Colorado Daily

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Colorado Daily – Postseason

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February 3rd

… CU in a few minutes … 

CU makes The Athletic’s list of Top 25 Transfer Portal Classes

From The Athletic … The transfer portal has officially closed for Division I football players.

After a wild few weeks following the portal’s opening on Jan. 2, spring semester classes have begun, and coaches are solidifying their rosters for the 2026 season. Though teams may still add players from the portal over the coming months, the flow of transactions — especially for Power 4 conference programs — has slowed to a trickle.

So which teams did the best job during the January portal frenzy?

The Athletic ranked the top 25 transfer portal classes for the 2026 portal window. Multiple factors were taken into account, including the quality of players added and lost, how well needs were filled and how many transfers are expected to make a major impact. In evaluating player additions, production and experience typically outweighed inexperienced upside (thanks, Indiana, for showing us the way).

If a team failed to fill a need at a major position, that was heavily considered, as was teams’ success in attacking positions of need with quality additions. Retention of key players who were considered portal targets was also a factor.

From the Big 12 …

4. Texas Tech

• Scholarship players added/lost: 19/18
• Career snaps added/lost: 21,431/5,460
• Top players added: QB Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati), edge Adam Trick (Miami (Ohio)), edge Trey White (San Diego State), LB Austin Romaine (Kansas State), DL Mateen Ibirogba (Wake Forest)

A year after making a huge portal splash — which fueled a run to the Big 12 championship and CFP — the Red Raiders were at it again. They landed one of the most coveted quarterbacks in Sorsby, two of the top edge rushers in the portal (Trick and White), an All-Big 12 linebacker (Romaine) and a big body to plug into the middle of the defensive line (the 6-foot-3, 296-pound Ibirogba). Of the 19 signees, 15 have started at least nine games in their college careers. None of the players Tech lost to the portal recorded more than 200 snaps in 2025, and the group combined to start two games.

7. Oklahoma State

• Scholarship players added/lost: 53/63
• Career snaps added/lost: 39,751/29,027
• Top players added: QB Drew Mestemaker (North Texas), RB Caleb Hawkins (North Texas), WR Wyatt Young (North Texas), LB Ethan Wesloski (North Texas), OT Braydon Nelson (North Texas)

New coach Eric Morris inherited a team that went 1-11 last season with arguably the worst roster in the Power 4 ranks. So while the number of departing Cowboys is high, it allowed Morris to virtually start from scratch.

Unsurprisingly, he tapped heavily into his former school, North Texas, signing 17 players from a team that went 12-2. It’s a similar strategy to the one Cignetti employed in his first year at Indiana, when he brought a bunch of former James Madison stars with him. Could it pay off similarly for Oklahoma State? That may be asking a lot, but starting with an offensive nucleus of Mestemaker, Hawkins and Young — all of whom were attractive targets to other Power 4 programs — is a great first step.

17. Arizona State

• Scholarship players added/lost: 24/20
• Career snaps added/lost: 21,074/10,585
• Top players added: QB Cutter Boley (Kentucky), WR Omarion Miller (Colorado), WR Reed Harris (Boston College), safety Lyrik Rawls (Kansas), DL Jalen Thompson (Michigan State)

Since Kenny Dillingham’s arrival, the Sun Devils have been astute at utilizing the portal — their 2024 Big 12 championship team got several of its key contributors that way — and this year is no different. They had the tough task of replacing offensive stars Sam Leavitt (portal), Raleek Brown (portal) and Jordyn Tyson (NFL Draft), but did so respectably.

Boley has the size and traits to thrive with Dillingham, and the receivers ASU acquired could help him have a breakout year. Thompson was a two-year starter at Michigan State and had 6.5 tackles for loss. ASU brought in a lot of starting experience in the secondary, led by Rawls, Chance Rucker (Michigan State), Jessiah McGrew (FIU) and Marquis Gillis (Delaware State) — the latter two were all-conference picks in 2025.

18. Colorado

• Scholarship players added/lost: 41/35
• Career snaps added/lost: 34,084/26,106
• Top players added: DB Randon Fontenette (Vanderbilt), WR Danny Scudero (San Jose State), DL Santana Hopper (Tulane), LB Liona Lefau (Texas), WR DeAndre Moore (Texas)

There’s no denying that the Buffaloes lost a lot, headlined by the late gut punch of Jordan Seaton’s departure, but the work Deion Sanders and his staff did to replenish the roster was impressive. There are several multi-year Power 4 starters in this class, like Fontenette, Lefau, Moore, Houston center Demetrius Hunter and Rutgers offensive tackle Taj White. There are also gems from the Group of 5 ranks like Scudero, who led the nation in receiving yards in 2025, Hopper, James Madison corner Justin Eaglin and Bowling Green linebacker Gideon Lampron, all of whom were all-conference selections.

22. Houston

• Scholarship players added/lost: 16/18
• Career snaps added/lost: 14,508/9,861
• Top players added: OG Shadre Hurst (Tulane), C Anthony Boswell (Toledo), LB Jaden Yates (Ole Miss), TE Patrick Overmyer (UTSA), CB Javion White (Tulane)

A year ago, the Cougars loaded up in the portal, and the new additions helped improve the team from 4-8 in 2024 to 10-3 in 2025. They hit on a high rate, with 17 of the transfers starting at least six games and 13 starting at least 10. Although this is a smaller group, it could be nearly as impactful.

Houston started by retaining its two most important offensive players, quarterback Conner Weigman and receiver Amare Thomas. The Cougars added four offensive linemen, headlined by Hurst (first-team all-conference) and All-MAC selections Boswell and Drew Terrill. Houston coach Willie Fritz leaned on fit, landing former Tulane players like Hurst, White and running back Makhi Hughes, who starred for the Green Wave before transferring to Oregon last year, while also bringing seven Texas high school football products back to their home state.

