Colorado Daily

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Colorado Daily – Spring/Summer – 2025

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July 18th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Mid-summer update from CU Athletic Director Rick George

From BuffsTV … Revenue sharing to be based upon percentage of income each sport generates … There has never been a level playing field, and there never will be, but it’s as level as we can get it … We’re going to be competitive at Colorado … Media rights deals at the end of the decade will decide CU’s future … CU the 7th-most watched team in the country last season … Donate! Donate! Donate! …

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July 17th

… CU in a few minutes … 

CU determined to not finish last in rushing in 2025: “We’ve gotta run the football”

From the Daily Camera … Who lines up at running back remains to be seen, but Sanders is determined to make sure CU is better on the ground.

“We should be a much more fine-tuned running game because some of the linemen are straight killers that we brought in,” Sanders said at Big 12 media day last week. “We’ve gotta run the football. We can’t depend on (now graduated quarterback Shedeur Sanders) to pull off a miracle. We’ve gotta run the football and that’s what we plan on doing.”

Leading up to preseason camp, BuffZone.com will preview each position group for the CU football team and in this installment, we look at the running backs.

In 2024, there were 71 individual players around the country who rushed for more yards than CU had as a team (847). Isaiah Augustave accounted for 45.3% of those yards (384), but he’s now at South Carolina.

Coming into this year, the most accomplished runner on the team is new quarterback Kaidon Salter, who racked up 1,676 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground over the last two years.

CU will need production from the running backs, though, to improve its numbers from the past two years. CU was last in the country in rushing in 2023 (69.92 yards per game) and 2024 (65.15 per game).

This year, there are five scholarship players vying for the starting role and carries. While there is no clear favorite, all of them have some level of experience in college football.

… Continue reading story here …

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July 16th

… CU in a few minutes … 

CU Hall of Fame Class to include Jeff Campbell, Barry Remington and Mason Crosby

Press release from CUBuffs.com … The 20th class to be inducted into the University of Colorado Athletic Hall of Fame this November will feature nine Golden Buffaloes who excelled in their day, representing five different sports and including one of the most popular administrators in athletic department history.

Also recognized will be two additions to each of the Hall’s Legacy Wing and the revived Athletic Hall of Honor.

All have their special place in the school’s history.  The inductees, including one who will be honored posthumously, cover a period starting in the late 1930s through this past spring, representing seven different decades between all.  The eight Hall athletes to be inducted hail from football (three), men’s basketball (two), women’s track (two) and women’s skiing (one); the other three are two contributors and one administrator.

Five of the 11 are women, the most to be inducted in any class to date, with the Legacy Wing selections are two unique individuals who have been involved intimately a long time with the program for a combined 11 decades between them.  The Hall of Honor inductees represent women’s Nordic skiing and football.

The 2025 Hall of Fame class will be the 20th inducted into the Hall since it was conceived in 1998, and the 11 will join 166 individuals (including seven Legacy Wing inductees along with the 1959 ski team as a unit) who have been enshrined to date (25 previously have been honored posthumously).  Those to be inducted this November into the Athletic Hall of Fame are (complete bios follow in this release):

Ø Jeff Campbell, Football (1986-89)

Ø Mason Crosby, Football (2003-06)

Ø Shalaya Kipp, Cross Country & Track (2009-14)

Ø Kris Livingston, Administrator (1994-2025)

Ø Pam Owen McCartney, Track & Field (1989-93)

Ø Joanne Reid, Skiing (2010-13)

Ø Barry Remington, Football (1982-86)

Ø Richard Roby, Basketball (2004-08)

Ø Jim Willcoxon, Basketball (1937-39)

The group – Athletic Hall of Fame and its Legacy Wing and the Hall of Honor – will officially be inducted during Hall of Fame Weekend over the course of Nov. 20-22 (final details pending); they will also be featured in the Pearl Street Stampede parade on Friday night and will be introduced at halftime of the CU-Arizona State football game on Saturday, Nov. 22.

— Jeff Campbell … A 5-foot-9, 155-pounder out of Vail’s Battle Mountain High School, Jeff Campbell’s first love of the four sports he lettered in was football – despite the fact he was considered one of the nation’s top 25 hockey players.  He was invited to walk-on to the football team by assistant coach Lou Tepper, who had to convince Bill McCartney to have him come to camp to try out, “because I was so little,” Campbell recalled.  He earned a scholarship after just one week of practice (only two days of which were in pads), and arguably became CU’s most celebrated walk-on in history.

“Soupy,” as he soon would become known, would amass some impressive statistics, especially being a thorn in Nebraska’s side playing a key role in wins over the Corn when they were No. 3 in both 1986 (20-10) and 1989 (27-21).  He scored on a 39-yard reverse run to give CU a 7-0 lead in the ’86 game, adding a 14-yard run for a first down in the fourth quarter that led to a Dave DeLine field goal and the final points in the game, keeping NU down by two scores.  In ’89, he had punt returns of 47 and 55 yards, both setting up touchdowns that gave CU leads at the time of 14-7 and 24-14, respectively.

Overall in his CU career, between rushes, receptions and punt returns, he had 139 touches for 2,186 yards, an astonishing 15.7 yards per play, with seven touchdowns.  The most impressive of the lot was his 28.6 average on 28 catches for 802 yards.

“The selection means the world to me,” Campbell said.  “Out of all the things that I’ve done in my life, this is by far the best experience I have ever had.  It is something that I will cherish forever.  To have been with our group of coaches and teammates for those years is indescribable.  Without Coach Mac, Lou Tepper, Oliver Lucas and Don Frease, I never would’ve had a chance to be here – and I can tell you I would not be where I am today without this program.  They were more than coaches, they were mentors and friends.  They pushed me to be the best I could be.  Yes, they were hard and I sometimes felt I couldn’t give anymore, but they would raise the ceiling and show me I could.   It was an honor to be a Buffalo.  I wouldn’t be in this select group without my coaches, my teammates and my family. 

“I came to the University of Colorado with just a chance and an opportunity, but that is all I wanted,” he continued.  “I left here with an incredible family that I have relied on over the years for many different things.  So much of what Colorado Football meant to me was, yes, we were champions, we were the best in the country – but I can’t imagine my life without my former teammates.  My friends.  The whole experience was beyond amazing.  I’m so very thankful and grateful for the opportunity to have worn the buffalo logo on my helmet.  It will forever be in my mind, the greatest accomplishment of my life.”

