“Isaac Wilson is applying pressure, but that’s what you want,” the head coach said to the press. “You want those battles. Everybody is earning everything they get, including their money.”

Although there’s still plenty of time ahead, Coach Prime is analyzing every detail. Lewis and Wilson want to ensure the quarterback position is well covered for a season that promises to be highly competitive.

Lewis in 2025

As a true freshman in 2025, Julian Lewis appeared in four games for Colorado, completing 52 of 94 passes (55.3%) for 589 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Despite showing flashes of elite potential in his two starts—highlighted by a 299-yard, 2-TD performance against West Virginia—Lewis opted to sit out the season finale to preserve his redshirt status, entering 2026 with four years of eligibility remaining.

A change in the Buffaloes’ offense

The hiring of Brennan Marion as offensive coordinator marks a schematic revolution for Colorado heading into the 2026 season. By implementing his signature “Go-Go Offense,” Marion introduces an innovative system characterized by triple-option principles and unique unbalanced formations designed to exploit defensive spacing.

This transition from a traditional pro-style approach to an explosive attack is expected to significantly elevate the Buffaloes’ scoring efficiency and provide a more dynamic platform for Julian Lewis to showcase his elite arm talent.

A tough start to the season

The Colorado Buffaloes finished the 2025 season with a 3-9 record (1-8 in the Big 12 Conference) and will be looking to quickly reverse this last impression.

• at Georgia Tech, September 3rd
• vs Weber State, September 12th
• at Northwestern, September 19th
• at Baylor, September 26th
• vs Texas Tech, October 3rd

“I loved the urgency and expectation in every single period. Every minute of every period is mapped out. They waste no time and are moving in and out of drills with urgency and a pace unlike any other practice I’ve seen,” he said via Chad Simmons.

“I recently included UGA in my top 10,” Roper continued. “There’s definitely been movement since then. I can say this — they’re a lot closer to No. 1 than they are No. 10.”

Boulder needs to bolster the OL

During the 2025 season, the Colorado Buffaloes’ offensive line remained a critical liability, consistently failing to provide a clean pocket for their quarterbacks.

The unit surrendered a total of 39 sacks over 12 games, averaging 3.25 sacks allowed per contest, which ranked them among the bottom tier of the Big 12 in pass protection.

This lack of stability forced quarterbacks like Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis to face constant pressure, resulting in a staggering 245 yards lost due to sacks.

Furthermore, the struggling front line hindered the run game, which managed only 3.5 yards per carry, leaving the offense one-dimensional and often overwhelmed by physical defensive fronts.

Potential offensive line for the Buffaloes

The 2026 Buffaloes offensive line features a revamped unit anchored by Bo Hughley at LT and Demetrius Hunter at center.

While Yahya Attia and Larry Johnson III provide veteran stability, the battle for the interior is heating up; notably, Jayvon McFadden is emerging as a strong contender for the starting RG spot alongside newcomer Jose Soto.

This group’s primary mission is protecting Julian Lewis as Colorado looks to dominate the Big 12.

Smart could lock down Roper

Georgia’s unparalleled track record of developing elite defensive talent into first-round NFL picks is the ultimate recruiting pitch for Roper. Under Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have produced a staggering 15 defensive players drafted in the first round over the last five years, more than any other program in the country.

By joining a system that consistently leads the nation in scoring defense, Roper wouldn’t just be playing for championships; he would be entering a proven pipeline designed to maximize his draft stock and transition him seamlessly to the professional level.

Coach Prime brings vast experience in the game, so his words naturally carry weight. In a recent conversation with the media, and perhaps somewhat indirectly, he addressed the situation facing Shedeur and what he will need to do to earn the starting job beginning in Week 1.

“Work. That’s the way you win everything in life. I ain’t never seen somebody who didn’t want to work win. He’s a bona fide worker. He’s a true leader. He’s a bona fide baller. Just get in there with the head coach, get in there with the OC, get in the playbook early, and just put in work,” Deion said during a recent interview on ESPN’s First Take.

Although there are still several weeks to go before the first major moves ahead of the upcoming season begin, new head coach Todd Monken will have to decide who will serve as his team’s primary leader at the start of the new campaign.

Who will be the starter for the Browns?

Heading into the 2026 season, the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room is defined by a wide-open competition under new head coach Todd Monken. The frontrunner appears to be Shedeur Sanders, who showed significant growth during the final seven games of his 2025 rookie campaign, though the front office has made it clear he will have to earn the job in camp.