… Read full story here …

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February 2nd

… CU in a few minutes … 

Dallas Cowboys filling coaching staff with coaches not named Robert Livingston

From DallasCowboys.com … Christian Parkers’ inaugural staff as a defensive coordinator is coming together, as the Cowboys hired Derrick Ansley to be their DBs coach/defensive pass game coordinator and Ryan Smith to be their secondary coach.

… Read full story here …

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January 30th 

… CU in a few minutes … 

*Getting to know four-star safety Boo Carter*

… There is no question that defensive back Boo Carter is a talented football player. A consensus four-start recruit from the Recruiting Class of 2024, Carter was rated as the No. 4 athlete in the nation and the No. 149 overall prospect in the country. While Carter played well at Tennessee, there were issues off the field, including missed team activities and conflicting narratives about injuries, leading to his leaving the team before the end of the season.

Despite the messy breakup with Tennessee, Carter was still listed as a four-star transfer, listed as the No. 4 safety in the Transfer Portal, and the No. 73 overall transfer in the nation.

Here is a brief interview with Carter (good news/bad news for Buffs. Carter has two years of eligibility, but wants to be “one and done” at CU. The good news part … if he’s that good, then he has had a good season in Boulder …

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CBS Third-year coaching grades: Coach Prime gets a “C+”

From CBS Sports … In modern college football, coaches have less time than ever to prove they are the man for the job. The pressures for instant success have only heightened with the introduction of the transfer portal, and examples like Curt Cignetti winning a national championship in Year 2 have led many to believe that turnaround jobs should take less time than ever. So after three years on the job, schools should have a good feel for a program’s direction.

The 2022-23 coaching carousel did not provide the landscape-shifting changes of other cycles, but it has produced plenty of hires who have already had their judgements rendered. Of the 24 FBS hires made in the cycle, a third of them never even got to Week 1 of Year 3. Seven coaches were fired after Year 2 — five of them for performance and two for off-field related issues — while former UNLV coach Barry Odom did such a good job with the Rebels he was hired away by Purdue to replace one of those coaches (Ryan Walters), who was fired after just two seasons.

But for the 16 coaches from the cycle who made it to at least Game 1 of the 2025 season, now is the time to render judgements and grades. The standard for these grades will shift depending on job and situation, but mostly focuses on how much high-level success has been achieved in three years and how each team has performed against its peers. And while we have grades for all 16, not all of them are going to make it to Year 4 at their current post. Among this group we have three coaches who were fired during the 2025 cycle and two others who were hired away to other jobs.

So let’s break it down, starting with one of the youngest coaches of the group who in three short years has already brought some hardware home to his alma mater.

Kenny Dillingham … Arizona State … A … The overall win-loss record is weighed down by a 3-9 debut season but the three-year grade on Dillingham is an undeniable success. Since joining the Big 12, Arizona State has a 13-5 record against conference foes and won the league crown in 2024 en route to a College Football Playoff appearance and a top-10 finish. Dillingham has also proven to be a very good big game coach, going 6-2 against ranked foes over the last two years including a win over top-10 Texas Tech in 2025.

Scott Satterfield … Cincinnati … C- … Things are technically on the upswing for the former Louisville and Appalachian State coach as Satterfield got the Bearcats to a bowl game for the first time in 2025 and has improved his record by two wins each season. Satterfield has expressed some of of the challenges of the timing taking over as the school made the move to the Big 12, and that’s shown up on the field with a 9-18 record against conference opponents.

Deion Sanders … Colorado … C+ … The Buffs cashed in on the influx of talent that arrived with Sanders in the form of a 9-win season in 2024 that saw the team finished tied for 1st place in the Big 12 standings and ranked in the final AP Top 25 poll. However, the four-win and three-win seasons that sandwich that peak (which both include 1-8 records in conference play) leave the three-year grade somewhat middling with plenty of intrigue into bounce back potential in 2026.

Matt Rhule … Nebraska … C … It speaks to how low things had gotten for Nebraska that making a bowl game in 2024 and 2025 were notable program successes, and the Pinstripe Bowl marked the school’s first postseason win in nine years. Stabilizing the Cornhuskers on the field is a positive, but Rhule gets a middling grade for middling results. Nebraska has a 10-17 record against Big Ten competition and is still looking for a win over a ranked opponent under Rhule’s tenure.

… Read full story here …

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January 29th 

… CU in a few minutes … 

Report: Defensive lineman Ezra Christiansen signs with CU

Ezra Christiansen – DL

… Note … Christiansen had been denied a final year of eligibility, but is apparently back on the board (see X posting from Colorado Football’s official X account, posted last night) … That being said, Christiansen has only signed with CU. His fate is still dependent upon a Court hearing on February 10th about junior college players gaining an extra year of eligibility. Not 100% in the fold just yet … 

Committed January 9th … Christiansen is a 6’2″, 265-pound defensive lineman from San Diego, California, coming to CU by way of New Mexico State … 247 Sports bio … Rivals/On3Sports bio …

What others say about Christiansen … As a member of the Recruiting Class of 2021, Christensen was not rated by the services, ending up going the junior college route. After time at San Diego Mesa College, Christiansen signed on with Fresno State before winding up at New Mexico State. As a transfer, Christiansen is rated as a three-star prospect. At 247 Sports, Christiansen is listed as the No. 26 defensive lineman in the Portal, and the No. 353 transfer overall.

The highest graded defensive lineman in Conference USA this past season by Pro Football Focus, Christensen was credited with 40 pressures over 494 defensive snaps with the Aggies. He recorded 42 tackles and six sacks. Christensen was one of the most heavily pursued transfer defensive linemen in the Portal. In addition to Colorado, he had the following programs extend an offer after he entered the Portal: Auburn, Baylor, Duke, Iowa State, James Madison, Kentucky, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Virginia, UCF, Washington and Wisconsin.

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January 28th 

… CU in a few minutes … 

The Athletic: Will another 3-9 record cause CU to part with Coach Prime? 

