Colorado didn’t get a single 1,000-yard offensive performer in 2025, and nobody on defense cracked 90 tackles or 2.5 sacks. Deion Sanders moved to fix that problem by bringing in Brennan Marion to run the offense and Chris Marve to coordinate the defense, and those changes shape the projected stat leaders for 2026.
At quarterback, all eyes are on Lewis, who arrives with plenty of buzz after flipping from USC as a four-star recruit. Now he has the keys to the offense, and the expectation is that Marion’s scheme will create easier one-on-one chances for Colorado’s skill players.
Even with the “Go-Go” offense built around RPO concepts, Marion believes Lewis won’t need to rely heavily on his legs. Still, the setup gives him a real chance to justify the job and put up big numbers: 3,100 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, along with 325 rushing yards and four scores.
The backfield projection points to a committee rather than a true workhorse, but one runner still has to lead the group. Alabama transfer Young looks like the best bet for the power role after a strong spring, while Taylor profiles as the quicker complement.
Welch, last season’s top rusher, could still carve out a meaningful role. The forecast has Young finishing with 1,050 yards and 10 touchdowns, Taylor with 920 yards and eight scores, and Welch with 475 yards and six touchdowns.
Marion’s offense also needs wide receivers who can make the whole thing go, and that’s where Danny Scudero and DeAndre Moore enter the picture. Marion has built a reputation for developing receivers, with work that includes Jordan Addison, Xavier Worthy and Ricky White at UNLV.
Scudero brings the nation’s leading receiving yardage from 2025 after transferring from San Jose State, but Moore’s presence should open things up for him. The expectation is that Scudero leads the team in catches while Moore tops the touchdown chart.
Scudero is projected for 90 receptions, 1,375 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Moore is forecast at 75 catches, 1,150 yards, a team-high 15.3 yards per catch and 11 touchdowns.
Sanders is also high on his linebackers, calling that group the “best position group” on the team before the season. Bowling Green transfer Gideon Lampron stands out as the projected tackle leader because of his instincts and work ethic.
On the other side of the ball, Colorado still has work to do getting after the quarterback. With transfers arriving at edge and defensive tackle, the sack lead is expected to go to a newcomer, and former North Dakota State standout Toby Anene is the top candidate thanks to his length and burst off the edge.
The secondary has its own new names to watch. DJ McKinney is gone, so the interception lead is up for grabs.
Cree Thomas has drawn plenty of attention after training with Denver Broncos corner Patrick Surtain II, but Boo Carter has earned the loudest praise from Sanders, who called him a potential top five NFL Draft pick. That gives Carter the edge as the projected takeaway leader.
In Other News...
Colorado Hype Is Growing As Buffs Talent Starts Drawing National Buzz
Colorados talent is starting to get noticed well beyond Boulder, and the preseason award circuit is providing another sign of how much buzz is building around the program. Six Buffaloes were included on national watch lists for 2026 honors, a reminder that this roster is no longer flying under the radar as the season approaches.
Kam Perry and Danny Scudero landed on the Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List, Richard Young was recognized as a Doak Walker Award candidate, and DeKalon Taylor made the Comeback Player of the Year Watch List. DeAndre Moore Jr. and Boo Carter also earned spots on the Senior Bowl Top 300, giving Colorado a spread of recognition across offense, defense and special teams that should only add to the expectations around this group. [Read more 🡒]
Colorado Defense Is Taking Shape Around Deions Newest Addition
Cree Thomas arrival from Notre Dame gives Colorado another experienced piece to work with as Deion Sanders continues reshaping the defense in Boulder. The cornerback joins a group that already includes several players with Power Five backgrounds, and the Buffs are hoping that blend of familiar names and fresh transfers can give the unit a more settled look heading into the season.
Liona Lefau and Boo Carter are also expected to factor into the defensive mix, adding to the sense that Colorado is trying to build depth as well as talent. The program has already drawn some preseason recognition, with multiple players landing on award watch lists, and the next step will be turning that attention into a defense that looks more complete once the games start to count. [Read more 🡒]
Colorado Has A Transfer Defender Suddenly Pushing For A Real Role
Colorados defensive line has been one of the quieter camp battlegrounds, but Samu Taumanupepe has made it one of the more interesting ones. After arriving from Baylor following stops with Texas A&M and limited on-field opportunity, the transfer defensive tackle struggled through spring, then turned around enough in fall camp to draw strong notice from defensive line coach Dante Carter. For a program trying to deepen its front, that kind of shift can change the tone of an entire rotation.
Taumanupepes timing makes the development even more notable. Colorado is heading into its Big 12 opener against Baylor, the team he transferred away from, and the matchup offers a clean reminder of how much his role has changed since spring. Whether he ends up as more than a camp success story will be decided in game action, but he has clearly worked his way into the conversation for a real spot on the field. [Read more 🡒]