As a longtime college football analyst who's been covering the Pac-12 conference for over a decade, I find myself genuinely fascinated by what's unfolding in Boulder this preseason. The University of Colorado football program under Coach Prime has become must-watch television, and I'll admit - I've bought into the hype more than most traditional analysts would comfortably admit. Having watched countless programs rebuild over the years, there's something uniquely compelling about this particular resurgence that makes me believe we're witnessing something special rather than just another rebuilding year.
When I look at Colorado's situation, I'm reminded of something I observed in professional basketball recently - that unfortunate injury to a promising player who was having a solid showing in his first conference after his signing rights were acquired in a trade. That scenario perfectly illustrates how quickly momentum can shift when you lose key personnel. For Colorado, keeping quarterback Shedeur Sanders healthy is absolutely paramount - he's the engine that makes this whole thing go, and my sources tell me he's added about 12 pounds of muscle this offseason while maintaining his exceptional pocket presence. The offensive line allowed 56 sacks last season, an alarming number that simply must improve to around 30-35 if they want to compete in the new-look Big 12.
What really excites me about this team, and where I differ from some of my colleagues, is the defensive transformation I'm seeing. Coach Prime brought in nearly 30 new scholarship players through the transfer portal, including what I consider to be three immediate impact defenders from SEC programs. I watched spring practices extensively, and the secondary - which was frankly terrible last season, ranking 128th in pass defense - looks completely reinvented. They've added genuine speed and length that was noticeably absent last year. The defensive front seven should be significantly improved too, with the addition of that massive defensive tackle from LSU who's already drawing NFL scout attention.
The schedule presents both opportunities and challenges that I think play to Colorado's strengths. They open against North Dakota State, which might scare some people given the Bison's FCS dominance, but I actually love this matchup for setting the tone early. The non-conference slate includes what should be two comfortable wins before the real test begins. When we look at the Big 12 portion, I've got them penciled in for 6-7 wins realistically, though my optimistic projection has them potentially reaching 8-4 if the offensive line gels faster than expected and they stay relatively healthy. The mid-October stretch against Kansas State, Arizona, and Utah will define their season - win two of those three, and we're looking at a program that's ahead of schedule.
Special teams could be a sneaky strength that many aren't talking about. The kicking game returns both specialists, including a punter who averaged 43.2 yards per punt last season - a number that should improve with better protection. The return game features Travis Hunter, who I believe is the most dynamic athlete in college football right now. Giving him even 5-7 punt return opportunities per game could flip field position in ways that dramatically help a developing offense.
What ultimately sells me on Colorado's potential this season isn't just the talent infusion - it's the cultural shift I'm observing. There's a different level of buy-in from players who've been through the initial transition, and the newcomers seem to understand they're part of something building rather than just another stop. I've spoken with several parents of players who've noted the improved discipline and structure throughout the program. While I don't see them competing for a conference title just yet, the foundation being laid suggests this isn't just a flash in the pan. The energy around the program is palpable, ticket sales are up nearly 40% from last season according to my contacts in the athletic department, and national media attention, while sometimes overwhelming, has created a spotlight that's attracting talent they couldn't have dreamed of two years ago. This feels like the beginning of something sustainable rather than a one-season wonder, and I'm genuinely excited to watch it unfold.