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— Mason Crosby … The seventh two-time, first-team All-American in CU history, Mason Crosby finished his career in 2006 as CU’s all-time leading scorer with 307 points.  Fast-forward to 2022, he scored his 10 final points in his career with Green Bay with three field goals and an extra point kick against Detroit, finishing as the Packer’s all-time leading scorer with 1,918 points.  That made him one of just six players in history to lead both their college and NFL team in scoring.  On July 24, he will be inducted into Green Bay’s Hall of Fame.

Crosby also was CU’s seventh (and last) three-time, first-team All-Conference performer, and in 2015, he was named as the second-team kicker on the Football Writers Association of America’s 75th Anniversary All-America team.  Including the scoring mark, he set 33 CU single-game, season and/or career records, including field goals made (66) and attempted (88), extra points made (109) and attempted (117), field goal percentage (75.0) and longest field goal made (60 yards).  He made 12 kicks of 50 yards or longer (the previous high was three), and excelled in late game heroics, a clutch performer: he was 12-of-15 in the game’s in the final 9½ minutes.

“I never set out chasing accolades like this, which is why being inducted into the Colorado Athletic Hall of Fame means so much,” Crosby said.  “It’s a humbling moment to pause and reflect on how blessed I was to be a part of the Buffaloes tradition.  I’m incredibly grateful to Coach Gary Barnett — not only for recognizing potential in me, but for helping set a course that ultimately led me to a career in the NFL and the honor of becoming a Super Bowl champion.

“When I think back on my time in Boulder, it’s not just the games – it’s the people,” he continued.  “The team camaraderie, the wins over Colorado State, and the incredible support staff who made sure we thrived on and off the field.  None of this would’ve been possible without my parents.  Their steadfast belief in me and sacrifices gave me the opportunity to be part of a program like Colorado.  I carry their love and support with me every step of the way.

 “Above all, I give thanks to God for every opportunity, challenge, and victory along the way,” he added.  “My faith has always grounded me, and I’m grateful for where He’s led me – starting with those formative years in Boulder.  CU will always hold a special place in my heart – not just because of football, but because it’s where I met my wife.  That chapter of my life started in Boulder, and it’s been the foundation for everything that’s followed.”

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— Barry Remington … Barry Remington had to overcome several serious injuries in his football career, including permanent eye damage when he stepped on a bottle of acid in the dark in the summer prior to his senior season. But for him, his last year would be remembered for what he accomplished rather than the maladies.

He entered that senior season (’86) just seven tackles shy of setting CU’s all-time record; 127 takedowns later, he ended his career with 493 stops, including 245 solo, blowing past the previous records and establishing an overall mark no one has come close to (he’s still sixth in unassisted tackles).  Almost four decades later, his tackles mark is the sixth-oldest of all career numbers in the record book.  The 127 stops had him second in the Big Eight Conference as a senior, when he was an Associated Press honorable mention All-American as a senior in 1986, when he was also a unanimous all-Big Eight performer.

One of his two career interceptions came late in CU’s 20-10 upset of No. 3 Nebraska in ’86, thwarting the last Cornhusker rally, captured live on an ABC cut-in (with CU’s late ski coach Bob Beattie dictating the action (which prompted fans to rush the field with 16 seconds left on the clock).  He posted three straight 100-plus tackle seasons, the first player in CU history to do so, and had five games of 20 or more tackles, the most by any Buff in school history (his career high was 23 at Oklahoma State in 1984).

“I’m very thankful and honored,” Remington said.  “Being a Colorado kid, going to Fairview, winning a couple of state championships in football and basketball, staying home to play for the Buffs – and now the Hall of Fame at CU – it’s truly an honor.  I’m looking forward to sharing this prestigious honor with my teammates, my friends, and of course, my family.

 “I loved every second of it,” he added.  “Sure, I wish I had avoided a few injuries in my career, but to play in so many games and be part of the Buffs turning into a national power back then – man, how blessed were we to have Coach (Bill) Mac (McCartney) leading us.  No question, this is something very special.”

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Julian Lewis: “If I win the job or lose the job, I’m going to work the same. It’s just how it has to go”

From the Daily Camera … It’s not often that true freshmen are hand-picked by head coaches to represent their teams at media day – especially those who aren’t guaranteed a starting job.

Colorado’s Julian “JuJu” Lewis isn’t the typical true freshman, however, and there’s no question that head coach Deion Sanders is a firm believer that Lewis’ future is bright.

“JuJu is coming on round the mountain when he comes, and I love him,” Sanders said at Big 12 Conference media day in Frisco, Texas, last week. “I love what he brings to the table. I don’t know how (the QB competition) is gonna play out, as long as it plays out. We can’t lose either way with either of those two.”

A 17-year-old who graduated from Carrollton (Ga.) High School a year early, Lewis should be preparing for his senior year with the Trojans. Instead, he’s battling with fifth-year senior Kaidon Salter for the starting job with the Buffaloes.

Lewis and Salter are both competing to take the reins of the CU offense from Shedeur Sanders, the 2024 Big 12 offensive player of the year who shattered numerous school records before heading off to the NFL.

Coach Prime trusts and believes in Lewis and Salter enough that he sent both to Frisco.

“It’s crazy that I’m here,” Lewis, who will turn 18 on Sept. 21, told BuffZone at media day. “It’s a blessing. I’m definitely looking at the bright side of the whole situation. It’s been a long day, but definitely happy to talk to everybody.”

Enrolling at CU in January, Lewis has continued to handle business, putting his head down and going to work.

“I feel like work is going to be work regardless,” he said. “You’ve got to work. If I win the job or lose the job, I’m going to work the same. It’s just how it has to go.”

… Continue reading story here …

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July 15th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Buffs Premier available: “Where Fans Build Champions”

Different tiers of membership available here

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Offensive lineman Jordan Seaton: “I’m excited to showcase what I’m able to do with my team”

From the Daily Camera … Spending a day with Jordan Seaton might be rather entertaining, but there’s no question it wouldn’t be easy.

“It would be a day,” the Colorado left tackle said with a laugh.

There are a lot of expectations on Seaton heading into his sophomore year, but he’s not resting on that praise. If anything, it’s made him work harder this offseason and he’s not taking many days off.

“This offseason has been the most locked in I’ve ever been in my life,” Seaton told BuffZone at Big 12 media day in Frisco, Texas, last week. “I’m actually excited to showcase what I’m able to do with my team.”

Coming out of IMG Academy in Florida in 2024, Seaton was the No. 1-rated prep offensive lineman in the country and signed with the Buffaloes. He backed up that rating when he was the only CU lineman to start all 13 games in 2024, leading the offense in total snaps played (860).

