The Colorado football team is looking to change the narrative in 2026.
A new coaching staff and new personnel has Deion Sanders excited about Year 4 with the Buffs.
“I’m happy with what I see,” Deion Sanders said Monday. “I’m happy with the coaching staff for sure. You guys neglect that. You keep thinking about the kids. The coaching staff is phenomenal.”
Colorado offensive coordinator Brennan Marion has spent the offseason implementing his Go-Go offense while defensive coordinator Chris Marve is preaching “violence.” The Buffs have 20-plus new starters on a roster that was completely overhauled with an emphasis on production, even from lower levels.
“You can get Power 4 guys who have production but there could be some trauma,” Colorado assistant linebackers coach Andre Hart said Tuesday. “There could be some things that you have to work through and then you’re trying to ban those guys together in one year. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with it but you have a P4 guys who may say ‘oh, we did it this way (at old school).’
“Now you’re getting guys from the FCS who have production but also have a chip on their shoulder and they want to prove that they should be here. It’s not about money, it’s not about branding, it’s about football.”
A Week 1 test vs. Georgia Tech will be a glimpse of just how the Colorado football team has come from last year’s 3-9 disappointment. With that in mind, here’s a look at the Buffs’ projected starters in 2026 on both offense and defense, including references to important depth pieces throughout.
Projecting Colorado football’s 2026 starters on offense
Left tackle: Bo Hughley
Hughley has solidified himself as a team leader and the replacement at left tackle for Jordan Seaton. The 6-foot-7, 300-pounder played in 10 games (two starts) for Georgia last season, allowing zero sacks on 123 pass-blocking snaps (mostly at right tackle) and holding up well in his only action at left tackle (80.6 pass-blocking grade vs. Kentucky). He’s one of a few SEC transfers the Buffs will rely on this season.
Depth: Jayven Richardson started two games at left tackle for Missouri in 2025. The 6-foot-6, 313-pounder was the Tigers’ sixth offensive linemen last season and can player either tackle spot. Xavier Payne is a true freshman who could be a big part of the Colorado football team’s future. The 6-foot-7, 320-pounder was a longtime Florida State commit before flipping to the Buffs and has flashed throughout fall camp.
Left guard: Chauncey Gooden
Gooden played in just three games (18 snaps) as a true freshman for the Colorado football team last season, but he has emerged as the most violent offensive lineman on the roster. OL coach Gunnar White said Gooden has “taken the leap forward that you want to see.” The former blue-chip recruit starting for the Buffs early on his career was always the best-case scenario and it now appears to be reality.
Depth: Larry Johnson III joined the Colorado football team last offseason as a transfer from Tennessee. The 6-foot-7, 350-pounder started seven games at right tackle for the Buffs but ended the year playing left guard. He gives the Buffs depth and positional versatility.
Center: Demetrius Hunter
Hunter started every game (24 starts) over the last two seasons at center for Houston and allowed just two sacks. The 6-foot-2, 310-pounder was expected by many to run away with the job due to his experience, but he’s gotten stiff competition from another transfer.
Depth: Sean Kinney is a versatile piece who has started games at center, left guard and right guard for Lafayette over the last two seasons (1,566 total snaps). OL coach Gunnar White said “people play good” when the 6-foot-2, 305-pounder is in the lineup and Colorado football fans shouldn’t be surprised if he earns a starting spot at center or guard. Yahya Attia broke out last season as a redshirt freshman and has become a vocal leader in the OL room. The 6-foot-4, 340-pounder made his first career start vs. West Virginia and was named to PFF’s All-Big 12 team for his performance. Attia allowed zero sacks in 2025 and can play any position on the interior.
Right guard: Jayvon McFadden
McFadden was one of the biggest winners of Colorado football camp. The 6-foot-3, 295-pounder redshirted during his true freshman season at Ohio State (15 snaps) but OL coach Gunnar White said McFadden’s growth has been “night and day” since arriving in Boulder. He’s a violent, physical run blocker with as high of an upside as any offensive lineman on the roster.
Depth: Jose Soto has dealt with an injury throughout fall camp but he started 11 games at right guard for Brennan Marion and Sac State last season. The 6-foot-3, 315-pounder allowed zero sacks in 2025.
