The Colorado Buffaloes football team underwent a serious transformation from last year. New leadership and a significant roster overhaul is set for 2024. In 2023, with the hiring of Deion Sanders, the program saw an influx of transfer portal players that changed the team’s trajectory. Shilo, Shedeur Sanders, and two-way star Travis Hunter will all likely leave this year but Sanders remains stern that he’s playing the long game. Sanders reflected on his role as a leader and father on the “Big Noon Conversations with Joel Klatt Show”.
Photo Cred: The New York Times
“I’m a leader of men, not a follower of men,” Sanders asserted. “I’m a father, not a baby daddy. I lead my sons, I don’t follow my sons.”
Sanders emphasized that his sons, along with Travis Hunter, are setting a foundation. Colorado started 3-0 last year with a road victory against a ranked TCU team. But the success was short-lived. Colorado lost eight of its final nine games. They showed flashes of good football but it was a roller coaster ride. A main reason for the decline was the offensive line. It struggled all year. Improvement in this area was critical going into the offseason. The line must become significantly better for CU to strive. If Shedeur Sanders can get adequate protection, his potential to dominate is immense.
Photo Cred: USA Today
Defensively, the Buffaloes faced difficulties. They ranked fourth-worst in the nation, giving up 453 yards per game, ranked 124th in scoring defense, and gave up 34.8 points per game. Colorado has brought in several new players for this season. The defensive line has been completely made over, the line includes talent from the Pitt defensive front. Dayon Hayes will play one end, Samuel Okunlola will play the other, and Houston transfer Chidozie Nwankwo will be at nose tackle.
The upcoming season will test the remade roster and progress of the Buffaloes. The Pac-12 was one of the best conferences last year. Will going into the Big-12 be easier? With Deion Sanders at the helm, the team is poised to continue laying the groundwork for a stronger future. Sanders remains focused on the long-term vision. His five-year contract, signed in 2022, extends through December 2027. He claimed numerous times that CU is home and he wants to win a National Championship there.