From Stewart Mandel at The Athletic …

How poorly will 2026 need to go for Colorado to consider moving on from Deion? The school is clearly more relevant than it has been in decades, but the drop-off last season was severe, and his recruiting strategy just doesn’t seem to work. — Rob

It was striking how quickly those first two years of endless publicity seemed to go right down the drain with one 3-9 season. By the time they lost back-to-back games 53-7 (at Utah) and 52-17 (vs. Arizona), they were too out-of-sight, out-of-mind to notice.

Turns out Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter were that good.

But there’s still a lot of gratitude in Boulder for that 2023-24 ride, and a lot of optimism that he can turn it back around. No question, high school recruiting is not Deion’s forte. His 2026 class ranked 11th in the Big 12 and 58th nationally, though it was also the second smallest in the conference with just 16 members. He’s all in on the portal, though, signing 40-plus transfers for the second time in three years. They include proven P4 starters such as Texas receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. and linebacker Liona Lefau, Tennessee DB Boo Carter and 1,291-yard San Jose State receiver Danny Scudero.

Granted, they also lost several of their best players, such as tackle Jordan Seaton (now at LSU), leading receiver Omarion Miller (Arizona State) and cornerback DJ McKinney (Notre Dame). It’s one thing to go so portal-heavy when first coming in and flipping the roster, but I don’t think it’s a sustainable model year-in, year-out. Maybe CU improves in 2026, but where does that leave it a year from now?

Hovering over all of this is that Deion’s biggest champion, AD Rick George, recently retired. His replacement, New Mexico’s Fernando Lovo, just started on the job a couple of weeks ago. There’s no way to predict what he might do if the Buffs go 3-9 again this season. Or whether Colorado could even afford a $25 million to $30 million buyout.

There’s also the possibility Deion himself would opt to exit if things really got that bad.

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Changes to targeting rule could be on the horizon 

From CBS Sports … Changes to the college football targeting rule could be on the horizon. Flags for targeting are on the decline over recent seasons, but they remain heavily scrutinized and often controversial when thrown. The NCAA will take a closer look this offseason.

National coordinator of officials Steve Shaw, who also serves as the NCAA’s secretary-rules editor, said to Yahoo Sports that decision-makers will analyze the targeting rule and potentially make penalties “less punitive.”

“We’re going to be having a discussion on targeting,” Shaw said. “That needs to be an annual discussion. It will be a focus discussion.”

The NCAA introduced the targeting rule in 2008 as a player safety measure, and it became stricter throughout the years. While the rule always resulted in a 15-yard penalty, it was changed in 2013 to also carry an automatic ejection for the guilty party. If the player called for targeting is ejected in the second half of a game, the penalty also stipulates they must sit out the first half of the ensuing contest.

The ejection and suspension elements of the targeting rule could be the first to receive adjustments as part of the NCAA’s discussion.

“What targeting has driven in terms of player behavior change has been really good and the numbers reflect that,” Shaw said. “But how can we continue this trend of taking out more of these hits we don’t want in the game while being less punitive?”

Among the ideas that targeting opponents have presented is the creation of different penalty classifications. Less severe infractions could fall under a Level I categorization and carry just a 15-yard penalty while more egregious offenses may warrant a Level II call with a yardage penalty and ejection. Lucas’ penalty would be an example of a lower-tier offense.

… Read full story here …

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January 27th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Camden “The Governor” Dempsey receives prestigious graduate fellowship

From CUBuffs.com …

University of Colorado Buffaloes football player Camden Dempsey has been selected as a Schwarzman Scholar, one of the most prestigious graduate fellowships in the world.

The Schwarzman Scholars program is a highly competitive, fully funded one-year master’s degree and leadership program at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China — one of Asia’s top universities. Designed to prepare future global leaders, the program focuses on leadership, global affairs, and understanding China’s role in the world. Scholars are selected for their leadership ability, academic achievement, and potential to foster cross-cultural understanding; the acceptance rate is on par with other elite scholarships like the Rhodes and Marshall Scholarships.

As a Schwarzman Scholar, Dempsey will spend a year living and studying in Beijing, taking classes, engaging with global leaders, and gaining firsthand experience with Chinese culture and global affairs and will place him among an international network of emerging leaders from around the world.

Dempsey’s journey to this honor reflects a rare blend of athletic tenacity, academic excellence, and servant leadership. He began his career at CU as an offensive lineman and moved to long snapper under Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, who nicknamed him “The Governor” and quickly saw his potential beyond the football field.

He earned a degree in Business Finance and Marketing, earned a minor in Leadership Studies and a Certificate in Entrepreneurial Studies. He was also a Presidents Leadership Class scholar and a Boettcher Scholar. He served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Pac-12 Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT).

Dempsey’s leadership story stretches back prior to his time at CU: in high school he was valedictorian, an Eagle Scout, and led a major international service project that brought together volunteers from the United States and China to plant trees in Inner Mongolia.

Dempsey joins a distinguished group of former players who have earned a similar scholarship, with five former football players having earned Rhodes Scholarships including George Carlson (1931), Clayton White (1933), Byron White (1938), Joe Romig (1962) and Jim Hansen (1992).

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Shedeur Sanders becomes just the second CU quarterback to be named to the NFL Pro Bowl

From CUBuffs.com … Former Colorado quarterback and Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders has been added to the AFC Pro Bowl roster.

Sanders will replace Drake Maye, who advanced to Super Bowl LX. A fifth-round draft pick, Sanders is the first rookie selected in that round to earn a Pro Bowl nod since Puka Nacua. He started the final seven games of the season for the Browns, throwing seven touchdowns and rushing for another score during that stretch.

Sanders was named the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Week in Week 14 after a standout performance against the Tennessee Titans. He threw for 364 yards, accounted for four total touchdowns, and became the first Browns player to reach those marks in a single game.

