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Colorado Daily – Spring/Summer
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April 22nd
… CU in a few minutes …
NFL Mock Drafts: Buffs on the outside looking in
From the Daily Camera … Overall, four players from CU were drafted in 2025, matching the most draft picks in one year for the program in the last 22 years. There were also four in 2006, 2011 and 2017.
This year, it’s very possible no Buffs will be drafted, which was also the case from 2022-2024.
CBS Sports and NFL.com both posted recent seven-round mock drafts that included no CU players. CBS, in fact, ranked 472 draft prospects, with no Buffs on the list. Another site, NFL Mock Draft Database, has cornerback Preston Hodge listed as CU’s top draft prospect, at No. 416 overall. There are only 257 draft spots available, however.
There are several Buffs who could get opportunities as late round picks or as undrafted free agents. That list includes wide receiver Sincere Brown, offensive linemen Zy Crisler and Xavier Hill, defensive lineman Amari McNeill, defensive ends Keaten Wade and Arden Walker and Hodge. Quarterback Kaidon Salter could also get a chance.
At 6-feet, 5 inches, Brown is a big target at receiver, and he’s got great speed, posting a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at pro day.
Hill is a 6-foot-3, 313-pound lineman who posted impressive numbers for his size in the vertical leap (30 inches) and 40-yard dash (4.99 seconds) at pro day.
“I trust my (game) tape, so just being able to put out those ability numbers, that’s all I wanted to do,” he said.
… Continue reading story here …
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April 20th
… CU in a few minutes …
The Athletic: CU has two of the top 20 wide receiver transfers in the country
From The Athletic … Receiver has typically been one of the deepest positions in the transfer portal, and this year was no different.
The 2026 crop of transfer receivers includes some game changers at the top, but there’s plenty of depth and playmaking beyond the elite pass catchers.
Like our previous position rankings, we constructed this list by accounting for players’ abilities, resumes and the impact they could make with their new teams in 2026.
5. Omarion Miller, Colorado → Arizona State
Height/weight: 6-2/210
Years remaining: 1
Key 2025 stats: 45 receptions, 808 yards, 8 TD
What you should know: Miller certainly looks the part of a big, talented outside receiver who can be a consistent downfield and over-the-middle threat. After two seasons of modest production, he broke out in 2025 as Colorado’s leading pass catcher and was in the top 20 nationally in yards per catch (18). His contested catch rate (61.1 percent) was 11th-best among Power 4 receivers. His drop rate (7.8 percent) needs improvement. There’s a big void to fill with Jordyn Tyson off to the NFL, and Miller has the frame and traits for the task.
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9. DeAndre Moore Jr., Texas → Colorado
Height/weight: 6-0/190
Years remaining: 1
Key 2025 stats: 38 receptions, 532 yards, 4 TD
What you should know: Moore was a reliable slot receiver while starting most of the last two years with the Longhorns. He brings legitimate production, experience and veteran leadership to the Buffs. Though not a burner, he consistently separated from defenders and used his body well to find open space. He should be an invaluable weapon for young Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis.
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19. Danny Scudero, San Jose State → Colorado
Height/weight: 5-9/175
Years remaining: 1
Key 2025 stats: 88 receptions, 1,297 yards, 10 TD
What you should know: Scudero is a small but impactful pass catcher who was the picture of production last season, leading the FBS in receiving yards and finishing fifth in receptions. His impact wasn’t limited to games against Group of 5 opponents; he was productive against both Power 4 teams he faced, combining for 18 catches and 201 yards against Stanford and Texas. He’s a shifty slot receiver who is quick in and out of his breaks and can be utilized in multiple ways. He was second in the FBS with 11 drops, so that’s an area he’ll need to improve.
… Continue reading story here …
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April 18th
… CU in a few minutes …
Bowl games to maintain historic tie-ins – CU and the Pac-12’s bowl tie-ins remain
From Bowlseason.com … Coming out of its annual meeting, Bowl Season today announced that its bowl games, as part of the broader bowl system outside of the College Football Playoff, will continue their existing conference-bowl agreements with the FBS Division I conferences for the 2026 postseason.
This decision follows the recent announcement by the College Football Playoff (CFP) to maintain its current 12-team playoff format for the 2026-27 season, while deferring a long-term determination on the future format until after the upcoming season.
As a result, the conference-bowl structure for the 2026 postseason will remain consistent with recent years. This decision ensures continuity across the bowl system, while still allowing for mutually agreed upon short-term modifications between conferences and bowl partners.
“We believe maintaining stability across the bowl system for 2026 is the most appropriate path forward given the CFP’s decision to extend the current format through this upcoming season,” said Nick Carparelli, Executive Director of Bowl Season. “This approach provides clarity for our stakeholders while preserving flexibility as we collectively evaluate the future of the postseason.”
Looking ahead, Bowl Season anticipates that conferences and bowl organizations will make longer-term decisions regarding affiliations and structure for the 2027 season and beyond once the CFP finalizes its future format.
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April 17th
… CU in a few minutes …
Crawford Family Foundation donates $6 million to CU athletics
Press release from CUBuffs.com … A major philanthropic investment is set to strengthen CU Boulder’s athletic department and amplify its impact across the university, supporting student-athletes while enhancing the campus’s visibility and momentum on a national stage.