Seaton was CU’s best and most consistent lineman, earning freshman All-American accolades in helping the Buffs go 9-4 and earn a trip to the Alamo Bowl.

This year, many of CU’s top stars from a year ago – including quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter – are gone, and Seaton might be the face of the team. He’s earned numerous preseason All-Big 12 honors, as well as some preseason All-American recognition.

… Continue reading story here …

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July 14th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Kicker Alejandro Mata: “I feel like I’m a better man because of Coach Prime”

From the Daily Camera … Born in Honduras, Mata grew up playing soccer and lived in Mexico and Brazil before his family moved to Georgia when he was in sixth grade. As a freshman at Buford (Ga.) High School, he began playing football and turned his success there into a scholarship at Jackson State, where Sanders was the head coach.

After Mata’s freshman year at JSU, Sanders took the head coaching job at Colorado and Mata came with him. This season will be Mata’s fourth with Sanders.

“That’s important to me, because I know that he knows what I need to do to get to the next level,” Mata said. “If I want to get there, I know that I gotta listen to him, I gotta follow him, and I gotta do exactly what he did. He already did what I want to do. He made the (NFL) for (14) years, he made the Hall of Fame, and that’s something I want to do in my life.”

Beyond football, Mata said Sanders has made a significant impact in his life as a father figure.

“As a person, definitely, I feel like I’m a better man because of Coach Prime and all the preaching that he does, and all the team meetings that we have with him,” he said. “I’ve definitely learned how to be a better man, how to be a better son, how to be a better brother, better cousin. I’m more than thankful for that.”

Along the way, Sanders has trusted Mata, to the point that he sent him with four other players to Frisco to represent the Buffs at media day.

“Oh yeah, it means a lot, that’s for sure,” Mata said. “Being hand-picked by Coach Prime is definitely a big deal. I love doing it. Any type of media, I love doing it, whether it’s podcasts, radio shows, interviews; whatever it is, I’m always open to do it.”

… Read full story here …

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July 13th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Cornerback DJ McKinney on following Travis Hunter: “If you work for it, you can get it”

From the Daily Camera … As a highly recruited star at Colleyville Heritage High School in Texas, DJ McKinney went to college confident in the young man he was at the time.

“It’s crazy, man, because coming into college, I thought I was ready for everything,” he said at Big 12 media day in Frisco, Texas, on Wednesday. “But a lot happens, a lot changes.”

Now going into his fourth year of college and his second year at Colorado, McKinney is a more mature young man and a dramatically better player than he was at 18 years old.

“You figure out who you really are (in college) and just become a better person,” he said. “Being here (at media day), honestly, just shows me how much I’ve grown since coming in, being a freshman at Oklahoma State, to where I am now, representing Colorado here.”

One of five players selected by CU head coach Deion Sanders to represent the Buffaloes in Frisco is a sign that McKinney is being counted on as a leader and that he’s trusted as a face of the program.

“It just means a lot, and it’s a true blessing to be here today,” he said.

McKinney earned it on and off the field, and he’s projected to be one of the top players for the Buffaloes this season. In fact, he’s viewed as one of the top players in the conference, as one of five defensive backs selected for the preseason all-conference team.

“It’s a blessing for sure,” he said of the preseason accolades, “but I’m always keeping the main thing the main thing, which is supporting my teammates and trying to win a Big 12 championship and just being a better athlete and person.”

… Continue reading story here …

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July 12th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Kaidon Salter and JuJu Lewis in friendly competition: “The (quarterback) room has been super healthy”

From the Daily Camera … Just 13 months ago, JuJu Lewis sat and listened in Manhattan Beach, Calif., as Kaidon Salter told his story at the Elite 11 Finals.

“They give the counselors time to talk about their past and stuff, so I heard about everything that has happened with him,” Lewis, 17, said this week at Big 12 media days in Frisco, Texas.

Neither one had any idea they would soon be teammates competing for the same job, but when Colorado opens preseason camp later this month, the former counselor and prospect — separated by about 4 1/2 years in age – will battle to be the Buffaloes’ starting quarterback.

“It was nothing that we had planned or anything,” Salter, 22, said. “It all worked out crazy, and now that we’re both on the same team, competing for the spot, it’s truly an honor and a blessing from God just to be able to be competing against such a great quarterback.”

… Both joined CU at the Alamo Bowl in December and have been working together since January.

“I love him to death,” Lewis said before smiling and joking about Salter’s age. “He’s really ‘Unc’, though. He’s definitely ‘Unc.’”

Salter smiled when he said of Lewis, “He’s very mature, but he also has his ‘I’m 17’ moments in the locker room when he wants to play too much.”

Both quarterbacks are competitive and confident, and they share respect for each other.

“We definitely get along well, and the (quarterback) room has been super healthy,” Lewis said.

Salter said both players understand it’ll be Coach Prime and the CU staff deciding who will be on the field, so they’re enjoying the competition and their bond as they prep for the season.

“He’s learning faster than I did when I was a freshman,” Salter said. “It’s been a pleasure to just compete against him and doing everything right. We’re helping each other. I’m the big bro. We’ve built that big bro, little bro bond already in six months. JuJu is very funny, so much personality. He makes it fun every day.”

… Read full story here …

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July 11th

… CU in a few minutes … 

First round of CU student sports passes sell out in 26 minutes 

From the Daily Camera … CU Boulder students flocked to the university’s website on Thursday morning to try to purchase a coveted student sports pass for the upcoming football and basketball seasons, selling out the available passes in less than a half hour.

All student sports passes that went on sale at 10 a.m. Thursday morning sold out in about 26 minutes, according to CU Boulder spokesperson Steve Hurlbert. Thursday marked the first round of sports pass sales, where the university sold 75% of its student sports pass inventory. The remaining 25% of student sports passes will go on sale Aug. 19. Passes are sold for $245.

“So anyone who missed out on a pass today will have another opportunity to get one,” Hurlbert wrote in an email to the Daily Camera.

A CU student sports pass allows students to claim a ticket to home football and basketball games for the season. Due to high demand, students who purchase a sports pass must also go through a claim process to acquire tickets for football and basketball games. Even with a sports pass, acquiring a ticket is not guaranteed. Admission to all other games, such as volleyball, soccer and women’s basketball, is free for students with their student ID.

Hurlbert said there were no crashes and no website issues, despite some students describing such issues on social media.