He is pushed by Dillon Gabriel, who started much of last year but is now viewed more as a high-end backup or “bridge” option. Meanwhile, Deshaun Watson remains the most complicated piece of the puzzle; despite his massive contract making him a roster lock, his role is uncertain as he returns from a second Achilles surgery.

Additionally, rumors suggest the Browns are active in the veteran market, with Malik Willis and even Kirk Cousins mentioned as potential additions to provide the veteran stability the young roster lacks.

Aiming to foster a disciplined team, Coach Prime has introduced a new accountability system that affects players’ NIL earnings. In this way, Colorado will now impose fines for missing team obligations.

During the team’s introductory meeting after the transfer portal closed, Sanders gave an important address to his players, outlining point by point the fines they would face for failing to meet certain requirements. Among them are:

• No show practice: $2,500
• No show meeting or film session: $2,000
• Late to practice: $500
• No show strength & conditioning: $1,500
• No show treatment: $1,500

Coach Prime’s clear message

With 41 newcomers joining the program through the NCAA transfer portal, Sanders hosted the official kickoff in Boulder to start building the team for the new season. During the session, players met all of their coaches, including coordinators Brennan Marion and Robert Livingston.

“I’m supposed to have 100-something men, but not everyone’s a man right now,” Coach Prime started. “But through this process — and that’s what I love, the process. I’m really not in love with the results. I’m in love with the process. I like the struggle. I like the journey. … We’re in the process right now.

“But I need men. I don’t need boys. I don’t need blamers, or people that’s on a list. I don’t need naysayers. I don’t need people who sold this court amongst other men, who talk about program, who talk about this. And I’m not having it this year. Ain’t no way in the world, because we’re winning whether you like it or not.”

Jordan Seaton has stood out as one of the key players for the Buffaloes’ structure, even being considered by ESPN as the No. 4 overall player in the NCAA transfer portal.

According to the latest information provided by insider Pete Thamel, the offensive tackle is scheduled to meet with the Oregon Ducks on Monday. He has also already visited Miami and Mississippi State, while today he will meet with LSU.

If this potential departure comes to fruition, it would undoubtedly be a major blow for the Colorado Buffaloes, which did not have the best season and will be looking in some way to return to the spotlight in the near future.

Seaton’s standout season in Boulder

Despite a season-ending injury that sidelined him for the final three games, Jordan Seaton solidified his reputation as a premier protector during the 2025 campaign.

The sophomore left tackle was a force on the line, allowing only 1 sack, 0 QB hits, and a mere 5 pressures across 541 snaps. His dominant play earned him a spot on the All-Big 12 Second Team, as he consistently ranked among the best pass-blockers not only in the Big 12 but across all Power Five conferences.

Seaton’s elite technical skills and consistency in pass protection have made him one of the most coveted prospects in the nation, underscoring his vital role as a cornerstone of the offensive line.

There’s still no official confirmation, but both Pete Nakos and Steve Wiltfong have reported an intriguing potential move in Boulder. DeAndre Moore, one of the Longhorns’ top receivers this past season, could be changing programs for the upcoming season.

The prediction is that Moore could join the Buffaloes next season, bolstering a unit that, unfortunately for Deion Sanders, failed to deliver the explosive performance he had hoped for at the start of the campaign.

DeAndre Moore’s stats from last season

During his tenure with the Texas Longhorns, DeAndre Moore emerged as a reliable and explosive playmaker, establishing himself as a key weapon for quarterback Arch Manning. Moore’s ability to find soft spots in defenses and pick up yards after the catch made him a constant threat on the field.

He concluded his campaign with an impressive 38 receptions for 532 yards, averaging a robust 14.0 yards per catch. With 4 touchdowns to his name, Moore proved to be a consistent scoring threat and a foundational piece of the Longhorns’ aerial attack.

Buffaloes look to strengthen their receiving corps

The Colorado Buffaloes are looking at DeAndre Moore Jr. as the essential piece to revive a passing game that struggled to find its identity in the first post-Travis Hunter season.

Following a 2025 campaign where the receiving corps lacked a consistent vertical threat, the need for Moore’s explosive playmaking is evident; while some players flashed potential, secondary options like Dre’Lon Miller struggled to create separation, averaging a mere 7.9 yards per catch and totaling only 158 yards.

Speaking to reporters, Shanahan said, “It is weird just because he was my hero growing up. He was probably my number one player, just in terms of being a true fan of.” Shanahan then added, “I always talk about how I got his jersey in ’94 and wore it for about six months straight till someone jacked it from me. I’m still looking for that guy. But no, he was such a unique player.”