Sanders is the 20th former Buff to earn a Pro Bowl selection and just the second Colorado rookie to do so. Phillip Lindsay previously achieved the honor in 2018 as an undrafted rookie with the Denver Broncos. Sanders is also the first player coached by head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders at Colorado to earn a Pro Bowl selection. The only other CU quarterback selected for the Pro Bowl was Kordell Stewart in 2001. Sanders is the first Buff overall to be selected since offensive tackle David Bakhtiari in 2020.

Sanders’ selection drew praise from his father and former head coach, who reflected on the moment from multiple perspectives.

“As a father, a coach and a former NFL Pro Bowler, this is phenomenal,” Coach Prime said. “He has always defied the odds. He has always kept his faith where it needed to be, and he has always done things that gave people strength and confidence. This is a true opportunity to appreciate the hard work, dedication and faith that this young man exudes. My son has accomplished something I didn’t do until my third year in the NFL. God is Good!”

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January 26th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Coach Prime institutes penalties for failure to adhere to team rules

From CBS Sports … Colorado coach Deion Sanders set new rules in place to discourage his players from tardiness or misbehavior. Coming out of a disappointing 3-9 season, Sanders’ roster is once again transfer heavy with 42 signees. That influx offers an opportunity to set new guidelines for his team.

According to Sanders’ presentation shared with his roster during a January team meeting, Colorado instituted eight new fines for attendance violations along with NIL reprimands for violations of team rules and “public or social media” misconduct.

Within his new set of rules, Sanders said he no longer wants to see team apparel from other universities inside of his building.

“That would be like your lady who you have currently wearing her ex-boyfriend’s stuff,” Sanders said during Well Off Media‘s latest production. “How do you feel about that? She is sitting up here with a shirt on that has her ex’s name. That’s how I feel about that when I see you coming to the cafeteria. You eat our food with your last team on it? Obviously, if you wanted to stay there, you should have stayed.”

In addition, cell phones, food or drinks are no longer allowed in team meeting rooms. Sanders expects undivided attention from his players, one of the priorities promised amid wide-scoping program changes following 2025’s collapse in Boulder.

Colorado’s tardiness penalties for players

• Late to practice: $500
• No show to practice: $2,500
• Late to meeting or film session: $400
• No show to meeting or film session: $2,000
• Late to strength and conditioning workout: $1,000
• No show to strength and conditioning workout: $1,500
• Late to treatment: $1,000
• No show for treatment: $1,500
• Violation of team rules: $1,000-$2,500 (based on severity)
• Public or social media misconduct: $2,500-$5,000 (based on severity)

“Profanity needs to stop,” Sanders said. “I’ve heard it myself, especially in the dining area. It needs to stop. We’re not the only ones in the cafeteria. You need to be respectful. And make sure we respect our women. If you get out of pocket and start calling our women by their first name, that’s a problem with me.”

…. Continue reading story here …

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January 25th

… CU in a few minutes … 

CU guaranteed first Super Bowl ring since 2016 (with appearances by former Buffs hitting 100)

Through the first 58 Super Bowls, Colorado alumni have made 98 appearances, gathering a total of 54 rings … With the participants for Super Bowl LIX set, CU’s totals will hit an even 100 appearances, and 55 rings.

While some Buff fans may want to disown New England Patriot cornerback Christian Gonzalez (especially after his game-clinching interception against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship), CU will undoubtedly claim him on its list, with Gonzalez playing two years in Boulder before leaving for a better paycheck at Oregon. Gonzalez went on to be a first round draft pick by the Patriots.

The Seattle Seahawks will counter with former Buff Brady Russell. In his four years in Boulder (2017-21), Russell played tight end, with 78 receptions for 799 yards and three touchdowns. Russell signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent, but didn’t last until the fall, moving onto the Seattle Seahawks. Russell has been with the Seahawks since, moving this season from tight end to fullback.

Below is the full list of CU Super Bowl participants, with the Buffs earning rings in bold …

Name Season Team Game W/L

Boyd Dowler 1966 Green Bay Packers Super Bowl I W
Boyd Dowler 1967 Green Bay Packers Super Bowl II W
Estes Banks 1967 Oakland Raiders Super Bowl II L
Bill Fairband 1967 Oakland Raiders Super Bowl II L
Bill Harris 1969 Minnesota Vikings Super Bowl IV L

Dick Anderson 1971 Miami Dolphins Super Bowl VI L
Dick Anderson 1972 Miami Dolphins Super Bowl VII W
Bill Brundige 1972 Washington Redskins Super Bowl VII L
Dick Anderson 1973 Miami Dolphins Super Bowl VIII W
Cliff Branch 1976 Oakland Raiders Super Bowl XI W
Terry Kunz 1976 Oakland Raiders Super Bowl XI W
Jon Keyworth 1977 Denver Broncos Super Bowl XII L
Harvey Goodman 1977 Denver Broncos Super Bowl XII L
Mike Montler 1977 Denver Broncos Super Bowl XII L
Cullen Bryant 1979 Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl XIV L
Rod Perry 1979 Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl XIV L
Billy Waddy 1979 Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl XIV L
Greg Westbrooks 1979 Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl XIV L

Cliff Branch 1980 Oakland Raiders Super Bowl XV W
Mike L. Davis 1980 Oakland Raiders Super Bowl XV W
Odis McKinney 1980 Oakland Raiders Super Bowl XV W
Greg Westbrooks 1980 Oakland Raiders Super Bowl XV W
Charlie Johnson 1980 Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl XV L
George Visger 1981 San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl XVI W
Mike Kozlowski 1982 Miami Dolphins Super Bowl XVII L
Cliff Branch 1983 Los Angeles Raiders Super Bowl XVIII W
Mike L. Davis 1983 Los Angeles Raiders Super Bowl XVIII W
Don Hasselbeck 1983 Los Angeles Raiders Super Bowl XVIII W
Odis McKinney 1983 Los Angeles Raiders Super Bowl XVIII W
Mike Kozlowski 1984 Miami Dolphins Super Bowl XIX L
Brian Cabral 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl XX W
Emery Moorhead 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl XX W
Lee Rouson 1986 New York Giants Super Bowl XXI W
Mark Haynes 1986 Denver Broncos Super Bowl XXI L
Eric Coyle 1987 Washington Redskins Super Bowl XXII W
Richard Johnson 1987 Washington Redskins Super Bowl XXII W
Mark Haynes 1987 Denver Broncos Super Bowl XXII L
Lyle Pickens 1987 Denver Broncos Super Bowl XXII L
Barry Helton 1988 San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl XXIII W
Solomon Wilcots 1988 Cincinnati Bengals Super Bowl XXIII L
Barry Helton 1989 San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl XXIV W
Mark Haynes 1989 Denver Broncos Super Bowl XXIV L