“There were no technological issues whatsoever with today’s student sport pass sale,” Hurlbert wrote in the email. “… It was the smoothest sports pass sale in the Coach Prime era, and everything worked flawlessly on our end.”

One student on the Barstool Buffs Instagram page blamed the website, describing how they were “first in line, never got redirected (to the site), told me I got redirected, had to go to the back of the line, tickets sold out.” Multiple people responded to the comment, saying the same thing happened to them.

… Continue reading story here …

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July 9th

… CU in a few minutes … 

**Coach Prime’s Big 12 Media Days Press Conference**

From the Big 12 …

Coach Prime: “I’m not here to talk about my health, I’m here to talk about my team.”

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Daily Camera previews Arizona: Honeymoon ended quickly for head coach Brent Brennan

From the Daily Camera … Brent Brennan turned around San Jose State before taking over at Arizona, which went 10-3 in 2023 under Jedd Fisch, who bolted after that year for Washington (taking several key Wildcats with him).

Despite having one of the best receivers in the country last year in Tetairoa McMillan (the No. 8 pick this year’s NFL Draft) and a returning starter at quarterback, Arizona sputtered offensively. One of the preseason favorites in the Big 12, the Wildcats went 1-7 in their last eight games.

Behind new coordinators and a whole lot of transfers, Brennan is looking to get the Wildcats back on track.

“I think we’re really excited about where we’re at right now with this team,” Brennan said in a recent interview with 365 Sports. “We’ve had a great offseason, we’ve added some key players in the portal and we’ve also added some big-time personnel in the coaching and recruiting department. We’re moving forward. Our guys are locked into the process, and we’re getting after it every single day here.”

Seth Doege takes over as offensive coordinator after filling that role at Marshall last year. He runs an up-tempo offense and helped Marshall score 9.0 more points per game than in 2023. He’ll look to do the same for an Arizona offense that averaged just 21.8 points last year (114th nationally), a number that drops to 18.2 when taking out a 61-point burst in the opener against New Mexico.

… Continue reading story here …

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July 8th

… CU in a few minutes … 

One last collegiate award: Travis Hunter selected to receive Big 12’s Bob Bowlsby Award (Conference’s highest individual honor)

Press release from the Big 12 … BYU’s Meghan Hunter (track and field) and Colorado’s Travis Hunter (football) were selected as the recipients of the third annual Bob Bowlsby Award.

Established by the Big 12 Board of Directors, the Bob Bowlsby Award is the Conference’s highest individual honor. Named for former Commissioner Bob Bowlsby, the award recognizes one male and one female student-athlete who exemplify excellence and leadership both on and off the field.

The winners were determined by a vote of the league’s athletics directors.

This marks the second consecutive year a BYU student-athlete has received the honor, while Colorado celebrates the award in its first season back in the Big 12.

Colorado’s Travis Hunter delivered one of the most decorated individual seasons in college football history, being named the consensus National Player of the Year while becoming the Buffaloes’ second Heisman Trophy winner.

The native of Suwanee, Georgia, was named the National Defensive Player of the Year (Bednarik, Lott IMPACT Trophy), became the first repeat winner of the Paul Hornung Award (most versatile) and captured the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver. He was a unanimous first-team All-American, earning seven first team honors across major publications.

A psychology major, Hunter was selected No. 2 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft and remains on track to graduate in December.

The cover star of EA Sports College Football 25 was named the Division I Football Academic All-American of the Year and is a two-time first-team Academic All-America honoree. A frequent member of CU’s 4.0 GPA Club, he has balanced elite athletic performance with a deep commitment to academics.

Off the field, Hunter is the epitome of a teammate and a good citizen. He regularly visited schools and community centers and helped families in need by purchasing Christmas gifts. After sustaining an injury during the Colorado State game his sophomore season, he reached out to support the opposing player – who had received online threats – by recording a joint video to defuse the situation.

… Read full story here …

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July 7th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Two Buffs named to 2025 Preseason All-Big 12 Team

Press release from the Big 12 …

The Big 12 Conference has announced its 2025 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team as voted on by media members who cover the league. Arizona State, the defending Conference champion, led all schools with five players on the team with quarterback Sam Leavitt being selected as the league’s Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.

Texas Tech and Iowa State each had three selections voted to the preseason team as the Red Raiders’ Jacob Rodriguez was named the Big 12’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Utah quarterback Devon Dampier was selected as this year’s Newcomer of the Year.

2025 Preseason All-Big 12 Team
Offensive Player of the Year: Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State, RS-So.
Defensive Player of the Year: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech, Sr.
Newcomer of the Year: Devon Dampier, QB, Utah, Jr.

Preseason All-Conference 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.

Preseason All-Conference Team (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.

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July 6th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Rick George: “It’ll be a tough year for us fiscally; the next three years, probably”

From the Daily Camera … The University of Colorado is ready to roll into a new era of college athletics, but it won’t come without some challenges along the way.

Last month, the approval of the House vs. NCAA settlement ushered in a dramatic change for college athletics, as schools around the country are now allowed to directly pay student-athletes through revenue sharing, as of July 1. CU is likely to start cutting checks to student-athletes at some point this month.

There is a cap of $20.5 million during the 2025-26 school year that institutions can use to pay their student-athletes, and CU athletic director Rick George has said the Buffs will be “all in.”

To be all-in, CU and many of its peers will have to get creative.

“It’s a tough time for a lot of schools out there, because nobody’s just sitting on money,” George said this past week in an interview with BuffZone. “You’ve got to make some changes and do some different things. We’ve been looking at our expenses, and how do we lower our expenses, and how do we lower our game costs and have a better net there? It’s not just in (generating) revenue, it’s in expenses, too. I think we’ve been really good in managing our expenses over my tenure here.”

Still, CU and other schools will face challenges in working $20.5 million into their budgets.

Even some of the top revenue-generating athletic departments in the country are going to have to make changes. During the 2024 fiscal year, Ohio State athletics reported a deficit of nearly $38 million, despite nearly $255 million in revenue. (CU, by comparison, had a school-record $142 million in revenue for FY24).

Between the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years, CU athletics basically broke even but only because the CU campus provided several million dollars in support. Adding a significant expense to pay student-athletes will lead to some changes and challenges for CU and other schools.

“We’ll grow our revenue significantly this year, but it’s not enough,” George said. “We’ve had to make some cuts. We haven’t filled some positions. We’ve restructured different areas just to be able to meet this challenge. It’ll be a tough year for us fiscally; the next three years, probably.”

