Unranked but Underrated: Colorado receives only one vote in preseason AP Top 25
However, the team did receive some consideration, earning one vote in the AP Poll and 12 votes in the USA TODAY US LBM Coaches Poll. These results suggest that while the Buffaloes are not viewed as a consensus top-25 team entering the season, they are on the radar and could move up quickly with early success.
Among the other Big 12 programs, several earned spots in the preseason AP Poll. Arizona State leads the group at No. 11, followed by Kansas State at No. 17, Iowa State at No. 22, and Texas Tech at No. 23. Both BYU and Utah fell just outside the top 25, receiving votes but not enough to secure a ranking.
Colorado enters the 2025 season without several key contributors from last year's roster, particularly on offense. Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, quarterback Shedeur Sanders and wide receivers Jimmy Horn Jr., Will Sheppard, and LaJohntay Wester all moved on to the NFL. Defensively, the Buffaloes also lost significant talent with the departures of Shilo Sanders, B.J. Green II, Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig and Hunter.
That's a significant loss of talent from last season, especially at key positions like quarterback and wide receiver. However, if anyone can handle adversity, it is Deion Sanders and his coaching staff, who continue to improve year after year.
The starting quarterback for the Buffaloes in Week 1 against Georgia Tech remains uncertain, as head coach Deion Sanders has yet to announce his choice. A fierce competition is underway between Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter and highly touted true freshman Julian Lewis. The offensive line is primarily made up of transfers, except for standout freshman left tackle Jordan Seaton.
The wide receiver group features a blend of transfers and returning players, including Omarion Miller, Dre'lon Miller, Isaiah Hardge, Kam Mikell, and Terrell Timmons Jr. In the backfield, Micah Welch and Dallan Hayden return, joined by Incarnate Word transfer DeKalon Taylor.
Defensively, the team retains most of its key contributors, especially along the defensive line and in the secondary. They have also added new linebacker transfers and reinforced the safety and cornerback positions to bolster the defense.
Colorado and Deion Sanders have long leveraged the transfer portal to bring in talent and address team needs. However, the 2025 roster feels different and promising. It combines eager underclassmen ready to learn and contribute with transfers seeking greater opportunities at a Big 12 program, and experienced upperclassmen who have been part of the team since Sanders took the helm.
Las Vegas and major sportsbooks view this Buffalo team as average, setting their win total over/under at 5.5. There has been significant roster turnover and attention around Coach Sanders' cancer treatments, but Colorado has shown steady improvement each year under his leadership.
The Big 12 feels more open than it has in a while, and while some are doubting Sanders as he begins his third season in Boulder, this team has the potential to exceed expectations.
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