Now, Shanahan has the task to compete and beat Shedeur Sanders on Sunday. The 49ers are in the middle of a playoff race, while Sanders is trying to establish himself as an NFL starting quarterback.

Sanders made history in his Browns’ starting debut

By winning in his starting debut, Sanders became the only Browns QB to win in his first game as a starter in nearly 30 years. Sanders completed 11 of 20 attempts for 209 yards with one touchdown and an interception.

The Browns were able to beat the Raiders and while Sanders was good, he wasn’t stellar. Still, he at least provided some big plays, and that’s an upside the Browns didn’t have prior to him being under center.

The 49ers can’t have a mishap against the Browns

Despite all the injuries they’ve suffered, the 49ers are still alive and in the mix for a playoff berth. Right now, the 49ers hold the seventh seed in the NFC, the last playoff spot. However, they can’t afford to lose, as the Lions are breathing on their neck.

Hence, San Francisco needs a win to keep its hopes alive. With a plethora of injuries, Kyle Shanahan has put one of his best coaching seasons so far in the NFL. Now, he wil have to put a clinic to beat Deion Sanders‘ son.

The decisive loss to Arizona State in Boulder exposed the weaknesses of a team that, at the start of the season, never expected to be sitting at 3–8. Coach Prime knows something has to change, though he has yet to reveal what that will be.

“It’s not one thing, because if I say one thing you guys are going to attack the other things that I didn’t say and I’m not going to give you that,” head coach Sanders said to the press.

“I’m gonna say it’s multiple things that will need to change, and it will. As a matter of fact, it’s already in progress. We could throw stones at everybody. I always say you start with me.”

Lastly, Sanders expressed his disappointment with the players in their final year in the program, noting that they closed out their college careers with a home loss. “It’s tough letting them go out like that,” he said. “You want to send them out with a win. . . . We couldn’t get it done.”

Time to shuffle the deck and start over

The Colorado Buffaloes are looking to quickly turn the page on a calamitous 3-8 season, with one game remaining. Despite the high-profile class of Coach Deion Sanders and an immediate injection of talent, the team failed to secure a bowl bid, struggling severely on both sides of the ball in the highly competitive PAC-12.

However, the foundation of the “Prime Time” era has been laid. With Sanders confirmed to return and another aggressive transfer portal cycle expected, the focus immediately shifts to 2026. The Buffaloes must shed the disappointments of this year and build the necessary cohesion and depth to truly compete for a championship next season.

The final chapter

The Colorado Buffaloes will conclude their challenging 2025 campaign on the road this Saturday, November 29th. Coach Deion Sanders and his squad travel to Manhattan, Kansas, to face the Kansas State Wildcats at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. This Big 12 matchup marks the final opportunity for Colorado to register a win and finish the season on a high note before diving fully into the 2026 preparation cycle.

Sanders and the Buffaloes are riding a two-game losing streak. As if dropping consecutive outings weren’t concerning enough, Colorado has conceded 50-plus points in each of its last two defeats. With several question marks surrounding the offense and a defense that can’t get off the field, the Buffaloes have brewed a self-harming cocktail in Boulder.

Now, the Buffaloes are rolling the dice. Freshman quarterback Julian Lewis will make his starting debut in the NCAA as Colorado takes on the West Virginia Mountaineers in Morgantown on Saturday, November 8. Asked about what led to his decision under center, Deion dropped a two-word answer.

“Common sense,” Deion Sanders admitted about tossing Julian Lewis into the fire, via FOX College Football.

Oh boy…

Needless to say, the Buffaloes (3-6, 1-5 Big 12) have one of the most underwhelming programs in college football. Through 9 games in the 2025 NCAA season, Colorado ranks among the bottom of every stat in the Big 12.

The Buffs’ defense allows an average of 215.8 rushing yards per game (most in the conference), 426.4 total yards (second-most), and concedes 30.1 points (third-most in the Big 12). Such numbers help paint a clear picture on the situation in Boulder.

On the offensive side of the ball, the grass isn’t necessarily greener. Colorado averages a total of 329.8 yards on offense per game with only 22 points (second-worst among the conference). Moreover, the attack is disrupted often, as the Buffaloes have allowed 24 sacks against (average of 2.7 sacks per outing)—the second most by any Big 12 program.

Languishing at the bottom of virtually every statistical category, it’s no surprise Colorado is 1-5 against Big 12 opponents. Nor is it surprising that Deion has toggled through his options in the quarterback room, hoping to spark some change within the team.