Lee Rouson 1990 New York Giants Super Bowl XXV W
Mickey Pruitt 1992 Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl XXVII W
Eric Bieniemy 1994 San Diego Chargers Super Bowl XXIX L
Stan Brock 1994 San Diego Chargers Super Bowl XXIX L
Ariel Solomon 1995 Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl XXX L
Joel Steed 1995 Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl XXX L
Chad Brown 1995 Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl XXX L
Deon Figures 1995 Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl XXX L
Charles E. Johnson 1995 Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl XXX L
Kordell Stewart 1995 Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl XXX L
Shannon Clavelle 1996 Green Bay Packers Super Bowl XXXI W
Heath Irwin 1996 New England Patriots Super Bowl XXXI L
Ted Johnson 1996 New England Patriots Super Bowl XXXI L
Darius Holland 1996 Green Bay Packers Super Bowl XXXI W
Matt Lepsis 1997 Denver Broncos Super Bowl XXXII W
Tom Rouen 1997 Denver Broncos Super Bowl XXXII W
Alfred Williams 1997 Denver Broncos Super Bowl XXXII W
Darius Holland 1997 Green Bay Packers Super Bowl XXXII L
Matt Lepsis 1998 Denver Broncos Super Bowl XXXIII W
Viliami Maumau 1998 Denver Broncos Super Bowl XXXIII W
Tom Rouen 1998 Denver Broncos Super Bowl XXXIII W
Alfred Williams 1998 Denver Broncos Super Bowl XXXIII W
Ronnie Bradford 1998 Atlanta Falcons Super Bowl XXXIII L

Tom Ashworth 2001 New England Patriots Super Bowl XXXVI W
Charles E. Johnson 2001 New England Patriots Super Bowl XXXVI W
Ted Johnson 2001 New England Patriots Super Bowl XXXVI W
Ben Kelly 2001 New England Patriots Super Bowl XXXVI W
Tom Ashworth 2003 New England Patriots Super Bowl XXXVIII W
Christian Fauria 2003 New England Patriots Super Bowl XXXVIII W
Daniel Graham 2003 New England Patriots Super Bowl XXXVIII W
Ted Johnson 2003 New England Patriots Super Bowl XXXVIII W
Tom Ashworth 2004 New England Patriots Super Bowl XXXIX W
Christian Fauria 2004 New England Patriots Super Bowl XXXIX W
Daniel Graham 2004 New England Patriots Super Bowl XXXIX W
Ted Johnson 2004 New England Patriots Super Bowl XXXIX W
Michael Lewis 2004 Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl XXXIX L
Tom Rouen 2005 Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl XL L
D.J. Hackett 2005 Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl XL L
Gabe Nyenhuis 2006 Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl XLI W
Chad Brown 2007 New England Patriots Super Bowl XLII L
Mitch Berger 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl XLIII W

Mason Crosby 2010 Green Bay Packers Super Bowl XLV W
Brad Jones 2010 Green Bay Packers Super Bowl XLV W
Nate Solder 2011 New England Patriots Super Bowl XLVI L
Jimmy Smith 2012 Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl XLVII W
Nate Solder 2014 New England Patriots Super Bowl XLIX W
Tyler Polumbus 2015 Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 W
Nick Kasa 2015 Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 W
Nate Solder 2016 New England Patriots Super Bowl LI W
Nate Solder 2017 New England Patriots Super Bowl LII L
Ahkello Witherspoon 2019 San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl LIV L

Chidobe Awuzie 2021 Cincinnati Bengals Super Bowl LVI L
Josh Tupou 2021 Cincinnati Bengals Super Bowl LVI L
Davion Taylor 2022 Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl LVII L

Most Super Bowl Appearances

• Ted Johnson 4
• Nate Solder 4
• Dick Anderson 3
• Tom Ashworth 3
• Cliff Branch 3
• Mark Haynes 3
• Tom Rouen 3

Most Super Bowl Wins

• Tom Ashworth 3
• Cliff Branch 3
• Ted Johnson 3

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January 23rd 

… CU in a few minutes … 

James Madison DB Justin Eaglin excited to play for Coach Prime: “I’m a great corner”

From the Daily Camera … About a week after playing with James Madison in the first round of the College Football Playoff, Justin Eaglin announced his intention to enter the transfer portal.

One of the first people to call the All-Sun Belt cornerback was Colorado head coach Deion Sanders.

“When I heard Deion Sanders’ voice and he said he watched my game – and it wasn’t just, ‘Oh you’re long and fast,’ like he was actually giving me plays that happened during the season, so, like, I know he was actually watching my film,” Eaglin said. “That was like, man, Deion Sanders is watching my film, I gotta at least go up there and talk to him and see how he feels.”

Widely considered the best cornerback to ever play the game, Sanders is hoping Eaglin, who has since committed to CU and enrolled in school, can be a key part of the overhauled CU defense in 2026.

“I’m super excited, man, because right now I believe I’m great and all this good stuff,” Eaglin said. “I feel like, yeah, I know the majority of stuff to play corner, but I feel like Deion Sanders is going to take my game over the top where I’m not just a good corner no more, I’m a great corner.”

