The Colorado Buffaloes are entering a new era with a fresh roster, thanks to a strategic overhaul via the transfer portal. Under the guidance of coach Deion Sanders, the Buffaloes have focused on bringing in experienced and productive players, making the team's potential a thrilling mystery for the upcoming season.
The buzz around Boulder is electric, especially with six of these new faces earning spots on Athlon's Preseason All-Big 12 teams. Leading the charge is wide receiver Danny Scudero, who has already made waves by securing a place on the All-Big 12 Second Team.
Scudero's journey is one for the books. Starting at Sacramento State, then dominating at San Jose State with a nation-leading 1,297 receiving yards in 2025, he's now poised to make a significant impact in the Power Four.
The anticipation is palpable as fans and analysts alike wonder if Scudero will rise to be the Big 12's top playmaker.
However, the leap from his previous levels to the Big 12 isn't without its challenges. Scudero's success will heavily rely on the synergy with Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis, who will be instrumental in helping Scudero replicate his past performance.
Joining Scudero on Athlon's Second Team is Quentin Gibson, but with a twist-he's recognized for his prowess as a kick returner. As a freshman, Gibson turned heads with 597 kickoff return yards, ranking second in the Big 12 and sixth nationally. His knack for explosive returns makes him a dual threat, and he's set to expand his role in the 2026 season.
The Buffaloes' defensive lineup also boasts promising talent with newcomers like defensive back Boo Carter and linebacker Gideon Lampron, both named to the All-Big 12 Third Team. Meanwhile, a host of other transfers, including wide receiver DeAndre Moore and tight end Zach Atkins, have secured spots on the fourth team, showcasing the depth of talent Coach Sanders has assembled.
While the Buffaloes have a history of leveraging the transfer portal, replacing iconic figures like Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders hasn't been an overnight success. Yet, there's optimism in the air, with the 2026 transfer class boasting an improved average rating of 87.39, up from last year's 86.30, according to On3.
As the Buffaloes look to improve upon their 3-9 record from 2025, all eyes will be on quarterback Julian Lewis and his new supporting cast. The big question remains: can this revamped squad turn potential into performance and lead Colorado to new heights?
In Other News...
Derrick White Is Getting Serious Praise For A Surprising New Move
Colorado basketball added an intriguing off-court voice this week by bringing Derrick White into the fold, a move that immediately drew attention from one of the programs most recognizable alumni. White, now a Boston Celtics guard and a former Colorado player himself, will work with Tad Boyles staff in a role focused away from the hardwood, giving the Buffaloes another high-level perspective tied directly to the programs past and present.
Spencer Dinwiddie was quick to highlight the fit, pointing to White as someone deeply connected to Colorado and well suited to help the program navigate the modern landscape around player support and recruiting. The two former Buffs never shared the floor, but their shared background gives Whites hire extra weight, especially as Colorado leans on familiar names to strengthen its basketball operation in an era that keeps changing fast. [Read more 🡒]
Justin Neely Could Be The Buffs Answer To A Costly Problem
Justin Neely arrives in Boulder with the kind of rsum Colorado badly needs in the paint. The UNC Greensboro transfer is expected to become a key part of the Buffaloes rebounding plans in the 2026-27 season, giving Tad Boyle a veteran presence after a last year in which the glass was a clear weakness. Neely has shown he can clean up possessions and supply steady production, and Colorado is counting on that mix of experience and toughness to stabilize a roster that will lean heavily on newcomers.
Boyle has also made it clear that Neelys value goes beyond missed shots and rebounds. His basketball IQ and years in the college game give him a head start in helping the Buffs learn how to function together, which matters even more with so many fresh faces in the mix. For Colorado, the question is not just whether Neely can help solve a costly problem, but how quickly he can become the kind of anchor the Buffs can build around. [Read more 🡒]
Buffaloes Earned Major Big 12 Academic Honors Across Colorado Athletics
Colorados spring on the Big 12 academic side came with a broad spread of recognition, as Buffaloes from golf, lacrosse, tennis, track and field, basketball, soccer and volleyball filled out the conference honors lists. The University of Colorado also landed 27 first-year athletes on the Big 12 Academic All-Rookie Team, underscoring how much of the programs depth is being built by players who are already making themselves visible in the classroom.
Among the most notable individual acknowledgments were five Buffs who earned the Dr. Gerald Lage Award for high academic achievement, including skier Luka Riley, skier Elena Grissom, volleyball player Avery Bolles and track and field athletes Abbey Nechanicky and Alaina Fantaski. With so many names spread across so many sports, the bigger takeaway is how consistently Colorado keeps showing up in these postseason academic roll calls, even as the competitive details of each season keep moving in different directions. [Read more 🡒]