Setting the tone

If there’s one sign of hope for the Buffs, it’s the fact that West Virginia has posted very similar numbers. Both schools are 3-6 overall and 1-5 in league play, with their stats placing them squarely in the basement of the conference standings.

When the Buffaloes and Mountaineers clash at Milan Puskar Stadium, the two sides will be playing to stay alive. The loser will wave its season goodbye, as both need to win out in order to secure bowl eligibility.

Colorado has yet to win a game away from home in the year, but Sanders and company better hope that hex will end soon. In order to secure a bowl game appearance for the second straight season, the Buffs will have to win twice on the road when facing West Virginia (Nov. 8) and Kansas State (Nov. 29) on the road.

Deion Sanders hasn’t shied away from making bold changes throughout the NCAA campaign. Instead of standing by with his arms crossed, Coach Prime has stepped in with several roster moves during the year—perhaps to no avail. But the Buffaloes aren’t in a position to enjoy the perks of standing pat.

So far this season, the Buffaloes have toggled between quarterbacks Kaidon Salter and Ryan Staub. However, neither has managed to fill the shoes left behind by Shedeur Sanders. As a result, Deion is reportedly dialing up the number of the program’s promise, Julian Lewis.

As reported by On3 and college football insider Pete Nakos, Sanders and the Buffaloes are expected to turn to Lewis for their upcoming visit to the West Virginia Mountaineers.

What Lewis brings to the table

A four-star recruit in the class of 2025, Lewis’ arrival in Boulder brought much hope to the program. However, as Lewis is only a true freshman in college football, Sanders and his staff decided to take it slow with the Georgia-native.

So far in the 2025 NCAA season, Lewis has seen the field just twice. He made his collegiate debut against the Delaware Blue Hens, playing snaps in garbage time as the Buffs cruised to a 31-7 victory. Nevertheless, Lewis has had his fair share of adversity as he was tossed into the fire during Colorado’s 52-17 loss to the Arizona Wildcats. Lewis answered with 9 completions for 121 yards and a touchdown. As Salter and Staub combined for 3 interceptions, Sanders might believe Lewis is the right man for the job going forward.

Turning the tide

As the Buffaloes travel to Morgantown, Lewis is expected to make his first career start for Colorado. Though West Virginia’s 3-6 (1-5 Big 12) record might not show it, the Mountaineers are capable of giving Lewis a tough time in his college football debut. West Virginia is coming off an upset 45-35 road win over the No. 22 Houston Cougars.

Colorado, on the other hand, enters the matchup after surrendering 50-plus points in back-to-back losses. Moreover, the Buffaloes have yet to win a game away from Boulder this season. If Colorado falls on Saturday, it will mark more than a year since its last road victory—back on November 9, 2024, when Shedeur and company took down Texas Tech in Lubbock.

Following Colorado’s 24-17 victory over the No. 22 Iowa State Cyclones in Week 7 of the NCAA season, Buffaloes fans and students rushed onto the field. Initially, the incident resulted in a $50,000 fine from the league; however, the punishment has since been lifted.

“The Big 12 informed Colorado on Tuesday that it ‘executed its field storm management procedures,’” as stated by BuffZone reporter Brian Howell. “And will not receive a fine for fans rushing the field after Saturday’s 24-17 win against then-No. 22 Iowa State.”

Price of winning

As the University of Colorado Boulder did everything on its power to prevent the field-rush, the Big 12 has now decided to rescind the fine for Sanders’ program. Still, Coach Prime had made it clear the school would foot the bill if it had come to that, though it didn’t sit right with them.

“How is it 50 thousand for rushing the field? Who made that a rule? Come on man. That ain’t right. Well, we have $50,000 right? We can chip in,” Sanders said when learning of the fine, per On3. “Let’s chip in. Wow, that’s, that’s, shoot. I’m sorry. Wow, 50 grand.”

Road ahead

Fortunately for Colorado, it can put that $50,000 to better use than paying for a field-rush fine to the conference. Still, even if the Buffs had to pay the penalty, they wouldn’t let that distract them from the main focus in the 2025 college football season.

Up next, Sanders and the Buffaloes will enjoy a bye week in the 2025 NCAA season. When they return, the Buffs will hit the road to take on yet another ranked program in college football, the No. 23 Utah Utes.

Primetime and Colorado must slay some ghosts from the past in their visit to Rice-Eccles Stadium. the Buffaloes haven’t beaten the Utes in Salt Lake City since 2011, losing six straight outings in the Crossroads of the West.