Once again, it appears all eyes will be on the Colorado Buffaloes this season — but for much different reasons.
Gone are Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, two of the most recognizable faces in program history. With both off to begin their NFL careers, the spotlight shifts squarely back to head coach Deion Sanders and a new crop of talent in Boulder.
How will that translate in 2025? How will the Buffaloes fare without two of their biggest stars? According to Athlon Sports’ latest Big 12 projections (via On3), Colorado is expected to take a step back, finishing 10th in the conference.
“Colorado could be the most difficult program to judge in the Big 12 going into the 2025 season,” Athlon wrote. “After surprising plenty of people last year, they’re dealing with roster turnover. That’s going to lead to plenty of question marks.
“Head coach Deion Sanders has to replace his son, Shedeur Sanders, and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. That’s going to be very difficult to do. To do that, he’s once again turned to the Transfer Portal. Of course, that means there are questions to answer on this roster.”
A 10th-place finish would be the worst of the Sanders era in Big 12 play. Colorado went 9–4 last season and finishing fourth in the conference with a 7–2 record. In their final Pac-12 campaign in 2023, the Buffaloes landed in last place with a 4–8 overall record and a dismal 1–8 mark in conference play.
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Athlon has Kansas State winning the Big 12 in 2025, with Arizona State, last year's winners, falling to second.
Colorado transfer portal, Deion Sanders' health
Roster turnover is once again a major talking point. The Buffs brought in 33 new transfers, ranking No. 19 nationally in 247Sports’ portal class. That haul includes former Liberty quarterback Kaidon Salter, who is expected to step in as Shedeur Sanders’ replacement.
Sanders' health is another concern. The Colorado coach has been dealing with an undisclosed medical issue and is currently recovering at his home in Texas. While USA Today recently reported he’s making “progress,” his return to campus remains unknown.
A lot can change between now and kickoff, but with so much in flux, Colorado enters the 2025 season with more questions than answers.