Arden Walker’s journey has come full circle, and now it’s heading into its next chapter.
The Colorado native, who started his college football career at Missouri, wrapped up his time with the Buffaloes by announcing his departure from the program on Christmas Day. In a heartfelt post on X, Walker thanked both the University of Colorado and the University of Missouri, as well as coaches Deion Sanders and Eliah Drinkwitz, for the opportunity to grow as both an athlete and a student.
It’s the end of an era for a player who brought more than just production to the field-he brought legacy, leadership, and a deep-rooted connection to Boulder.
Walker’s story began at Cherry Creek High School, where he built a reputation as one of the top defensive talents in the state. A three-star recruit and the No. 6 overall prospect in Colorado in the 2021 class (per 247 Sports), he had his pick of schools-including an offer from Colorado. But at the time, he chose to take his talents out of state and committed to Missouri.
His time in Columbia was relatively quiet on the stat sheet-just two starts across 16 appearances in two seasons-but the experience helped shape him. When Deion Sanders took over at Colorado, Walker made the move back home. This wasn’t just a transfer-it was a return to roots.
Walker is a legacy Buff. His father, Art Walker, suited up for Colorado from 1986 to 1989, and that family connection ran deep.
“Black and gold runs in my veins,” Walker said. “The impact that my father had on me-he’s been a coach forever for me as well.
I think some of these leadership roles and the aspects he’s preached to me my whole life, I feel like now it’s really on display. And of course, I’m back in my home state and playing for Colorado.
It’s like, man, you really can’t beat it.”
That leadership was on full display during his three seasons with the Buffs. Walker totaled 102 tackles, including 52 solo stops, along with 14 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He also added a pair of fumble recoveries and a pass deflection to his stat line.
His most productive season came during Colorado’s 9-4 campaign that ended in an Alamo Bowl appearance. That year, Walker notched 4.5 sacks, second only to B.J.
Green II’s 7.5. This past season, he led the team in sacks-tied with Keaten Wade-at 2.5 apiece.
But it wasn’t just about the raw numbers. Walker’s presence on the edge was felt week in and week out.
He posted a 79.8 defensive grade in 2024, the second-highest among edge defenders in the Big 12. That’s the kind of consistency and impact that doesn’t always show up in the box score but resonates in film rooms and locker rooms.
Colorado is going to miss that. His production, yes-but also his voice, his energy, and the way he carried himself as a player who understood what it meant to wear the black and gold.
As Walker looks ahead to what’s next, he leaves behind a program that’s still evolving under Coach Prime. And while Colorado continues to build for the future, they’ll do so without one of their most reliable defensive anchors.
For Arden Walker, the next chapter is still unwritten. But wherever he lands, he’ll bring with him the same work ethic, leadership, and legacy that made him a key piece of the Buffs’ defense.