Right tackle: Leon Bell
Bell had a strong offseason, establishing himself as the Colorado football team’s starting right tackle. The 6-foot-8, 330-pounder started eight games (583 snaps) at RT for Cal last season and allowed three sacks. Bell will have to play well and stay healthy because there isn’t much proven depth behind him.
Depth: Taj White is among the Buffs’ most experienced offensive linemen but an injury has his availability for the 2026 season in jeopardy. The 6-foot-5, 308-pound Rutgers transfer started 19 games over the last two seasons at left guard and right tackle. Andre Roye Jr. played just 118 snaps for the Colorado football team in 2025 after transferring in from Maryland.
X: DeAndre Moore Jr. was one of the biggest standouts of Colorado football camp. The Texas transfer missed the spring with a toe injury but hit the ground running upon his return, showcasing his elite route running and sure hands. Coach Prime called Moore Jr. a “pro” and “born leader.” He’ll be a focal point of the Buffs’ offense after totaling 77 catches for 988 yards and 11 TDs over the last two seasons with the Longhorns.
Depth: Joseph Williams also missed the spring with a lower-body injury before returning to action for fall camp. The former Tulsa transfer caught 37 passes for 489 yards and four TDs in his first season with the Colorado football team. His big-play ability and rapport with Julian Lewis makes him a valuable piece of this offense. Quanell Farrakhan Jr. had a consistent spring and fall camp after catching just one pass for 17 yards in his true freshman season for the Buffs. WRs coach Rashad Davis said fans should expect to see more of Farrakhan Jr. in 2026.
Z: Danny Scudero
Scudero led the NCAA in receiving yards (1,291) and was a second-team AP All-American last season at San Jose State. The 5-foot-9, 175-pound playmaker will be the engine of the Colorado football team’s passing game this fall and he’s a matchup nightmare for defensive backs due to his crisp route running and speed. Although Scudero also dealt with a recent injury, Coach Prime says his top WR will be good to go for Week 1 vs. Georgia Tech.
Depth: Kam Perry had an elbow injury that sidelined him for a couple weeks of fall camp but it shouldn’t impact his availability for Week 1. The Miami (OH) transfer nearly eclipsed 1,000 yards (976) on just 43 catches last season as one of the best deep threats in college football. Perry’s 22.7 yards per reception in 2025 is an indication of just how explosive he is. Ernest Campbell is the Buffs’ fastest player and he doubles as a track athlete. The Sac State transfer earned FCS Freshman All-American honors last season, racking up 37 catches for 755 yards and eight TDs. Quentin Gibson might be the Colorado football team’s second-fastest player. He was named FWAA’s Special Teams Freshman of the Year and caught 15 passes for 71 yards last season.
Tight end: Zach Atkins
Atkins is someone Coach Prime believes has “pro ability.” The former Division II standout had a strong spring and fall camp, highlighted by a handful of big plays in the passing game. Atkins had 20 catches for 149 yards in 2025 and he could end up being among the biggest beneficiaries of Marion’s scheme. He called the Go-Go offense “a pass-catching tight end’s dream.”
Depth: Fisher Clements transferred in from Northern Colorado with two career TD catches and a 6-foot-7, 265-pound frame which should be valuable as a blocker and big-body receiving threat. Brady Kopetz is listed at 6-foot-4, 270 pounds and provides another physical presence as both a tight end and fullback.
RB: Damian Henderson II
Henderson II is the perfect three-down back for Brennan Marion’s Go-Go offense. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder carried the ball 91 times for 565 yards and five TDs last season at Sac State. He has home-run speed (85-yard TD last season) and the necessary toughness to do the dirty work that the position requires.
Depth: Micah Welch was the Colorado football team’s leading rusher in 2025 (384 yards, four TDs) and has a physical running style that Marion might be drawn to. He flashed an increased level of acceleration in the spring and throughout fall camp. Richard Young is also a bruiser who gives the Buffs another short-yardage option after totaling 234 yards and five TDs in his career at Alabama.
RB: DeKalon Taylor
Taylor “was always coming back to Colorado” after suffering a season-ending injury in Week 4 last year. The versatile weapon has big goals for his senior campaign, including reaching 2,000 all-purpose yards, and he’s in the perfect scheme to do it. Taylor is just as dangerous taking a handoff out the backfield as he is catching a pass lined up at receiver.