… Continue reading story here …

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*Offensive coordinator Brennan Marion addresses the team for the first time*

From YouTube, courtesy of Darius Sanders …

Brennan Marion … “It’s not where you’re from. You’re Colorado Buffaloes now … This is the last time in your life that everything will be free for you … We can’t be here to be chill, and just go through the motions … ”

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January 22nd 

… CU in a few minutes … 

Defensive tackle Ezra Christiansen won’t be allowed to transfer to CU (or any other school)

From BuffStampede.com … Former New Mexico State defensive tackle Ezra Christensen had a long list of Power 4 programs lining up to recruit him once he hit the transfer portal on Jan. 2. That list included Auburn, Baylor, Duke, Iowa State, Kentucky, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Virginia, UCF, Washington and Wisconsin.

The most attractive option to Christensen turned out to be Colorado, and he committed to the Buffaloes on Jan. 9 shortly after a trip to Boulder.

After Christensen’s signing post on social media with Colorado was deleted earlier this week, rumors started circulating about his situation. BuffStampede.com has confirmed Christensen is not expected to be granted another year of eligibility by the NCAA to compete with the Buffs – or any other college – in 2026. BuffZone’s Brian Howell was the first to report the news.

The 6-foot-2, 280-pound Christensen responded to a Colorado fan on social media that was expressing disappointment over the news, writing, “Never had the fair shot.”

… Continue reading story here …

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January 21st 

… CU in a few minutes …

**CU’s 2026 schedule released: Buffs open season with three of first four games on the road**

Press release from CUBuffs.com …

The Big 12 Conference released the University of Colorado’s 2026 football schedule on Wednesday, with the Buffaloes enjoying an exciting slate of home games in which they’ll welcome three 10-win teams from a season ago to Folsom Field.

CU will open the 2026 season at Georgia Tech before hosting Weber State and then heading to Northwestern.  With CU also opening the Big 12 conference season on the road at Baylor, CU will have three road games in the first month of the season. It’s been over a half century since the Buffs opened the year with three games on the road as CU had road games at LSU, Michigan and Air Force early in the 1974 season.

After that September gauntlet, the Buffs will return to the friendly confines of Folsom Field to host CFP participant Texas Tech in its Big 12 Conference home opener and after a bye, Colorado will host another 10-win team from last season when Utah visits Boulder for Family Weekend on Oct. 17.

Colorado then heads to Oklahoma State and hosts Kansas State on Halloween to close out October before heading to Arizona State to open November.  A third 10-win team, Houston, visits Folsom Field on November 14 for Homecoming before CU travels to Cincinnati and then hosts UCF to close out the regular season.

Colorado has rarely faced two Power Four teams on the road in the non-conference season, but it has at times produced special seasons, most notably the last time it happened, 1994, when CU played at Michigan and at Texas in back to back weeks, and in 1971 when CU famously beat two top 10 teams on the road, LSU in the season opener and Ohio State two weeks later.  In 1994, CU finished No. 2 in the final AP poll and in 1971, the Buffs were No. 3 in the final poll.

Aside from 1971 and 1994, CU also traveled to two Power Four schools in 1951, 1973, 1974, 1976 and 1980, meaning this will be just the eighth time it’s happened and the first time since that magical 1994 season.

In addition to the 1974 season, CU has started the season with three of its four games on the road 12 previous times: 1900, 1908, 1919, 1934, 1938, 1940, 1958, 1962, 1968, 1973 and 1974.

At home, Colorado will be welcoming three teams that have never been to Boulder and four teams that were bowl-eligible a year ago.

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January 20th 

… CU in a few minutes … 

*Video: CU’s First Day of Winter Conditioning*

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January 14th 

… CU in a few minutes … 

** Chris Hudson becomes the 12th Buff to be enshrined at the College Football Hall of Fame **

Press release from CUBuffs.com … Chris Hudson, one of the University of Colorado’s greatest defensive backs in its history who as a senior became an All-American and trophy winner despite literally playing with nine good toes, will become the recipient of the ultimate honor in the sport.

Hudson, 54, is one of 18 players and four coaches who will be officially recognized as one of college football’s all-time greats, selected for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in its 2026 Class, the National Football Foundation (NFF) announced Wednesday.  Hudson had advanced for the sixth time from the District 7 ballot to the national one for the Hall.

He will become the 12th Buffalo enshrined in the Hall, joining Byron White (inducted in 1952), Joe Romig (1984), Dick Anderson (1993), Bobby Anderson (2006), Alfred Williams (2010), John Wooten (2012), Coach Bill McCartney (2013), Herb Orvis (2016), Michael Westbrook (2020), Rashaan Salaam (2022) and Deon Figures (2024).  Hudson will be the fifth player who was coached by McCartney to enter the Hall, joining Figures, Salaam, Westbrook and Williams who all played for him during his 13-year tenure as head coach from 1982-94.

“It’s amazing and you’re not sure what to think until it really sinks in,” Hudson said.  “It means so much to be a part of the Hall of Fame, but knowing that I played for my teammates and never for myself.   I always wanted to do my best to put us in position to win and was proud to be a team player first and foremost.

“I always appreciated all my teammates, and I’ll never forget being in the locker room every day, being on the practice field, in meetings and game days, especially at Folsom Field.  I considered everyone on those teams as my brothers, and I still do.  We were very much like a family, coaches, players and support staff.  They all played a role in my success.  We all owe those experiences starting with Coach Mac, he truly cared about all of us.

“I look at this as a team honor, as this could not have earned this without them,” Hudson continued.  “I am proud of my school – where my son Ashton currently goes – a sophomore honors student.  That’s testament of what I think about CU, and what he thought to follow.  It’s an honor and privilege for both of us.”

A consensus first-team All-American as a senior team captain in 1994, recognized by the Associated Press, United Press International and the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), he was also a prestigious Playboy Preseason All-American prior to his senior year, and the recipient of Jim Thorpe Award, presented to the nation’s top defensive back for his efforts on CU’s Fiesta Bowl champion 11-1 team that was ranked third in the nation.