… Continue reading story here …

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July 2nd

… CU in a few minutes … 

Daily Camera previews Utah: Every skill position player for the Utes will be new

From the Daily Camera … A top team for several years in the Pac-12, Utah came into its first season in the Big 12 as the projected champion. Instead, after a 4-0 start, the Utes went 1-7 the rest of the way. That included a seven-game losing streak, the longest for the program since 1986.

This summer, BuffZone is previewing each of Colorado’s opponents for the 2025 season and in this installment we look at Utah, which is aiming to get back track and hosts the Buffs on Oct. 25 in Salt Lake City.

Entering his 21st season as head coach at Utah, Kyle Whittingham has built a reputation as one of the best coaches in the country. The 2024 season didn’t go well, but he’s never stayed down for long. Last year was just his third losing season, and with four one-score losses, the Utes weren’t far from landing in yet another bowl game.

There will be a lot of new faces for the Utes this year, but that may be a good thing.

Most notably, the Utes aren’t pinning their hopes on quarterback Cam Rising any longer. Rising may forever be a Utes legend after leading them to back-to-back Pac-12 titles and Rose Bowl appearances in 2021 and 2022, but he missed the entire 2023 season with an injury. A seventh-year senior in 2024, he played three games before another season-ending injury that changed Utah’s outlook once again.

Without Rising, Utah’s offense has struggled mightily the past two years, including ranking 102nd in scoring (23.6 per game) and 115th in yards (329.8 per game) last year.

Former BYU quarterback Jason Beck is the new offensive coordinator after directing an explosive offense at New Mexico last year. The Lobos averaged 33.5 points per game (24th nationally) and 484.3 yards (fourth), with sophomore quarterback Devon Dampier leading the way.

Utah plucked not only Beck, but Dampier and running back NaQuari Rogers from the Lobos.

The Utes’ top five rushers and top six receivers from last year are gone, but Dampier, Rogers and Washington State transfer running back Wayshawn Parker will inject some life into the run game.

… Continue reading story here …

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July 1st 

… CU in a few minutes … 

Daily Camera previews Iowa State: Cyclones in search of first conference title since 1912

From the Daily Camera … Last year, Iowa State reached the Big 12 title game for the second time in the last five years, but was thumped by Arizona State, 45-19.

Although the Cyclones are still seeking their first conference title since they were Missouri Valley co-champs in 1912 (and 1911), last year was a banner season. They set a program record with 11 wins (previous mark was nine) and head coach Matt Campbell continues to put his team in a position to win.

Despite losing several key players from last year’s run to the title game, Iowa State returns quarterback Rocco Becht, several starters on the offensive line and six starters from a defense that was solid.

Top receivers Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins are now in the NFL (both drafted by the Houston Texans). That duo combined for 167 catches and 2,377 yards, so they’ll be tough to replace.

However, Becht is entering his third season as the starting quarterback and he has some new weapons. Transfers Chase Sowell and Xavier Townsend highlight the receiving corps, while there is a deep group of tight ends.

Top two rushers Carson Hansen and Abu Sama III are both back. Hansen rushed for 752 yards and 13 touchdowns, while Sama rushed for 587 yards and two scores.

A year ago, the Cyclones averaged 31.1 points per game (seventh in the Big 12). With Becht at the helm, it’s a good bet they’ll continue to be able to score around 30 points per game.

Defensively, the Cyclones gave up just 22.9 points per game (fourth in the Big 12), but were torched late, in the loss to ASU and in a 42-41 win against Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.

Linebackers were hit hard by injury last year, but Iowa State will get Caleb Bacon back. He was injured in the opener and missed the rest of the year. Kooper Ebel (69 tackles) returns after finishing third on the team in tackles.

Up front, Iowa State was able to hold onto nose tackle Dominique Orange, but they’ll rely on some transfers to bolster that group.

… Continue reading story here …

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June 30th

… CU in a few minutes … 

CU to take both quarterbacks to Big 12 Media Days (July 9th for CU) 

From the Big 12 … Big 12 Announces Attendees for Football Media Days Powered by Microsoft Copilot

IRVING, Texas -The Big 12 Conference has announced the student-athlete attendees for the Big 12 Football Media Days powered by Microsoft Copilot next week at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

Big 12 Football Media Days will take place on Tuesday, July 8 and Wednesday, July 9 at the Dallas Cowboys’ global headquarters. Both days of the event will be broadcast live in their entirety on ESPNU and ESPN+, with portions of the day broadcast live on ESPN2 for the first time ever. Additionally, the event will broadcast on Big 12 Studios from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT.

Wednesday, July 9

Colorado
QB Julian Lewis
QB Kaidon Salter
OL Jordan Seaton
DB DJ McKinney
K Alejandro Mata

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June 29th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Coach Prime rehabilitating in weighted vest, promises to return to job soon

From USA Today … Colorado football coach Deion Sanders has been rehabilitating in a weighted vest with the help of his son Deion Jr. as he tries to come back from an unspecified health issue and return to his job in Boulder.

Sanders, 57, provided two recent updates on Instagram, including one on Saturday that showed him wearing a weighted vest next to Deion Jr.

“Every little step I take My son @deionsandersjr has been there so we’ve decided to keep on stepping!” Sanders wrote in the post Saturday. “#CoachPrime coming to a stadium sold out soon.”

In another post from June 26, he used his situation to promote an energy drink sponsor in the same vest.

“1 step closer Everyday,” he wrote. “I’m Walking it out! Our Team is working their butts off therefore I’ve got to match that (fire) they have!”

The timing of his return to campus remains unclear, but he is scheduled to appear at a Big 12 Conference media event in Frisco, Texas on July 9th.

… Read full story here …

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June 28th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Daily Camera previews TCU – Sonny Dykes: “I love where we are right now as a team and as a program”

From the Daily Camera … TCU may not be a national title contender like it was in 2022, when it went 13-2 and lost in the championship game. But, the program isn’t sputtering like it was in 2021, prompting administration to move on from long-time coach Gary Patterson.

The Patterson era (2001-21) was sensational for TCU and was a big reason the program was in position to leave the Mountain West Conference for the Big 12 in 2012. In the last four years under Patterson, however, TCU went 23-24.

Dykes is 27-13 through three years and the 2025 version of the Horned Frogs could be a contender for the Big 12 title.

“I love this team. I love where we are right now as a team and as a program,” Dykes said to TCU media a week ago. “We like our team, I love the work ethic of the team, I love the makeup of the team. It’s a deep team, but we haven’t done anything.

