Can Colorado remain a Big 12 contender in the post-Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter era? The answer lies in their strategic planning and recruitment efforts.
This past season was a memorable one for Deion Sanders’ Colorado football team. Coach Prime engineered the best season the program has experienced since 2016, posting a 9-4 record and sharing the top spot in the Big 12 standings. The roster featured a record-setting quarterback and a two-way star, both of whom garnered national attention.
Looking ahead to 2025, Sanders has set a clear target: secure a spot in the College Football Playoff. Since his transition from Jackson State to Colorado in December 2022, Sanders has consistently articulated this ambition as a core goal for the program.
In a league where Arizona State defied expectations by winning the championship despite being predicted to finish last, there’s a strong belief that Colorado can also rise to the occasion and contend for the Big 12 title this season.
However, achieving this goal requires replacing key players, including notable names like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, who have made significant impacts on both sides of the ball.
Here’s a breakdown of how Colorado can remain a Big 12 contender in the post-Sanders, Hunter era:
What is Colorado’s plan at QB?
The plan at quarterback is straightforward. Colorado secured Julian “JuJu” Lewis, a standout who flipped from a long-term commitment to USC, in November, marking him as the quarterback of the future. Lewis boasts an impressive 39-4 record as a starter at Carrollton High School in Georgia and is expected to learn under current starter Kaidon Salter.
Salter, who faced challenges early in his career after being dismissed from Tennessee, found success at Liberty. He led the Flames to their first undefeated regular season and a New Year’s Six Bowl bid in 2023, showcasing his potential as a starter.
With a total of 5,887 passing yards and 2,063 rushing yards during his time at Liberty—including 2,876 passing yards and 1,089 rushing yards in 2023—Salter is poised to thrive in Colorado’s offense under coordinator Pat Shurmur, known for his quarterback-friendly schemes. If he can replicate his previous form, he could emerge as one of the nation’s premier quarterbacks, though he will need support from his teammates.
Is there a playmaker on offense that the team can rely on?
With significant departures, including presumed first-round NFL Draft picks Sanders and Hunter, the Buffaloes face the task of replacing key playmakers. Wide receivers Will Sheppard, Jimmy Horne Jr., and LaJohntay Wester have all moved on to the professional ranks.
Omarion Miller remains a promising option, while Drelon Miller is expected to take on a more prominent role next season. After catching 32 passes for 277 yards as the fifth option in 2024, he could see his numbers significantly increase if he steps up as a reliable No. 2 receiver in 2025.
A player to watch is Kam Mikell, who is highly regarded as the nation’s No. 2-ranked athlete for 2024. Although he missed the 2024 season due to injury, his skill set suggests he could become one of the Big 12’s breakout stars in 2025. Mikell’s versatility as a rusher, passer, and defensive back, combined with his impressive speed—clocking in at a 10.50-second 100-meter dash—could lead to innovative play-calling.
What are the biggest needs Colorado must fill in the portal this spring?
The Buffaloes faced challenges last season, ranking last among FBS teams in rushing yards with an average of just 65.2 per game. While Shurmur’s offense focuses on the passing game, establishing a credible ground attack is essential for Colorado’s aspirations of competing in the CFP in 2025.
As running backs Dallan Hayden, Micah Welch, and Isaiah Augustave enter the spring vying for the starting spot, it may be prudent for the coaching staff to explore the transfer portal for an experienced running back who can contribute immediately. However, the current selection of available players may limit this option.
Typically, spring portal acquisitions tend to be backups, while starters are secured during the winter window. It may be wise for Colorado to be patient and strategically assess their options.
Which games on Colorado’s 2025 schedule could make or break this team’s season?
A pivotal matchup for Colorado is their season opener against Georgia Tech. This Brent Key-coached team has proven capable of pulling off upsets, having defeated No. 10 Florida State and No. 4 Miami last season. Moreover, the Yellowjackets pushed No. 6 Georgia to eight overtimes at Sanford Stadium.
In a matchup that recalls the 1990 national title split between the two programs, the Buffaloes face yet another challenging season opener, marking the third consecutive year they’ve faced a formidable opponent to start the season. Each previous opening game during the Deion Sanders era has featured teams that qualified for the CFP, FCS playoffs, or bowl games the prior year.
Other significant games on the schedule include matchups against BYU on September 27, Iowa State on October 11, and Arizona State on November 22, all of which are expected to test the Buffaloes’ resolve and capabilities.
