under Steve Spurrier.

• No. 14Michigan saw its streak of three straight top-10preseason rankings end

• No. 15Florida’s preseason ranking is its first under fourth-year coach Billy Napier

• No. 16SMU is ranked in the preseason for the first time in 40years. The 1985team opened No. 3and finished 6-5and unranked

• No. 17Kansas State is ranked in the preseason for a third straight year, its longest streak since it was in the preseason Top 25six straight years (1996-2001).

• No. 18Oklahoma has been ranked in the preseason every year since 2000 and its 67all-time preseason rankings are second to Ohio State’s 72.

• No. 19Texas A&M appears in its seventh straight AP preseason poll, but the Aggies have only finished ranked only once since 2019. That

was the 2020pandemic season.

• No. 20Indiana has a preseason ranking for the first time since 2021. The Hoosiers went 2-10that season.

• No. 21Mississippi has appeared in four straight preseason Top 25preseason polls, the program’s longest streak since it was in seven in a row (1958-64).

• No. 22Iowa State is in the preseason poll for the fourth time in seven years after appearing only once (1978) between 1950and 2018.

• No. 23Texas Tech has a preseason ranking for the first time since 2008. It also is the Red Raiders’ first ranking since 2018, when they were in for one week in late September at No. 25.

• No. 24Tennessee has its third straight preseason ranking but starts a ninth straight season outside the top 10

• No. 25Boise State is ranked in the preseason for the first time since 2018