Colorado Buffaloes Face Major Changes Ahead of College Football Season

Colorado Buffaloes football team huddling on the sidelines

Denver, Colorado, August 18, 2025

News Summary

The Colorado Buffaloes are bracing for significant changes as key players, including Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, are expected to enter the NFL Draft. Following a successful nine-win season and an Alamo Bowl appearance, predictions suggest that the Buffaloes will miss the College Football Playoff for 2025, though they may still remain bowl eligible. With a projected win total of 5.5, the team, led by Coach Deion Sanders, is looking to rebuild and face Georgia Tech in their season opener.

Denver, Colorado – The Colorado Buffaloes are set to face significant transformations ahead of the 2025 college football season, following a successful nine-win season and an appearance in the Alamo Bowl. Key players such as Travis Hunter, a star cornerback and wide receiver, as well as quarterback Shedeur Sanders, are expected to be lost to the NFL Draft. This shift raises questions about the team’s expectations and performance as they prepare for the upcoming season.

According to predictions from ESPN analysts, both Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach believe the Buffaloes will miss out on the College Football Playoff for 2025. However, they project that Colorado will remain bowl eligible for the second consecutive year. Bonagura’s forecast suggests the Buffaloes will compete in the L.A. Bowl against the UNLV Rebels, a match that would mark the first-ever face-off between these two teams. Conversely, Schlabach has the Buffaloes matched against the Florida State Seminoles in the Sun Bowl.

The prospect of facing Florida State is particularly intriguing due to the history between the two programs. Colorado and Florida State have clashed three times previously, with the Seminoles securing victory in all matchups, the latest being a 39-21 win in 2008. Additionally, this matchup would hold sentimental value as Colorado’s head coach, Deion Sanders, is a former player for Florida State, where he was honored for his outstanding achievements in college football.

In terms of predictions for the College Football Playoff, analysts highlighted prominent teams like the Georgia Bulldogs, Texas Longhorns, Ohio State Buckeyes, Penn State Nittany Lions, and Clemson Tigers. A notable semifinal projection includes a Fiesta Bowl showdown between Georgia and Texas, with Texas anticipated to advance to the national championship.

The Buffaloes’ projected win total for the season stands at 5.5, reflecting uncertainties surrounding their prospects for another bowl game. The odds presented are -120 for over and +100 for under, indicating a mix of optimism and reservations among fans and analysts alike.

As they look to rebuild, the Buffaloes will likely depend on transfer quarterback Kaidon Salter, who previously showcased his dual-threat skills at Liberty. Coach Deion Sanders has noted the importance of elevating expectations after a previous season of success. Despite the loss of high-profile players, he has expressed confidence in the new roster’s ability to compete effectively in the upcoming season.

The Buffaloes will open their 2025 season on August 30 against Georgia Tech, offering an early test for a team navigating significant changes. Historically, the Buffaloes have faced challenges in postseason play, having not won a bowl game since 2004 and currently on a five-game bowl losing streak. As preseason camp progresses, reports indicate both injuries and promising developments from the roster, as Colorado aims to turn the page on recent challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the Colorado Buffaloes key players lost for the upcoming season?

Key players lost include star cornerback and wide receiver Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, both expected to enter the NFL Draft.

What bowl games are predicted for the Colorado Buffaloes in 2025?

ESPN analysts predict that the Buffaloes will either play in the L.A. Bowl against the UNLV Rebels or the Sun Bowl versus the Florida State Seminoles.

What is Coach Deion Sanders’ outlook for the upcoming season?

Coach Deion Sanders is optimistic about the team’s capabilities despite significant player losses and emphasizes raising expectations following a successful previous season.

When does the Colorado Buffaloes’ 2025 season begin?

The Colorado Buffaloes’ 2025 season opener is scheduled for August 30 against Georgia Tech.

Key Features Summary

Feature Details
2025 Key Player Losses Travis Hunter, Shedeur Sanders
Predicted Bowl Games L.A. Bowl vs. UNLV, Sun Bowl vs. Florida State
Win Total Prediction 5.5 win total, odds -120 for over, +100 for under
Season Opener August 30 against Georgia Tech
Last Bowl Win 2004, currently on a five-game losing streak

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Heartfelt Farewell to Bill McCartney: A Coaching Legend Remembered
Travis Hunter: The College Football Sensation Revolutionizing the Game in Colorado
Buffaloes Kick Off Season with Narrow Victory Over North Dakota State

Additional Resources

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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER

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