What is wrong with the Colorado Buffaloes

The Colorado Buffaloes have been struggling so far this season despite the amount of talent they have on the roster and on their staff. They currently sit bottom of the Big 12, tied with West Virginia, with a 0-3 record in conference play.

Colorado’s only two wins are against the Delaware Blue Hens and the Wyoming Cowboys, who are both in separate conferences than the Buffaloes. Even with the coaching of Deion Sanders, Colorado has continued to disappoint the college football world.

Defensively, they have been unable to stop the run, particularly when the opposing quarterback is a running threat. They have also struggled with missed tackles, poor angles, and getting off of blocks.

The team has been plagued by self-inflicted errors, including penalties and turnovers, which have hindered their ability to sustain drives and capitalize on opportunities.

On offense, a lack of rhythm due to inconsistent quarterback play and poor pass protection has hampered their ability to sustain drives. Colorado has had three quarterbacks play this year, with Kaidon Salter, Ryan Staub and Julian Lewis all getting reps.

The team has struggled significantly to score in the second half of games, averaging only seven points per game after halftime through six games of the 2025 season.

Following the 2024 season, the Buffaloes experienced significant departures, including their starting quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, key wide receivers, including Heisman winner Travis Hunter, and numerous defensive players, necessitating a challenging rebuilding process.

Colorado has also faced the nation's most difficult schedule through the first five games of the 2025 season, according to NCAA statistics, which likely proved their early-season struggles.

Sanders has been vocal about the evolving landscape of NIL in college football. He's working to attract talent while emphasizing the importance of factors beyond just financial opportunities. He has stated that teams that spend the most NIL money will likely be at the top at the end of the year.

Sanders has taken accountability for the team's performance, acknowledging underachievement and stating that responsibility starts with him and the coaching staff. He has also pointed to the team's inability to overcome adversity in crucial moments, emphasizing the need for better preparation in certain situations.

However, Coach Sanders believes the team is better than its current record indicates and remains hopeful that they can turn the season around.

Despite these struggles, the team has shown flashes of promise, particularly on the defensive side in recent weeks, as they learn and adjust to a new roster and coaching scheme.

The talent of players like freshman wide receiver Quentin Gibson, quarterback Lewis, and defensive ends Alexander McPherson and London Merritt offers reasons for optimism for the future.

After a promising start in 2024, the challenge for Sanders and the Buffaloes is to build on that momentum and demonstrate sustained success, particularly after the departure of key players to the NFL. The 2025 season is widely seen as a credibility year for Sanders in Colorado.

Massimo Buonagurio is a second-year majoring in telecommunications. To contact him, email mkb6750@psu.edu.