Summer workouts are well underway for the Colorado football team and preseason camp is just around the corner.
Head coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes are only 12 weeks away from the Aug. 29 season opener against North Dakota State and the roster seems to be mostly set. Unofficially, CU has 80 of 85 scholarship spots filled. A year ago, Coach Prime didn’t use all 85 spots, so there may not be much more change coming.
As the Buffs look ahead to the upcoming season, here’s a glance at each position group.
Quarterbacks (4 on scholarship): Senior Shedeur Sanders had a great spring, proving he’s healthy from the injuries that caused him to miss the last six quarters of 2023. One of the best quarterbacks in the country, he’ll lead the way for the offense. Redshirt freshman Ryan Staub emerged from the spring as the top backup, while transfers Walter Taylor and Destin Wade bring solid depth, along with walk-on Colton Allen.
Running backs (5): This group has had a major overhaul not only since last season, but since the spring. Transfers Isaiah Augustave (Arkansas) and Dallan Hayden (Ohio State) have joined the team this summer and they’ll battle for a starting role. CU also signed speedy prep star Brandon Hood to compete with fellow freshman Micah Welch and former walk-on Charlie Offerdahl.
Receivers (10): We’ll include Travis Hunter in the cornerback numbers, but he’s also clearly one of the best – if not the best – receiver on the team. Jimmy Horn Jr. is back after a great year and LaJohntay Wester turned heads in the spring. Vanderbilt transfer Will Sheppard joined the team this summer and should be one of the top weapons. The group also includes a lot of young talent with Terrell Timmons Jr., Omarion Miller, Jordon Onovughe, Cordalle Russell, Asaad Waseem, Kamron Mikell and Drelon Miller. Walk-on Kaleb Mathis is also a favorite target for Shedeur Sanders.
Tight ends (4): This group will be very different than last year and even from this spring. Ohio State transfer Sam Hart joined the team this summer and could lead the way. Louis Passarello will be in the mix if healthy, while converted defenders Sav’ell Smalls and Morgan Pearson will be factors. Walk-ons Brady Kopetz and Charlie Williams could also battle for playing time.
Offensive linemen (15): It’s been an ongoing overhaul throughout the offseason. Five transfers and top prep recruit Jordan Seaton were brought in over the winter. Tackles Seaton and Kahlil Benson, guards Tyler Brown and Justin Mayers and center Hank Zilinskas came out of spring atop the depth chart, but they’ll be tested. CU has added six more linemen this summer, including five transfers: Wyatt Hummel (Villanova), Ethan Boyd (Michigan State), Chris Morris (East Mississippi Community College), Payton Kirkland (Texas) and Zach Owens (Clemson).
Defensive linemen (7): Senior Shane Cokes and junior Amari McNeill are the only returning players from last year and they could be leaders here, but the transfers will make their mark. Taurean Carter, Chidoze Nwankwo and Anquin Barnes all played well at times during the spring. The Buffs have added two more transfers that have joined the team this summer in Rayyan Buell (Ohio) and Tawfiq Thomas (Louisville).
Edge (9): Arden Walker and Taje McCoy are two returning players looking for bigger roles, but this group was overhauled this offseason. Nikhil Webb Walker, Samuel Okunlola, Keaton Wade and Quency Wiggins were all key transfer additions last winter. The Buffs have also brought in Arizona State transfer BJ Green and Pittsburgh transfer Dayon Hayes, who could be top players here.
Inside linebackers (8): LaVonta Bentley seems to be the steady force here after a great 2023 season, but the Buffs have had an ongoing search for the second spot. Converted safety Trevor Woods could be the second starter, but the coaching staff added some major experience through the transfer portal this spring. Transfers Johnny Chaney Jr. (Florida A&M) and Nikhai Hill-Green (Charlotte) will both compete for a starting role. Jeremiah Brown, Brendan Gant and Jaylen Wester could be in the mix too.
Cornerbacks (8): Travis Hunter is the leader of this group, but where he plays and how much remains to be seen. He’ll split time with receiver, of course. He spent much of the spring playing as a nickel on defense because Preston Hodge and DJ McKinney played so well at corner. Transfers Ivan Yates (Furman) and Colton Hood (Auburn) will battle for time, as well.
Safeties (7): This is an interesting spot for CU after it was reported this summer that senior Shilo Sanders has a shoulder injury that could sideline him for several months. CU has not confirmed that but if Sanders is out for a while, the Buffs have to adjust. Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig is the leader here and the Buffs could also move Trevor Woods back to safety – his natural position. Converted corner Carter Stoutmire is an option, too. Transfers Herman Smith III (Jackson State), Savion Riley (Miami) and RJ Johnson (Arkansas) will all compete for spots, too.
Specialists (3): The Buffs are in good shape with the kicking game. Punter Mark Vassett is one of the best in the Big 12 and place kicker Alejandro Mata is reliable inside 45 yards. Jace Feely hopes to push Mata again.