Through the Crawford Family Foundation, alum Jeff Crawford and his wife, Orsi, have committed $6 million to support CU Athletics over the next three years.
“Time and time again, the Crawford Family Foundation has supported CU student-athletes, and this generous investment is just the latest example,” said Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo. “I am so grateful to Jeff and Orsi for their unwavering commitment to CU Athletics and to the success of our student-athletes, in competition, in the classroom and in their lives long after they’ve left Boulder.”
As the national environment around college athletics continues to shift, the Crawfords’ generous gift — in combination with additional philanthropic support — will ensure CU Boulder can preserve and build upon the vibrant campus community that a comprehensive, high-level athletics program creates for students.
“This investment in CU Athletics reflects a broader commitment to excellence across CU Boulder,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “A strong, visible athletics program enhances our ability to attract talented students, elevate our national profile and strengthen the overall vitality of our campus.
“Gifts like this not only support our student-athletes but help position the entire university to thrive in a highly competitive landscape.”
Supporting key athletic priorities
Half of the Crawfords’ gift will go toward the Athletic Director’s Discretionary Fund, which is being renamed the George Family Athletic Director’s Fund.
This fund supports the greatest needs of CU Athletics, from top-caliber coaching support to star athlete identification and retention. It provides the athletic director and CU Athletics with the flexibility to support student-athletes in the evolving college athletics landscape, fully fund revenue sharing and respond nimbly to challenges and opportunities.
This fund is being renamed to honor and build upon the legacy of Athletic Director Emeritus Rick George, who stepped down from the athletic director role last fall after 13 years as head of the department.
“Jeff and Orsi have been dear personal friends for a long time, and I’m so thankful and humbled to have the Athletic Director’s Fund named for my family,” said George, who now serves as special advisor to the chancellor. “This investment is crucial to CU Athletics continuing to be an industry leader in student-athlete support resources, including the incredible work currently being done with the Crawford Family WHOLE Student-Athlete Program.”
The remainder of the Crawfords’ gift will support the Crawford Family WHOLE Student-Athlete Program, which was launched in 2021 with support from the Crawford Family Foundation.
The WHOLE Program — which stands for Wellness Health Optimal Life Experience — brings a first-in-class, comprehensive, evidence-based model of support for all of CU Boulder’s student-athletes. It spans physical, psychological, academic, leadership and career well-being, supporting student-athletes from the playing field to the classroom and far beyond.
“My experience at the University of Colorado as a student-athlete has been nothing short of incredible, and I attribute most — if not all — of that to the WHOLE Student-Athlete experience,” said Luke Dry, a senior CU track and field student-athlete. “I have learned, grown and thrived in all aspects of my life as a student-athlete due to resources I have available to me through WHOLE, and I know numerous other student-athletes at CU would say the same.
“WHOLE not only helped me become successful at CU, but has given me the skills, confidence and mindset necessary to succeed in life after graduation.”
The Crawfords’ investment will help sustain this trend-setting program and ensure CU Boulder continues to serve as the national model for student-athletes’ holistic well-being.
“The WHOLE student-athlete support that we get is incredible here at CU,” said Sydney Jordan, a junior women’s volleyball student-athlete. “They truly give us the support we need to be successful, not just while we are student-athletes, but also to prepare us for life after athletics. I am so grateful for all the resources we have at CU, but the WHOLE Student-Athlete Program really provides the whole package.”
A family tradition of giving back
The Crawford family’s connection to CU Boulder stretches back decades.
Jeff Crawford was a 1990 graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences and has been a loyal Buffs fan and advocate ever since. His late brother, Brett, also attended CU from 1990 to 1993. Now, both of Jeff’s and Orsi’s sons are also Buffs, continuing the family legacy: Jack graduated in 2024 with a degree in media studies, and CJ is currently studying finance and management in the Leeds School of Business.
“Because of my family’s legacy and love for CU, we have decided to give this gift to help CU compete in the extremely competitive landscape that is D1 college athletics,” said Jeff.
“This university is the flagship university in the state of Colorado, and we must have a robust athletic program to attract students who want a broad array of experiences while they attend college. Having successful sports teams can lead to increased applications and higher-level admissions, and it can provide additional marketing and promotion of the school — both nationally and locally — as well as raise school pride, increase diversity and help support fundraising efforts.”
With a history of support stretching back over 35 years, the Crawford family has contributed significantly across the university, from the athletic department to the Leeds School of Business, College of Communication, Media, Design and Information and the Parent Fund. Their 2018 gift to CU Athletics was instrumental in making CU’s performance nutrition program one of the best in the nation.
Both Jeff and Orsi hope their family’s generosity will motivate other donors to step up and support CU Athletics.
“My hope is that this gift inspires others to give — not only to support CU Athletics, but to say thank you to Rick George for all his years of service to the university, both in his role as athletic director and as part of the staff of the national championship football team in 1990,” said Jeff. “In this new era, we need a village to compete, and that will take donations from many CU supporters at all levels.
“We need to build a culture of giving to get to where we all want CU to be.”
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