“I think we’re a lot further along than we’ve ever been, just with the way the guys have trained and the buy-in and what we’re doing now with our players and how we’re doing it. I think we’re constantly trying to build a better mousetrap and I feel like we’re getting there.”

The magical 2022 season was followed by a 5-7 campaign in 2023, a year that saw three losses by three points (including the opener against CU). The Horned Frogs got back on track last year, though, in going 9-4.

Several key players from last year are gone, but quarterback Josh Hoover returns. He was reportedly offered more than $1 million by Tennessee, but chose to stay at TCU, where he threw for nearly 4,000 yards last year as a sophomore.

“I love Fort Worth, I love TCU,” he told local media recently. “I see TCU as a top program and that’s why I came here. I came here to win a Big 12 championship.”

To do that, he needs some people around him to step up.

TCU’s top three receivers graduated, but there’s still talent, led by Eric McAlister (39 catches for 762 yards), and transfers Jordan Dwyer and Joseph Manjack IV. The run game has to improve, though. The Horned Frogs were 112th nationally with just 113.9 yards per game on the ground.

… Continue reading story here …

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June 27th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Kickoff luncheon set for August 15th 

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June 26th

… CU in a few minutes … 

CU unveils “Buffs Premier”, a new fan engagement and membership program

Press release from CUBuffs.com … Coach Prime changed the game. Now it’s the fans’ turn. Today, University of Colorado Boulder Athletics, in partnership with fan experience leader  Two Circles, unveiled Buffs Premier, a first-of-its-kind fan engagement and membership program fully owned and operated by a college athletics department. This groundbreaking platform is designed to fuel fan passion and elevate athlete support, offering insider access, personalized experiences and a direct way to invest in Colorado student-athletes.

From exclusive content and custom gear delivered to fans’ doorsteps to VIP moments with coaches and players, Buffs Premier is built to reward loyalty and strengthen the connection between Buffs fans and their teams. Starting at $39.99/month, fans can choose from three tiers – Black, Silver, and Gold – and become Founding Members, unlocking early rewards and receiving the first Buffs Premier Box. Revenue generated will be invested back in student-athletes and will enable Colorado to continue to compete at the highest levels of college athletics.

Key Benefits Include:

• Revenue reinvested into student-athlete programs across all sports;
• Access to exclusive content, personalized messages from CU Athletics leadership, coaches and players;
• Custom gear, signed memorabilia and limited-edition merchandise drops;
• VIP experiences including unique game-day experiences, behind-the-scenes tours and virtual roundtables;
• Sweepstakes;
• Special access to purchase tickets to select CU football home games;
• The opportunity to build a stronger, more competitive athletics program, one that attracts and champions the best student-athletes in today’s evolving college sports landscape.

Rick George, Athletic Director at Colorado, said: “Buffs Premier brings the CU Buffaloes to our fans, students, and alumni like never before with perks and access to all of our programs, including our nationally recognized football team. I’m excited that CU Athletics is partnering with Two Circles on this initiative, which is the first of its kind in collegiate athletics and represents a new bar in fan engagement and student-athlete support.”

Two Circles, known for delivering transformative fan engagement for organizations including the NFL, Premier League, College Football Playoff and EA Sports will operate Buffs Premier through Two Circles College, its collegiate division focused on fan growth and sustainable revenue.

Nick Garner, Executive Vice President/Two Circles College, said: “Buffs Premier isn’t just about perks. It’s about genuine connection. Colorado is building something truly special – a loyalty platform that treats fans like insiders and partners in the program’s success. It also tackles one of the biggest challenges in college athletics: growing sustainable revenue while enriching the fan and athlete experience. Under Rick’s leadership, this is a huge step forward that honors CU’s legacy, energizes the next gen of Buffs fans and sets a new standard for engagement in college sports.”

Fans can sign up now to get updates and be the first join Buffs Premier at buffspremier.cubuffs.com.

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About CU Athletics
The University of Colorado, located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, began intercollegiate competition in the spring of 1890, and 134 years later the school sponsors 17 varsity programs on the NCAA Division I level.  The school sponsors men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, football, men’s and women’s golf, women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s skiing, women’s soccer, women’s tennis, men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track & field, and women’s volleyball.  Known as the Buffaloes since 1934, the school has won 30 national championships, over 200 conference championships and boasts more than 150 individual NCAA Champions.

About Two Circles
Two Circles grows audiences and revenues for the world’s leading sports and entertainment organizations by knowing fans best. From 13 international offices (Amsterdam, Bern, Cologne, Kansas City, London, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Miami, New York, Paris, Riga, Stockholm and Vancouver), Two Circles manages billions of fan data interactions on behalf of over 950 clients around the globe, with more insight into fan behavior and desire than any other organization.
The business uses this fan data to grow the volume and value of fan relationships across all channels, to increase revenue across media rights, sponsorship, ticketing, retail and licensing. Two Circles partners with organizations across the world of sport and entertainment, including the NFL, the Premier League, Wimbledon, EA Sports and UEFA.

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June 25th

… CU in a few minutes … 

CU announces naming rights deal (for Byron White Stadium Club)

From CUBuffs.com … Colorado Athletics and Buffalo Sports Properties have secured a new partnership with BOK Financial, introducing the top 25 financial services company as the “Official Banking Partner of the Buffs” in a multi-year agreement.

The partnership provides for category exclusivity and makes BOK Financial Colorado’s first naming rights partner for the Byron White Stadium Club.

“Like Colorado Athletics, BOK Financial is the gold standard and we are so happy to be entering into a partnership with a national institution so committed to our community,” said CU Athletic Director Rick George. “In addition to being the first naming rights partner for the Byron White Club, I’m incredibly excited for BOK Financial’s engagement with our great fans and students.”

As a part of their commitment to connecting with Buffs fans and students, BOK Financial now serves as the presenting sponsor of Colorado’s student section for home games at Folsom Field and the CU Event Center.

The partnership also delivers various traditional and digital assets, including intellectual property rights for the use of official Colorado Athletics logos and marks, prominent static signage, LED signage and digital sponsorship placement.

“We are so proud to partner with Colorado Athletics and the Buffs, particularly on the stadium club honoring legendary Buff and Supreme Court Justice Byron ‘Whizzer’ White,” said Stacy Kymes, BOK Financial president and CEO. “We look forward to being part of the rich history and celebrated traditions of Colorado’s athletic program.”

