Following a lackluster start to the 2024 season, the excitement surrounding Colorado began to wane, but Deion Sanders eventually turned things around.

This year marked Colorado’s entry into the Big 12, and the Buffaloes began the season with mixed results. They endured a tough loss to Nebraska, narrowly defeated Baylor, and lost to Kansas State, leading to a mediocre 4-2 record at the halfway point.

However, the Buffs found their rhythm.

With Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders leading the charge, the team finished strong with a 5-1 record. Despite a disappointing loss to Kansas that thwarted their conference title hopes, they fought valiantly for a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game. The season concluded with an overall record of 9-4 after falling to BYU in the Alamo Bowl.

Coach Prime has rejuvenated what was once a struggling program. However, with Hunter and Sanders heading to the NFL, the challenge of continuing this upward trajectory becomes paramount.

Deion Sanders, Probably

Before leaving Jackson State, Deion Sanders asserted he wouldn’t go anywhere. Recently, he reiterated this sentiment amidst NFL interest rumors. The prevailing assumption is that Sanders will remain in Boulder for the upcoming season.

Freshman All-American Left Tackle

One notable challenge for Colorado in 2023 was their porous offensive line. Top recruit Jordan Seaton quickly secured the left tackle position and achieved Freshman All-America honors. As the Buffaloes revamp their roster, Seaton is poised to be a key building block.

A Handful of Defensive Starters

While competitive teams often prefer the term “reload” over “rebuild,” the reality remains: Colorado has a considerable amount of talent to replace. At the very least, they will begin this process with returning contributors such as edge-rushers Samuel Okunlola, Tage McCoy, and Arden Walker, as well as cornerback DJ McKinney and safety Carter Stoutmire.

The Stars Departing

When aiming to revitalize a program, securing a top-tier quarterback and an exceptional two-way player often does the trick. Enter Shedeur Sanders, who has emerged as a premier NFL prospect at CU, and Travis Hunter, who claimed the 2024 Heisman after an All-American season as both a receiver and cornerback.

And a Host of Others

Beyond the standout players, Colorado faces the task of replacing wide receivers LaJohntay Wester, Will Sheppard, and Jimmy Horn Jr., offensive linemen Justin Mayers and Tyler Brown, along with several critical defenders, including edge-rusher B.J. Green II, linebacker DaVonta Bentley, cornerback Preston Hodge, and safeties Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig and Shilo Sanders.

Transfer Exits

The loosening transfer rules have enabled CU to adopt a proactive stance toward roster upgrades. While this has opened doors for new talent in Boulder, it has also led to some contributors departing. Currently, the most notable is linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green, who is taking his talents to Alabama after ranking second on the Buffs with 88 tackles this season. Additionally, former starter Trevor Woods, who redshirted in 2024, is also leaving.

Potential Successor for Shedeur

Projected to take over for Shedeur in 2025 is Kaidon Salter, a highly praised transfer from Liberty. Salter is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who led the Flames to a Conference USA title and a Fiesta Bowl appearance in 2023, followed by an impressive 8-3 record in the subsequent year.

A Surge of Transfers

As of now, the Buffaloes are welcoming 12 transfer commitments—and that number is expected to grow. Salter leads this group, but the team is also acquiring Alabama defensive tackle Jeheim Oatis, along with impactful players like Tulsa receiver Joseph Williams, Jacksonville State linebacker Reginald Hughes, and South Florida safety Tawfiq Byard.

Top-25 Recruiting Class on the Rise

Thanks to a strong finish to the recruitment cycle, the Buffs have secured a top-25 ranking for 2025. The anticipated quarterback of the future is Julian Lewis, a 4-star prospect ranked 36th nationally who switched his commitment from USC in November. Colorado’s other prized recruits include edge-rusher London Merritt (144th overall) and offensive tackle Carde Smith (223rd).