Hudson was the second Buff to win the Thorpe and at the time the fourth CU player to win a postseason trophy.  But one of his most cherished honors was receiving the team’s Hang Tough Award, presented to the player who overcame the most adversity in his senior year.  His adversity?  He played the final 10 games of the regular season with a nagging turf toe injury he suffered early in the year and still played to an All-American level and won the Thorpe hardware.

He spent dozens of hours combined both pre- and post-practice in the training room receiving treatment and was taped heavily with the injury, but in the end, it did not impede his performance.

Hudson set the stage for a big senior year by being named the Aloha Bowl’s defensive most valuable player in CU’s 41-30 win over Fresno State on Christmas Day ’93.  He was in on seven tackles with two forced fumbles, two recoveries, a quarterback sack and a pass deflection.

The ninth-ever recipient of the Thorpe Award – and near unanimous choice of the 23 voters – joining who he called his big brother Figures (the ’92 winner), Hudson did not disappoint his senior season.  Opponents seldom challenged him, as he allowed just five completions – no touchdowns – in 186 snaps of man coverage.  He had three interceptions, six pass deflections and 37 tackles (27 solo) for the year.

Figures mentioned at the time of his induction that he wanted to see Hudson be the next Buffalo to be enshrined, a feeling echoed by Westbrook, who lined up opposite Hudson in practice for four years, a fact both claimed made them better players.

“Chris was one of the elite members of our ’90 recruiting class,” said Rick George, now CU’s athletic director emeritus who was McCartney’s recruiting director at the time.  “I believe eight players in that class went on to play in the NFL and a few others made our starting lineups.  He had a terrific career here and he’s remained involved though the years with the program.  We are proud of Chris, he was one of our great defensive backs that literally earned us the nickname “Defensive Back U.”

… Continue reading story here …

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January 13th 

… CU in a few minutes … 

Jordan Seaton’s asking price? “Around $2.5 million. I would expect him to receive north of $3 million considering the number of tackle needy contenders”

From CBS Sports … Colorado offensive tackle Jordan Seaton is the college football transfer portal’s best-available prospect after announcing entry with a goodbye letter. The 6-foot-5, 330-pounder was a five-star signee for Deion Sanders and Colorado as the gem of its 2024 recruiting cycle. He projects as one of the 2027 NFL Draft’s top prospects.

Seaton, the No. 4 overall transfer per 247Sports and the top offensive tackle, can expect quite the bidding war with NIL money.

“(His) reported asking price is around $2.5M,” 247Sports’ college football and transfer portal analyst Cooper Petagna said. “I would expect him to receive north of $3 million considering the number of tackle needy contenders.”

During his high-school recruitment, Maryland was in the mix for Seaton, a former Washington (D.C.) St. John’s College High star, as coach Mike Locksley developed a relationship with the massive blocker. The third highest-rated recruit in Colorado history, Seaton started all 22 games during which he appeared with the Buffalos.

“The thing about these guys man, you’ve got to understand when a guy leaves a program that selected him or picked him out of the portal, he leaves for a multitude of reasons,” Sanders said about Colorado’s expected roster changes. “The No. 1 reason people leave is money. It’s not a disdain for staff or a disdain for player, it’s money. Let’s just be honest man and stop sugar-coating this foolishness. That’s why most people leave.

“I admire the guys that want to go for another opportunity or bigger opportunity and play for a national championship … I applaud that, but that’s not the No. 1 reason people leave programs.”

… Read full story here …

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January 12th 

… CU in a few minutes …

Body Blow: Offensive tackle Jordan Seaton enters the Transfer Portal

From Jordan Seaton’s Instagram account …

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January 6th 

… CU in a few minutes … 

Testimonials for Fernando Lovo – Urban Meyer: “He’s the best at what he does, regardless of the responsibility”

From CUBuffs.com … What they’re saying about Fernando Lovo:

CU President Todd Saliman: “Fernando is an excellent choice as CU Boulder’s next athletic director and I’m excited to welcome him and his family to CU. His commitment to the success of our student athletes and navigating the complex collegiate environment is critical. I want to thank Rick George for his long service to the university and the foundation he built to bring us to this moment.”

Current Athletic Director/AD Emeritus Rick George: “Fernando is a home run hire and the perfect person to lead CU Athletics into this new era of college athletics. He brings an enthusiasm and an energy that is infectious and I know Buff Nation is going to love engaging with him. Most importantly, he’s committed to the success of CU student-athletes in competition, in the classroom, and in life. I’m looking forward to doing everything I can to help Fernando get acclimated to CU and am delighted to welcome his family to the campus and Boulder communities.”

Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte: “Fernando is one of the bright, young leaders in our industry. He is a dedicated, hardworking, and forward-thinking administrator, and is an even better person with an incredible family. He did outstanding work for us in two different critical roles at Texas, was highly successful in his first athletics director position at New Mexico, and Colorado is lucky to have him.”

Former Florida, Ohio State and Jacksonville Head Coach/FOX Analyst Urban Meyer: “He’s the best at what he does, regardless of the responsibility. He will be a great athletic director. He’s the ultimate team player with extremely high character and high work ethic. He was always a guy I could trust. When he was an undergraduate at Florida, very early on when I was around Fernando, his reputation started to make its way to me as the head coach. He was a guy that I brought with me to Ohio State. He’s elite.”

Former Colorado QB/Lead FOX Analyst Joel Klatt: “Fernando Lovo has infectious energy and operates with high character and integrity. His professional background uniquely prepares him to hit the ground running in Boulder driving the Buffs forward in an ever important moment for college athletics.  I am very excited to see the positive impact he will certainly make for the Buffs!”

Colorado Football Coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders: “I’m excited to welcome Fernando and his family to Boulder. He is a man of character and the type of leader this department, city and wonderful university deserves. He has a great knowledge of football and understands what it takes to win in today’s game. I’m motivated to show all of our incredible fans the tremendous heights we will take this program. God is Good.”