For more than a century, BOK Financial has fueled the success of consumers, businesses and wealth clients nationwide from operations focused in eight states in the Midwest and Southwest. The financial services company has 14 Colorado locations—including a banking center near the Boulder campus at 2025 Pearl St.—as well as a network of hundreds of surcharge-free ATMs across the state.

“We’re thrilled to welcome BOK Financial to the Buffs family and to see the remarkable commitment they are making to Colorado Athletics,” said Andrew Popchock, General Manager of Buffalo Sports Properties. “We’re proud to connect our fanbase to a highly regarded banking partner that combines nationwide resources with local ties to our community and state.”

Buffalo Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield – the media and technology company powering college athletics – is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Colorado Athletics and oversees all sponsorship agreements on behalf of the Buffaloes.

About BOK Financial 
BOK Financial Corporation is a $50 billion regional financial services company headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma with $114 billion in assets under management or administration. The company’s stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the Global Select market listings (BOKF). BOK Financial Corporation’s holdings include BOKF, NA; BOK Financial Securities, Inc.; and BOK Financial Private Wealth, Inc. BOKF, NA’s holdings include TransFund and Cavanal Hill Investment Management, Inc. BOKF, NA operates banking divisions across eight states as: Bank of Albuquerque; Bank of Oklahoma; Bank of Texas; and BOK Financial in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas and Missouri; as well as having limited purpose offices in Nebraska, Wisconsin, Connecticut and Tennessee. Through its subsidiaries, BOK Financial Corporation provides commercial and consumer banking, brokerage trading, investment and trust services, mortgage origination and servicing, and an electronic funds transfer network.

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June 24th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Georgia Tech game a designated “Stripe Out” Game

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June 23rd

… CU in a few minutes … 

Daily Camera previews BYU: Cougars coming off of an 11-2 season

From the Daily Camera … Projected 13th in the Big 12 going into last year, BYU started 9-0, vaulting to No. 6 in the country. Although two late losses cost them a spot in the conference title game, the Cougars finished 11-2, capping the campaign with a blowout of the Buffs in the Alamo Bowl.

“Maybe everybody should just predict us to be way down at the bottom again (this year),” head coach Kalani Sitake joked during an interview with BYU TV this spring.

That won’t happen, but Sitake said his team is ready to handle higher expectations. Early predictions don’t have BYU among the top contenders in the Big 12 but certainly much higher than last year.

“I’m not worried about it. The guys came with a different mindset in January,” Sitake said.

BYU is no stranger to success or lofty expectations. From 2005-22, the Cougars played in 17 bowls and posted seven 10-win seasons.

After joining the Big 12 in 2023, BYU went just 5-7 (2-7 in the Big 12) and lost its last five games, but that proved to be a blip, as it was back on track last year.

The 11-win season in 2024 didn’t satisfy the Cougars, though. Not when the Big 12 title game and possible spot in the College Football Playoff was within grasp until two close losses (by a combined nine points) in November.

“I think (the players) saw what was close and attainable, and they see the differences we’ve got to do to make up the difference,” Sitake said. “They kind of see what we’ve got to get after.

“We did some really hard work last year to get to this point, but that’s not why we did it, just so that we could have one year. We’ve got to build something and create momentum. The way I see the guys taking to the offseason, it’s been nice. It’s gonna be fun.”

A key to the season for BYU is the availability of senior quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who had a big year in 2024 but is now facing some legal issues.

Last month a civil lawsuit was filed against him, accusing Retzlaff of sexual assault. Although Retzlaff hasn’t been criminally charged, the legal issues could impact his future with the Cougars. BYU hasn’t commented, so it’s unclear on whether or not Retzlaff will play.

… Continue reading story here …

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June 22nd

… CU in a few minutes … 

Travis Hunter first non-quarterback to get entire signing bonus ($30.57 million) paid up front

From ESPN … Receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter signed his four-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday evening, the team announced.

The deal — worth $46.65 million fully guaranteed — includes a $30.57 million signing bonus paid up front.

Hunter is the first non-quarterback not drafted first overall to get his signing bonus entirely up front, according to his agents, Adie von Gontard and Ray Haija of Young Money APAA Sports.

Hunter was the last of the top 10 draft picks to sign his contract. Only two first-round picks remained unsigned: Cincinnati edge rusher Shemar Stewart (17th) and Denver cornerback Jahdae Barron (20th).

The Jaguars traded four draft picks — Nos. 5, 36 and 126 and a first-round selection in 2026 — to the Cleveland Browns to move up three spots to choose Hunter second.

Jacksonville plans to play Hunter on both sides of the ball, as Colorado did when he won the 2024 Heisman Trophy. Hunter spent the bulk of OTAs and mandatory minicamp working on offense but did devote at least one full practice to defense.

Hunter practiced on both offense and defense on the final day of the team’s three-day minicamp, which coach Liam Coen said is the plan for the rookie during training camp.

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Daily Camera previews Wyoming – Cowboys coming off of a 3-9 season

From the Daily Camera … In 10 years under Craig Bohl (2014-23), the Cowboys went 61-60 and played in bowl games in six of his last eight years.

A year ago, Wyoming went 3-9, but Jay Sawvel, the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator for four years before taking over as head coach, brings back a lot of core players. He said in spring that after the season, he had a top-10 list of players he hoped to keep from leaving for the transfer portal and nine of them are returning to Laramie.

“We have the makings of a good football team,” he said after the Cowboys’ spring game in April. “We have to get a lot better in certain areas, but when you look at it and you go, you’ve got your pieces of a great tight end group that we have, our two leading wide receivers back, our quarterback back, our offensive line back in a sense. We have a stocked room at defensive tackle right now.”

On offense, there is optimism in part because of the return of quarterback Kaden Anderson. A redshirt freshman last year, he played sparingly in the Cowboys’ first eight games and then took over as the starter.

This year, Anderson comes in as the clear starter. So much so, in fact, that Evan Svoboda, who started nine games at quarterback during the 2024 season (1,318 yards, five TDs, eight INTs), is now playing tight end.

Wyoming ranked 123rd nationally in scoring (19.3 points per game) last year but should improve upon that with so much back on offense. John Michael Gyllenborg is a top tight end in the Mountain West; and receivers Jaylen Sargent (team-high 480 yards) and Chris Durr (team-high 31 catches) are back.

Also back is leading rusher Sam Scott, who finished with 435 yards and averaged 4.7 yards per carry, despite making just four starts. The Cowboys would like to get more out of the run game, though, and added transfers Terron Kellman (Charlotte) and Max White (Iowa).

Four of the five starting offensive linemen are back, including Jack Walsh, a second-team all-conference guard in 2024 who is moving to center.

