Colorado Buffaloes 2025 Preview, Prediction, Betting ideas
2025 Colorado Buffaloes Preview
What a ride Deion, Travis Hunter, and Shedeur took all Buffalo fans on the last two years. Say what you want about Sanders, he turned this program into a team that was one poor performance against Kansas away from a Big 12 title game. Many, including myself, thought Deion wouldn't be back for '25, but by all accounts, if his health situation is managed, Deion will be at the helm for the coming season. With so much change it would be hard pressed not to wonder what this team's outlook is. However, Deion Sanders has shown an ability to develop a culture that wins ball games throughout his coaching career. The self-belief he instills in his players is easy to see, and this will be a big test of his ability to get this team in contention once again. Shurmer is back to call the offense and will have a decision to make at QB with Salter in from Liberty, the likely candidate, or freshman potential sensation Lewis. Livingston once again runs the defense, which showed much improvement last year. NFL legends Warren Sapp and Marshall Faulk are helping on either side of the ball. These things just reiterate to me that Deion has this thing humming in Boulder. It's exciting! A 9-4 season and a Heisman winner will be a tough act to follow, but I feel this Buffs team might be better than people think this year.
Buffaloes Recruiting Update
After coming in dead last in the Big 12 in '24, Colorado comes in with the number 4 class in '25. Deion loves going after a big fish and getting back-to-back 5-star recruits, Seaton (24) and Lewis (25). He knows how to land a big recruit!
CU Buffs Transfer Portal
Colorado ranks #5 in the portal class in the Big 12. There were not the insane shake-ups in years past, but there were definitely some new faces in the door and, unfortunately, a couple of big losses. The significant losses were Hill-Green to Alabama, who, by all accounts, has had a good spring with the Tide, which was a really tough loss there. Hayes (edge) and Hood (CB) are losses to A&M and Tennessee, respectively; the losses on defense are noticeable on paper. CUSA 2023 MVP Salter (QB) was a big addition, and Hill and Johnson were on the line, adding big bodies. Oatis (DL) is the wildcard no doubt coming over from Alabama, if he shows up in a real way that would be huge for the buffs run defense.
2025 Colorado Buffaloes Roster Outlook
Colorado lost 4 players to the NFL draft, and a few others got picked up as UDFA. That's a lot to lose for this program especially considering Hunter was the Heisman and number 2 pick and Sanders (QB) was much more talented than his 5th round pick suggests. Wester and Horn will also be losses at WR. Salter is the likely QB he was fantastic in '23 and after some seaming NIL dispute last year dropped off, motivation a factor? If he gets back to his best he can be a dual threat weapon for this offense. Hayden, the former Ohio St player, has been a spring standout at RB. Under Faulk's tutelage, he could be in for a good year. Seaton comes back after his freshman year and will look to improve with Hill, Houston, and Crisler, potential studs on the O line. AAC freshman of the year, Williams, and Dre'lon Miller will be weapons at WR. Defensively is where it gets interesting. Walker is at the edge with Wiggens. Coleman and Oatis at (DL). Hodge, Mckinney, look to impress in secondary. This defense seems very interesting; a good pass rush and some lockdown corners could make it hard to put up points on the Buffs.
Statistical pulse: Colorado had the 8th most passing yards per game last year nationally, with 307; their offense will have to look considerably different with Salter potentially at the helm. Colorado was dead last nationally in rushing yards per game last season, and Salter's running ability will provide a big boost here. Colorado was 126th in the country in penalty yards per game allowed last season. Deion will need some more discipline from his team.
Schedule: Colorado opens the season with hipster ACC title pick Georgia Tech in Boulder. That'll be a massive test of both sides. This team will NEED to be buttoned up from the start as they go seven weeks without a bye. At Utah, hosting ASU off-byes will be interesting, and finishing at TCU and K-State will be big challenges.
Prediction for Colorado Buffaloes 2025 Season
This statement will get some eye rolls, but it's applicable here. It all depends on the QB play. I think this defense will be a lot nastier than people think, the reports coming from camp about the secondary and defensive line is a combination I love to hear. I think Colorado goes 8-4. Trips to TCU, K-State and Utah will prove to be too much and I foresee the opener being a close loss.
