- Head coach: Deion Sanders (second season)
- 2023 record: 4-8
- PFF power ranking: 92nd
- Chance to win the Big 12: 5%
- Strength of schedule: 47th
- Projected win total: 6.2
- FanDuel win total: 5.5
- 2024 recruiting rank (On3): No. 57 nationally, No. 12 in the Big 12
While the record didn’t match the hype, Colorado still improved in its first season under Deion Sanders. The Buffaloes finished 4-8, three more wins than the previous year, when they tied for the nation’s worst record (1-11). Expectations in Year 2 under “Coach Prime” are to at least make a bowl game.
There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about Colorado’s chances to accomplish that: a projected first-round quarterback in Shedeur Sanders, a two-way superstar in Travis Hunter, an excellent receiving corps, a talented secondary and what should be an improved front seven on defense. The biggest question still lies on the offensive line, and whether the offseason additions will keep Shedeur Sanders upright.
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Biggest Strength: Potentially elite passing game
Shedeur Sanders is a top-five quarterback in college football due to his elite processing ability. He’ll have the pleasure of throwing to one of the 10 best receiving corps in the nation, as well.
Biggest Weakness: Will the offensive line hold up?
The only thing that can hold Colorado back from lighting up the scoreboard is how much the offensive line improves. Last year, the Buffaloes gave up 56 sacks — the second most in the nation. Colorado is projected to have three new starters on that line, including five-star true freshman Jordan Seaton at left tackle.
2023 Team Overview
Offense |
||||
| EPA per play | Yards per play | Successful play rate | Explosive run play rate | Explosive pass play rate |
| -0.011 | 5.2 | 34.7 | 13.6% | 12.2% |
| 69th | 101st | 69th | 95th | 104th |
Defense |
||||
| EPA allowed per play | Yards allowed per play | Successful play rate allowed | Explosive run rate allowed | Explosive pass rate allowed |
| 0.099 | 6.3 | 38.8% | 18.2% | 17.8% |
| 118th | 116th | 126th | 118th | 125th |
Three Notable Transfer Portal Additions
- EDGE B.J. Green II (Arizona State): 80.1 PFF grade
- CB Preston Hodge (Liberty): 90.0 PFF grade
- WR LaJohntay Wester (Florida Atlantic): 82.1 PFF grade
Three Notable Transfer Portal Losses
- RB Dylan Edwards (Kansas State): 62.8 PFF grade
- CB Cormani McClain (Florida): 51.7 PFF grade
- OT Savion Washington (Syracuse): 65.4 PFF grade
Quarterback Spotlight: Shedeur Sanders
2023 Grade: 88.2
Key Stat: 93.2 clean-pocket grade (3rd in FBS behind Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels)
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