Colorado Men’s Basketball Coach Tad Boyle: “The only thing certain in college athletics today is change.  With Fernando Lovo coming on board as our new athletic director, I’m excited for any changes he can make to elevate the men’s basketball program at the University of Colorado to new heights.  I am looking forward to working with him to change what needs to be changed. Welcome to you and your family!”

… Continue reading story here …

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January 5th 

… CU in a few minutes …

*CU AD Fernando Lovo’s Introductory Press Conference*

… “Alignment matters, and that is one of the reasons I am here today … I take very seriously, the responsibility which comes with this role … Rick, you are a titan in this industry. The foundation you have built is strong. You are respected nationally, and you are extremely valued here … I can’t wait to roll up our sleeves and get to work … This place is defined by a proud history … I can’t wait to stand in Folsom Field and see Ralphie run for the first time … Traditions matter here, but so do expectations … Make no mistake about it. We are here to compete, and we are here to win … This moment in time in collegiate athletics demands innovation and how we generate revenue, and how we adapt to change … When we are united in purpose, there is no limit to what we can achieve … Players and coaches win games; administrators win championships … I believe this is a brand where we can win championships across the board … ”

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January 1st

… CU in a few minutes …

Lovo: “I know nobody has higher expectations than (Sanders), and that’s my job to support that”

From the Daily Camera … As Fernanco Lovo begins his new job, there is plenty to do, including generating more revenue for the athletic program. Getting the football program going is a high priority, though.

“Obviously we have high expectations,” Lovo said. “I know nobody has higher expectations than (Sanders), and that’s my job to support that and help us chase championships. Just look at a year ago: nine wins, in the national conversation, Fox Big Noon, Heisman Trophy winner, that whole deal. The power of that is really impactful. I know that’s where we’re going to get back to, and I’m going to do everything in my power to support that.”

Lovo had a chance to talk with Sanders during the process of becoming CU’s new athletic director, but said he’s eager to get to Boulder and work with Sanders.

“When I get there, we’re going to dive in, and I’m going to be fully supportive of whatever’s needed to continue to elevate the program,” Lovo said. “So it’s been great getting to connect with him, and it was awesome to speak with him during the process, and I’m really looking forward to getting to work.

“When we get to the season, I have full confidence that we’re gonna have a great year. We’re going to be extremely competitive, and we’re going to put a good product on the field for our fans, and they’re going to love it. I’m looking forward to that.”

In addition to Sanders, CU has several other coaches who are entrenched in their positions. Tad Boyle (men’s basketball), JR Payne (women’s basketball), Danny Sanchez (women’s soccer), Jesse Mahoney (women’s volleyball), Roy Edwards (men’s golf) and Ann Elliott Whidden (women’s lacrosse) have all been at CU for at least 10 seasons.

Lovo hired four coaches in his one year at New Mexico – in football, men’s basketball, soccer and volleyball – and said having so many veteran coaches at CU allows him to focus on other important aspects of the job.

“It’s a big advantage,” he said. “It’s something I’m excited about. Credit to (outgoing AD Rick George) and his team for hiring great coaches and being able to keep them there. …  It’s good for us to be able to dive in with them, as well, and see in the midst of how we’re trying to generate more revenue and do different things, how we help them, how we help their programs.”

While some athletic directors like to have coaches they hired, Lovo said he’s eager to work with the coaches already in place at CU.

“I’m a firm believer that it’s a job of an administrator to just pour in to the coaches that are on your team and that’s exactly what I’m going to do,” he said. “I was able to connect with almost all of them over the phone (this week), and it just reinforced what I thought I knew when I was exploring this opportunity, that there’s great coaches here, and I’m just so excited to work with them and really see how I can help elevate their programs.”

… Read full story here …

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December 31st

… CU in a few minutes … 

AD Fernando Lovo on fundraising at CU: “We don’t have time to waste”

From the Daily Camera … In general, it will take a bit of time for new athletic director Fernando Lovo to learn more about the landscape, because generating revenue at CU will be different than it was at New Mexico.

“I’m really excited to get there and really dive in,” he said. “Going into it, the one thing that’s 100% certain is the power of our brand and our institution. That’s a huge selling point. And then you look at our location. Obviously, Boulder is a great place; Denver being right there, that’s a really powerful market.”

Taking advantage of having one of the most recognizable football coaches in the country is important, too, he said.

“The visibility that (Sanders) brings to our institution and to our state is amazing,” he said. “We have to leverage that.”

Overall, Lovo sees a tremendous amount of revenue potential at CU and he’s eager to help the Buffs reach a new level of financial success.

“I think it creates a really compelling narrative for us to be able to go out, market our brand and sell it, when it comes to sponsorship opportunities,” he said. “Obviously we need butts in seats as well, and so we’ve got to be competitive, and we need to make sure that our attendance numbers are where they need to be.”

Lovo credited for George for “developing a great culture” at CU. Like George, Lovo said the student-athletes will be the No. 1 priority.

“Everything for us is going to be student first, student-athlete centric,” he said. “In the midst of all of that going on and making sure we’re staying competitive and really increasing our revenue, we’ve got to keep our focus on what our why is and that’s graduating our student-athletes. That’s providing all the resources they need from a student success standpoint, from a mental well-being standpoint, sports science, sports medicine, all of those things. Those things still matter.”

As Lovo begins his new job, he knows this is a critical time in college athletics.

“We’ve got a powerful brand with a ton of upside across all of our sports,” he said. “I think CU is uniquely positioned to be able to respond to those challenges, and that’s what it’s all about. It’s how we respond. We’ll be aggressive, we have disciplined decision making, and we keep our student-athletes first, and that’s what we’re going to do.

“We don’t have time to waste. Now’s the time we’ve got to go and it’s critically important that we sell our brand, we market our brand, and we start to find new avenues to generate revenue to help us be competitive.”

… Read full story here …

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