Depth: Jaquail Smith is the Colorado football team’s x-factor in the RB room thanks to his game-breaking speed and elusiveness. He was Sac State’s third-leading rusher last season as a true freshman (511 yards, five TDs). RBs coach Johnnie Mack said Smith is one of those guys makes people stand up when he gets the ball.
Quarterback: Julian Lewis
Lewis has a “million-dollar arm,” according to his OC Brennan Marion, and this offseason has been about helping him play free. The redshirt freshman made two starts last season, flashing his extreme upside while maintaining all four years of eligibility. He threw for 300 yards in his first career start and despite the lack of a running game and his starting left tackle, Lewis had zero turnovers and just two turnover-worthy plays. Marion will support Lewis with a running game and help him reach his incredibly high ceiling.
Depth: Isaac Wilson has to be one of the most experienced backup QBs in the Big 12. The Utah transfer started seven games as a true freshman, throwing for 1,510 yards and 10 TDs. True freshman Kaneal Sweetwyne is arguably the most naturally-gifted runner in the QB room and he could earn a goal-line package or two because of it.
Projecting Colorado football’s 2026 starters on defense
EDGE: Immanuel Ezeogu
Ezeogu opened eyes during winter workouts when he ran a 4.46 40-yard dash at 6-foot-2, 24o pounds. The James Madison transfer posted 15 tackles and a sack last season for a College Football Playoff team. His explosiveness off the edge will give less-athletic offensive tackles issues.
Depth: Lamont Lester Jr. led the FCS with 49 pressures on true dropbacks and was named the CAA Defensive Rookie of the Year last season. The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder totaled 11.5 TFLs to go along with 9.5 sacks in 2025 and is the top-ranked FCS-to-FBS EDGE transfer, according to PFSN. Balansama Kamara is another highly-touted FCS transfer. The 6-foot-3, 260-pounder is working his way back from an injury but racked up 13.5 TFLs and 7.5 sacks at Albany last season. Vili Taufatofua is also on the mend from an injury after earning All-Mountain West honors at San Jose State in 2025 while totaling seven TFLs and three sacks.
Defensive tackle: Santana Hopper
Hopper is exactly who the Buffs needed. The 6-foot-2, 265-pound Tulane transfer had the most QB hits (12) and second-most QB pressures among all defensive tackles in 2025. He’s the third-highest graded DT transfer this offseason, according to Pro Football Focus. DL coach Dante Carter said Hopper “is gonna make a lot of plays for us this year.”
Depth: Tyler Moore (5-foot-10, 290 pounds) earned the nickname “get-off king” from his Colorado football teammates for his ability to quickly win at the snap, something DL coach Dante Carter calls a “superpower.” The Coastal Carolina transfer “has everything you want,” according to Manuel and was a pleasant surprise during fall camp. Quency Wiggins is the x-factor in the DL room, says coach Dante Carter, after making the full-time switch from edge to the interior.
Defensive tackle: Dylan Manuel
With Ezra Christensen ruled ineligible to play for the Colorado football team, Manuel will take on a massive role. The App State transfer brings the size (6-foot-1, 300 pounds) and run-stopping mentality that Colorado needs on the interior. He totaled 11.5 TFLs, three sacks and 33 pressures over the last two seasons.
Depth: Samu Taumanupepe made a big leap during fall camp after taking constructive criticism coming out of the spring. The 6-foot-3, 375-pound true nose tackle will be counted on to consistently plug holes and take on double teams. Sedrick Smith is another big body (6-foot-4, 320 pounds) who played in all 12 games for Maryland in 2025.
EDGE: Toby Anene has consistently run with the first-team defense all offseason. The 6-foot-4, 260-pounder racked up 14 TFLs, 13 sacks and 63 pressures over the last two seasons at North Dakota State. He also has a knack for getting his hands on footballs (six career batted passes).
Depth: Kylan Salter has recently received praise from his teammates for coming on strong after making the move to EDGE from linebacker where he notched six tackles at linebacker for the Colorado football team last season. Domata Peko Jr. was the No. 2-ranked JUCO EDGE and could become a pass-rush specialist.
