Colorado’s summer work is already pointing toward a brutal opening stretch, and Tad Boyle isn’t pretending otherwise.
The Buffaloes have stacked up a nonconference schedule that will test a team still trying to find its footing after a rough start back in the Big 12. Colorado added Purdue to the mix this week, announcing a Dec. 19 meeting with the Big Ten heavyweight at the Indy Classic in Indianapolis. That only deepens a road-heavy slate that already includes Providence, San Diego State and two more opponents to be determined at the Acrisure Series.
Boyle said assistant coaches Nate Tomlinson and Evan Battey have handled the scheduling side, and he credited them for pushing the Buffs into a tougher lineup.
“Coach Tomlinson and coach Battey have kind of taken that piece over,” Boyle said. “They’ve definitely challenged ourselves.
We’ve definitely stepped it up. We’ll have our challenges, there’s no doubt about it.”
The line landed with a smile, but the challenge is no joke. Colorado is heading into Boyle’s 17th season with a roster that includes seven true freshmen and 10 newcomers overall, which means there won’t be much room for easing into the year. The Buffs have spent six weeks in summer workouts already, with two more to go before a break in August.
“We’ve finished up week six here. We’ve got two more weeks, and then we’ll give them a break in August to go home, get their batteries recharged, and come back for school ready to go,” Boyle said.
“We’ll use our full eight weeks this summer. We’ve not always done it in the past.
We’ve done it with individual work, but in terms of team workouts, we’ve done a lot of team stuff here.
“Hopefully we’re ahead of the game. We’re certainly further ahead than we would be if we hadn’t done it, that’s for sure.”
One key addition has not yet been able to join that full group. Forward David Gomez, a 6-foot-8 transfer from Charlotte, played only two games as a freshman last season before a foot injury ended his year, and he still has not been cleared for full workouts.
Colorado’s summer approach is familiar in one sense. Last year, the Buffs used an exhibition trip to Australia to bring together seven true freshmen and two transfers.
Boyle praised that group’s competitiveness then, and that edge showed up early before fading during Big 12 play. Colorado was hit hard in conference action, including 30-point, 19-point, 34-point and 40-point losses at Iowa State, Baylor, Texas Tech and Houston.
For now, Boyle likes what he sees from this group. The real test comes quickly once November arrives.
“Their competitiveness and their willingness to learn and be coached is what’s stood out to me,” Boyle said. “I’m pleased with the team and I’m excited.”
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Marves background at Virginia Tech is part of why this addition stands out, especially for a Buffaloes defense trying to get more flexible in the 4-2-5 look. Molinari also gives Colorado another familiar face in the room, joining former JUCO teammate Malachi Brown as the Buffs continue piecing together a secondary that could look very different by the time the season settles in. [Read more 🡒]
Deion Sanders Just Revealed Why Last Season Felt So Off
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Sanders said he feels fully recovered and back to himself, which matters for a program that never found much traction during a difficult 2025. Colorado finished 3-9 overall and 1-8 in Big 12 play, and Sanders made it clear he believes the version of him guiding the Buffaloes now is the one fans expected to see all along. [Read more 🡒]
Colorado Targets Corey Miller As Buffs Jump In Early At Receiver
Colorado has jumped in early on Corey Miller, the Dutch Fork High School wide receiver who is already drawing major attention despite still being a sophomore. The Buffaloes became his 41st college offer, another sign that his name has been circulating well beyond his age group after a freshman season that hinted at real upside and put him on the radar of programs across the country.
Millers list has grown quickly with recent offers from Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Appalachian State, Michigan, Alabama, LSU, Florida State, Wake Forest, Florida, UConn and Oregon, underscoring how crowded the chase has become. For Colorado, the move fits the broader recruiting push around Deion Sanders, whose presence continues to give the Buffs a chance with young prospects who are hearing from the sports biggest brands this early. [Read more 🡒]