Colorado’s trip to Waco comes with the kind of pregame uncertainty that can shape a Big 12 opener before the first snap is even taken.
Baylor hosts the Buffs on Saturday, and both teams enter at 2-1 looking for a clean start to conference play. Along with the move into league action comes the first availability report, and Colorado is already dealing with some notable names in question.
The most significant absence on the report is wide receiver Danny Scudero, who is out after a recent aggravation of his foot injury. He’s been limited to 50 snaps through the first three games, and his start to life with the Buffs has been a rough one.
Offensive lineman Demetrius Hunter is also out after an ankle injury kept him from returning to the lineup since he impressed in relief of Sean Kinney at center in Week 1. Colorado’s other players listed out are cornerback Preston Ashley and linebacker Colby Johnson.
The doubtful group is just as crowded. Tight end Charlie Williams, who has started all three games so far, could miss Saturday’s matchup, which would push Colorado even more toward Zach Atkins and Fisher Clements, both listed as probable, or possibly more wide receivers on the field. Also doubtful are running back Damian Henderson, defensive lineman Vili Taufatofua and punter Daniel Gerlach.
Colorado may also be without running back Jaquail Smith, linebacker Bo LaPenna, cornerback Cree Thomas, offensive linemen Chauncey Gooden and Leon Bell, and tight end Zach Atkins, all of whom are listed as doubtful. Smith is coming off a team-high 91 rushing yards last week against Northwestern and looks to be trending upward, even if the Buffs can survive without him. For now, though, he remains on the report along with a handful of other key contributors as Colorado heads into a conference road test with plenty still up in the air.
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Baylor Could Look Very Different For Its Big 12 Opener
Colorados first three games have already offered a little of everything, from a road upset at Georgia Tech to a reality check against Northwestern, and now the Buffaloes turn the page to their Big 12 opener against Baylor. The matchup comes with a different kind of challenge, too, because Baylor could look very different by then if several key players are back from injury, which would change the complexion of a game Colorado badly wants to steady after last week.
Julian Lewis was blunt about the need to clean things up after throwing two interceptions in the loss to Northwestern, and the Buffaloes will need that kind of response if they are going to reset the tone of their season. Baylors potential return of key pieces, including quarterback DJ Lagway, adds another layer to a conference opener that already feels like an early test of how quickly Colorado can recover from its first setback. [Read more 🡒]
Colorado Needs One Transfer Receiver To Deliver Before Big 12 Play
Colorados passing game has spent the early part of the season searching for answers, especially against Power 4 opponents where the offense has not consistently found traction. Deion Sanders has made it clear the issues go beyond one game or one player, pointing to route running and consistency as areas where the receiving room has to clean things up, even as injuries have thinned the group and added more pressure to a young quarterback room led by Julian Lewis.
As Big 12 play approaches, the Buffs are still waiting on a transfer receiver to become the steady option the offense can lean on. Kam Perry is among the players Sanders has singled out as needing to sharpen the details, and Colorados hopes of getting the passing attack on track may depend on one of those newcomers turning promise into reliability before the schedule stiffens again. [Read more 🡒]
Tad Boyle Faces Colorado's Biggest Preseason Challenge Yet
Official practices for Colorado mens basketball are underway at the CU Events Center, and for Tad Boyle, the early stretch of the 2026-27 season is less about polish than about building a team from the ground up. With 30 practices to shape things before the opener, Boyle is leaning into a group that features 11 newcomers mixed with returning players, a combination that puts a premium on quickly finding chemistry and roles.
The timing matters because the Buffaloes are staring at an 18-game Big 12 schedule, which leaves very little room for a slow start once the games count. Boyle has made it clear the focus now is on cohesion and readiness, and for a roster with so many fresh faces, the next few weeks will go a long way toward showing how close Colorado is to being ready for the grind ahead. [Read more 🡒]