Linebacker: Gideon ESPN Lampron is who Coach Prime believes is a “program changer.” The Bowling Green transfer racked up 119 tackles and 17.5 TFLs while earning first-team All-MAC honors last season. He has the makeup to be the heart and soul of the Colorado football team’s defense.
Depth: Carson Crawford is the Colorado football team’s highest-ranked recruit in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports. He and Rodney Colton Jr. are the Buffs’ future at the position.
Linebacker: Tyler Martinez
Coach Prime says he has three “pros” at linebacker and Martinez is included in that group. The New Mexico State transfer suffered a season-ending injury in 2025 but was the Aggies’ leading tackler (96 total, 47 solo) as a junior in 2024. He’s an elite communicator and competitor.
Linebacker: Liona Lefau
I expect the Colorado football team’s base defense to be a 4-3 look (especially vs. Georgia Tech’s run-heavy scheme) to maximize its most improved position group. That means Lefau will be on the field with Lampron and Martinez after totaling 138 tackles and three sacks during his career with Texas. The 6-foot-1, 230-pounder is part of a massive upgrade to the second level of the Buffs’ defense.
Cornerback: Cree Thomas
Thomas raised his stock more than any other Colorado football player this offseason. The momentum of a strong spring carried into fall camp for the Notre Dame transfer as he proved himself as one of the top defenders on the team. With ideal cornerback size (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) and elite ball skills, Thomas is in for a breakout season.
Depth: Justin Eaglin was an all-conference ballhawk at James Madison, posting eight PBUs and five INTs (one pick-six) last season. The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder is “one of the more versatile guys we have,” according to CBs coach Aaron Fletcher. RJ Johnson started the first three games of the 2025 campaign for the Colorado football team before suffering a season-ending injury. Emory Floyd earned All-Sun Belt honors last season at App State while totaling six PBUs and an INT.
Cornerback: Boo Carter is a future first-round NFL Draft pick, according to Coach Prime. The Tennessee transfer earned SEC All-Freshman honors in 2024 and is undoubtedly one of the Buffs’ most talented players. The behavioral problems that plagued him in Knoxville are apparently a thing of the past and Carter has made the move from nickel to corner to better his chances of hearing his name called early during the 2027 NFL Draft.
Depth: Makari Vickers is back and better than ever after starting two games for the Colorado football team last year. The former Oklahoma transfer will be the starting nickel/slot corner when the Buffs take a LB off the field in passing situations. Preston Ashley quickly became a fan favorite thanks to personality and dog mentality. The true freshman is the Colorado football team’s second highest-ranked recruit in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports. Maurice Williams is another true freshmen who could continue the trend of young DBs playing for the Colorado football team after an impressive spring.
Safety: Randon Fontenette
Fontenette is the biggest safety Jaquail Smith said he’s ever seen. The 6-foot-2, 220 pounder is currently playing at “a top-tier level,” according to safeties coach Vonn Bell, after racking up 125 tackles, 14.5 TFLs, 14 PBUs and 3.5 sacks over the last two seasons at Vanderbilt. Fontenette is next in line to wear No. 7 (formerly worn by safeties Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig and Tawfiq Byard), making him a good candidate to have an “L” (for leader) or “D” (for dog) on his jersey.
Depth: Jah Jah Boyd played in five games for the national champion Indiana Hoosiers last season and had a strong fall camp after dealing with an injury in the spring. When the Colorado football team puts five DBs on the field, Boyd is the guy (if it’s not Vickers) thanks to his versatility and physicality in the run game. Braylon Edwards might already be one of the most feared hitters on the Colorado football team. The true freshman has the right mentality to make an early impact.
Safety: Naeten Mitchell
Mitchell has the potential to be an All-Big 12 selection and form an elite safety duo with Fontenette. The New Mexico State transfer led the Aggies in tackles (93), PBUs (6) and forced fumbles (4) last season.
Depth: Ben Finneseth is the voice of the Colorado football team’s defense even if he isn’t a starter. Paul Omodia made the move from cornerback to safety after earning all-conference honors at Lamar last season thanks to his 14 PBUs (third in FCS).
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