The Colorado Buffaloes are gearing up for an exciting season with a roster packed with talent that's ready to shine on the big stage. Many of these players have taken unconventional paths to Boulder, overcoming early career hurdles to now stand on the brink of stardom. Let's dive into the stories of these rising Buffs stars who are ready to make a significant impact in 2026.
Take Scudero, for instance. Once a three-star recruit from California, his journey began with just a single Division I offer from Sacramento State.
He showed promise there as a freshman, but it was his transfer to San Jose State that truly set the stage for his breakout. Leading the FBS with 1,297 receiving yards in 2025, Scudero has since become a standout for Colorado during the spring season.
He’s poised to take on the role of wide receiver one and is setting his sights on the NFL Draft in 2026.
Then there's Perry, another three-star recruit who was underestimated despite his impressive stats at Marietta High School, where he racked up 1,152 yards and 19 touchdowns in his senior year. Starting his college career with the Indiana Hoosiers and later transferring to Miami University, Perry made a name for himself in 2025.
Standing at 5-9 and 168 pounds, he’s shown that size isn’t everything, with his knack for making contested catches against taller defenders. Perry is ready to prove his doubters wrong once again with the Buffs.
Martinez’s journey is a testament to perseverance. Initially a zero-star recruit, he took the JUCO route to reach the FBS level with New Mexico State, where he emerged as the leading tackler in 2024. Now in a competitive race for the Buffaloes’ starting mike linebacker position, Martinez is determined to overcome past injuries and make a push for an NFL career.
Lampron’s story is one of resilience and undeniable talent. Despite his high school success, he went unnoticed by major recruiting sites and walked on at Dayton.
His performance there, and later at Bowling Green, was nothing short of spectacular. Known for his tackling prowess, Lampron is now eyeing a starting role with Colorado, ready to prove that he belongs in the Big 12 spotlight.
Finally, we have Mitchell, who shares a similar path with Martinez. Unrated out of high school, he found his opportunity with the Aggies and led the team in tackles in 2025.
Now, as a key player for the Buffaloes, Mitchell is expected to play a versatile role, reminiscent of Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig, moving between safety and linebacker. His continued success could soon see him chasing down ball carriers in the NFL.
These players, each with their unique journey, are not just looking to make a mark in college football but are also setting their sights on professional careers. As the Buffaloes prepare for the season, fans have every reason to be excited about what these under-the-radar stars will bring to the field.
In Other News...
Colorado QB Battle Just Got More Intriguing After Marion's Wilson Take
Isaac Wilsons arrival in Boulder added another layer to a Colorado quarterback room that was already drawing plenty of attention. The transfer from Utah comes with the kind of arm talent and playmaking profile offensive coordinator Brennan Marion likes, and Marions offense is built to create those shot opportunities. Wilson spent two seasons with the Utes, including a freshman campaign that gave Colorado a real look at how he handles live game action.
Marions read, though, also points to what still has to come next for Wilson. He has the ability to hit big plays, but the emphasis now is on making the easier, safer decisions and protecting the ball more consistently. For a Buffs offense looking to sort out its pecking order, that matters because every rep in camp can shift the conversation, even with Julian Lewis still sitting at the front of the line. [Read more 🡒]
Tad Boyle Just Took Colorados First Big Swing At A 2027 Reset
After a frustrating 2026 cycle left Colorado near the bottom of the Big 12 recruiting picture, Tad Boyles staff has already turned the page to the next class. The Buffaloes have extended a scholarship offer to a highly regarded 2027 wing from Texas, a move that fits the kind of early, aggressive recruiting push Colorado needs if it wants to steady the pipeline and avoid another thin class.
The challenge is obvious from the start: the prospects offer sheet already reaches 18 Division I programs, and Butler has emerged as the front-runner. Colorado is still in the race, but with one school already setting up a visit and the early attention building elsewhere, the Buffaloes will have to make an impression quickly if they want this swing to become something more than just an early shot in the dark. [Read more 🡒]
Colorado Is Still Searching For The Rebounder It Has Needed For Years
Colorados rebounding problems in 2025 were impossible to ignore, with the Buffaloes lagging near the bottom of the Big 12 and still without a player who has averaged double-digit boards since 2012. Thats a long drought for a program that needs more second chances and fewer empty possessions, which is why the search for help on the glass is such a central part of the buildup to 2026.
Five names stand out as Colorado pieces together its options: Neely, Feddersen, Gomez, Malual and Sanders. Neely looks like the most natural answer, while Feddersen brings size, Malual brings a track record from Australia and Sanders could be the best guard bet if his role expands, but each comes with a different question the Buffaloes still have to answer before they know who can actually solve the problem. [Read more 🡒]