Defensively, only one full-time starter (nose tackle Ben Florentine) is back, but Wyoming likes the pieces it has this year.

… Continue reading story here …

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June 21st

… CU in a few minutes … 

Daily Camera previews CU’s first Big 12 game – at Houston 

From the Daily Camera … Houston is entering its third season in the Big 12 and its second under Fritz. After back-to-back 4-8 seasons, the Cougars made a lot of changes. Fritz brought in new coordinators on offense and defense, and nearly 30 transfers have joined the team.

“I liked how we installed our offense and defense and kicking game throughout the spring,” Fritz said during an interview with 365 Sports last month. “I like the addition of the kids that we had to work with us in spring football, and I like the addition that we had with some guys we’ve signed here (since spring). I think these guys have got great ability and competed at a high level, and they were position needs for us.”

The Cougars were solid on defense last year, ranking 25th nationally in yards allowed (324.8 per game) and 40th in points allowed (22.9 per game). They were dreadful on offense, though, ranking 132nd in scoring (14.0) and 128th in yards (288.1). Five times they finished with 10 or fewer points, including back-to-back shutouts.

“Obviously in year one in the Big 12 we were not very good on offense and we weren’t very good on the offensive line in particular,” Fritz said. “That was an area we had to address, and we addressed that in December and picked up five guys (on the line) who had started Division I football and had done a good job at the different places they were at.”

For Fritz, the changes started with hiring Slade Nagle as his new (and old) offensive coordinator. Nagle worked for Fritz at Tulane from 2016-23 but spent last year as the special teams coordinator/tight ends coach at LSU.

“Slade was with me at Tulane and did a fantastic job there,” Fritz said. “I was fortunate enough to get him back over here. I liked how he called games for us at Tulane.”

Houston also upgraded at quarterback by landing Conner Weigman, who started 13 games in three years at Texas A&M.

With games against Stephen F. Austin and at Rice to open the year, Houston is set up for a good start before CU comes to town. Fritz is hoping some lessons learned last year turn into some more success this year.

“In the Big 12, everybody is pretty good,” he said. “I was impressed with the league in my first season of competition. Just a very, very competitive league, from top to bottom. … A distinct difference from Group of Five football that I was involved with, without question.”

… Read full story here …

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June 20th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Future schedules may make current Week 0 the new Week 1

From CBS Sports … In an effort to curtail additional wear and tear from an extended college football season, college leaders are considering an earlier kickoff date that would move the beginning of the year from Week 1 to what is now Week 0, CBS Sports’ Brandon Marcello confirms. According to NCAA bylaw 17.11, universities wishing to play during Week 0 ahead of the more traditional Week 1 of Labor Day Weekend must be granted a waiver, but bringing back an earlier kickoff date as a permanent fixture is gaining steam as the entire college football calendar is examined.

“Eliminating waivers across all NCAA areas” has been primary talking point in recent years, per Yahoo Sports, but that involves difficult-to-navigate bureaucratic red tape. With the expanded College Football Playoff and litany of bowl games in addition to the recruiting calendar in December, the 2025 college football season begins in late August and goes through Jan. 19, 2026 with the national championship.

FBS teams play a 12-game regular-season schedule, followed by the opportunity of a 13th contest during conference championship weekend and then more games during the postseason. Theoretically, re-incorporating Week 0 — making it a new Week 1 — would provide more time for an additional open date during what amounts to a grueling 4.5-month schedule. The Football Champion Subdivision (FCS) is expected to formalize a proposal permitting its schools to play Week 0, adding a 12th regular season game beginning in 2026.

… Continue reading story here …

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June 19th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Daily Camera previews Delaware Blue Hens

From the Daily Camera … After winning the D-II title in 1979, Delaware jumped to I-AA in 1980 and was routinely in the playoffs, including four times from 2018-23. The Blue Hens reached the I-AA/FCS title game four times, winning the championship in 2003.

Ineligible for the playoffs last year because of the transition to the FBS, Delaware still went 9-2 and will now join Conference USA with hopes of maintaining its winning ways.

“Thanks to our recently opened Whitney Athletic Center and improvements to Delaware Stadium and other facilities, we are confident that we have the infrastructure in place at UD to compete with the very best in college football and simultaneously witness the growth of our other intercollegiate programs in the department,” athletic director Chrissi Rawak said during a press release announcing Delaware’s move on Nov. 28, 2023. “UD Athletics continues to ascend, and Blue Hen football is prepared to take the next step and lead the way.”

C-USA has been the landing spot for recent programs moving up from the FCS. Last year, Kennesaw State went 2-10 in its first FBS season. In 2023, Jacksonville State went 9-4 and Sam Houston 3-9 in their jump from FCS to C-USA. This year, Missouri State joins Delaware in the move from the FCS to C-USA.

How the Blue Hens fare remains to be seen, of course, but they are bringing back several veterans to help head coach Ryan Carty in the transition.

Carty, who has led Delaware to at least eight wins in each of his three seasons, has some experience at quarterback, but it’s unclear who will start.

Senior Zach Marker and junior Nick Minicucci are battling for the job, and it’s possible both will play. Marker, who began his career in junior college, has made six starts in his two years at Delaware and appeared in just four games last year before redshirting. Minicucci has made six starts in his career, five of them last year.

Although three different quarterbacks started last year, Delaware ranked 12th in the FCS in scoring (34.9 points per game) and 11th in total yards (434.9 per game). The Blue Hens were top 30 in both passing and rushing.

Despite losing their top receiver and rusher, the Blue Hens have some talent ready to emerge. Running back Jo’Nathan Silver (462 yards, 4 TD) and receivers Jake Thaw (41 catches), Max Patterson (25 catches) and Ja’Carree Kelly (17 catches) are looking for breakout seasons.

Former CU tight end Caleb Fauria returns to Folsom Field after earning third-team all-conference honors last year with the Blue Hens, who also return three starting linemen.

Defensively, Delaware was 19th in the FCS in points allowed (21.0) and 21st in yards allowed (319.6) in 2024 and was especially stingy against the run, ranking ninth (107.0).

A unique defense with three linemen and three safeties, the Blue Hens return seven starters, including all three safeties; that group is led by KT Seay. Nose tackle Keyshawn Hunter, linebackers Gavin Moul and Dillon Trainer, and defensive end Noah Matthews (a transfer from Kentucky) are key players, as well.

… Read full story here …

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This post, about the Spring/Summer game, from the 2025 Season, is filed under Article.
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