The dog days of summer are almost over, and for sports enthusiasts, this can mean only one thing: the eagerly anticipated return of football. With less than a week until the 2024 College Football season kicks off, excitement and hope are at an all-time high across all 134 schools and their fanbases. This is the only period in the season when every team can genuinely believe they have a chance at reaching the newly expanded College Football Playoff. The playoff field is expanding from four to twelve teams, and there’s now a guaranteed spot for a Group of Five team, fueling optimism and speculation among fans.
Photo Cred: USA Today
One of the most talked-about teams heading into the new season is the Colorado Buffaloes, led by the charismatic Deion Sanders. Famously known as “Primetime” from his illustrious playing days, Sanders is entering his fifth year as a head coach and his second at Colorado. In the relatively brief time he has been in Boulder, Sanders has made a significant impact both on the field and in the media. His confidence, combined with a flair for showmanship, has placed Colorado at the forefront of the modern college football landscape.
Recent developments, such as the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and changes in the transfer portal, have made Boulder a much more attractive destination for college athletes. Before Sanders’ arrival, Colorado had only two winning seasons since 2005, with one of those being a shortened 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program had been stuck in a cycle of mediocrity until Sanders’ arrival following the 2022 season. Since Sanders’ hiring in December, Colorado has experienced a surge in national media attention.
This spotlight is not only due to Sanders’ larger-than-life personality but also because of the substantial changes he has made to the team. The departure of numerous players and the subsequent influx of new talent have been significant. Last year, the Buffaloes showed signs of promise with notable victories over Colorado State and Nebraska. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders emerged as one of the nation’s top QBs, and Travis Hunter demonstrated his unique ability to excel on both offense and defense. Despite these bright spots, the team finished with a 4-8 record, underscoring the need for further improvement.
Photo Cred: USA Today
This offseason, Coach Prime has been proactive, bringing in 55 new players to revamp the roster. A key addition is five-star offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, who is expected to significantly strengthen a line that struggled last season, allowing 56 sacks—the second most in the FBS. Joining Seaton are transfers Kahlil Benson from Indiana, Justin Mayers from UTEP, and Tyler Johnson from Houston. Benson, who started all 12 games for Indiana last year, allowed only one sack, while Mayers and Johnson bring a wealth of experience and stability to the line. Additionally, the return of Tyler Brown, who was sidelined last season due to transfer eligibility rules, is expected to bolster the offensive line further.
The running back position also saw significant changes with the departures of Dylan Edwards, Anthony Hankerson, Sy’veon Wilkerson, and Alton McCaskill. To address these gaps, Colorado has added Dallan Hayden from Ohio State and Isaiah Augustave from Arkansas, both four-star recruits with potential. They will be joined by returning player Charlie Offerdahl and freshmen Micah Welch and Brandon Hood. This new group aims to improve a running game that failed to produce a single 100-yard rusher last season.
The receiving corps is generating considerable excitement. Travis Hunter returns with the opportunity to solidify his status as a potential Heisman candidate, thanks to his impressive skills on both offense and defense. Jimmy Horn Jr., who scored six touchdowns last season, and Omarion Miller return, complemented by high-profile transfers Will Sheppard from Vanderbilt and LaJohntay Wester from FAU. Sheppard accumulated 152 receptions for 2,067 yards and 21 touchdowns at Vanderbilt, while Wester notched 2,703 yards and 21 touchdowns at FAU, including 108 receptions for 1,168 yards last season.
On defense, while the changes are less dramatic, there are still important additions. Arizona State transfer B.J. Green II, who recorded 13.5 sacks over three years, and Pittsburgh transfer Dayon Hayes, who had 10.5 tackles for loss and four sacks last season, are significant newcomers. Samuel Okunlola, also from Pittsburgh, brings additional depth with his strong freshman performance.
Photo Cred: USA Today
The linebacker group features the return of LaVonta Bentley, who led the team in sacks last year, and Trevor Woods, transitioning from safety to linebacker. Nikhai Hill-Green, bringing experience from Michigan and Charlotte, is expected to play a key role. In the secondary, Shilo Sanders and Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig return, and Travis Hunter will again play both ways. Transfers Preston Hodge, D.J. McKinney, and Colton Hood are also set to contribute, providing stability and depth to the defensive backfield.
Overall, the Buffaloes and Coach Prime represent one of the most intriguing storylines for the 2024 season. While a playoff berth might be optimistic, a bowl game should be a realistic goal. The schedule is challenging, featuring five teams ranked in the preseason top 25 AP poll and rivalry games against Colorado State and Nebraska. With the infusion of new talent and improvements from last season, a 7-5 record with a few potential upset victories seems attainable. If the Buffaloes can secure at least four wins in their first six games, a bowl appearance under Coach Prime is very likely.
