Deion Sanders and Colorado struggled with just three wins in the 2025 season following the departures of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. However, Coach Prime brought in proven starters at nearly every position for 2026, hoping to bolster the front end of the roster.
Colorado Buffaloes Enter 2026 Season with Chemistry and Confidence
Colorado returned to the practice field on Tuesday following a weeklong break for spring vacation. For the first time this spring, Sanders’ squad practiced outdoors on Franklin Field, which gave players a chance to adjust to game-like conditions early in the offseason.
Colorado wide receiver Quanell Farrakhan is already optimistic about the team’s outlook in 2026.
“This team has gelled the way it needs to, and I feel like we’re gonna dominate next season,” Farrakhan said on Tuesday.
As the Buffaloes ramp up preparations for their annual Black and Gold Spring Game, scheduled for April 11, Farrakhan said that offseason work and familiarity with the offensive system have already helped the team build chemistry and confidence.
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The Colorado WR shared his own growth this spring, pointing to sharper route-running, improved timing, and greater consistency in his play. Farrakhan also reflected on the progress he and quarterback Julian Lewis have made since their freshman season.
Lewis, who finished last season with a 64.1 rating on PFSN’s College Football QB Impact Metric, has grown into a more reliable signal-caller.
“Offseason training, getting a real feel for how we’re gonna go about things for this season,” Farrakhan said.
Farrakhan’s comments are likely to energize Colorado’s fan base, as many observers felt last year’s 3-9 record did not reflect the program’s promising talent.
Sanders has already been vocal about that optimism, telling “Thee Pregame Network with Uncle Neely” on Friday that he is “energized” to unlock the Buffaloes’ potential. He said that Colorado is not merely aiming to be bowl-eligible; instead, they are targeting wins and a competitive resurgence in the Big 12.
Analysts are also showing trust in Colorado’s resurgence. Observers have pointed out that Deion Sanders has brought in experienced transfers to help give new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion what he needs for a solid offensive turnaround in 2026, and if fortune flips as well, the Buffaloes could surprise.
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Analysts are also showing trust in Colorado’s resurgence, as ESPN’s Bill Connelly listed the Buffs as a team poised for improvement in 2026.
“By my count, Deion Sanders brought in transfers who combined for 182 starts in 2025, the third-highest tally of any team (behind two other disappointing Big 12 teams, West Virginia and Oklahoma State),” Connelly said. “He might have given new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion what he needs for a solid offensive turnaround in 2026, and if fortune flips as well, the Buffaloes could surprise.”
Colorado will officially kick off the 2026 campaign on the road against Georgia Tech on Sept. 3.
