Deion Sanders enters his fourth season at Colorado after a 3-9 overall and 1-8 Big 12 campaign in 2025. Julian Lewis returns at quarterback after making two starts last season, while Brennan Marion takes over as offensive coordinator. Update (Oct. 13): Utah transfer QB Isaac Wilson replaced Julian Lewis during the Baylor game on September 26. Wilson made his first start against Texas Tech on October 3, throwing for 290 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. Wilson is currently listed ahead of Lewis on the depth chart. Colorado must replace leading receiver Omarion Miller after his transfer, but it returns five of its top eight receivers from last season, including Joseph Williams, Zach Atkins, and Quentin Gibson. Hykeem Williams also returns after an injury-limited 2025 season, while Texas transfer DeAndre Moore and San José State transfer Danny Scudero join the receiving corps. Micah Welch returns at running back, while Alabama transfer Richard Young joins the backfield, and DeKalon Taylor also returns. The offensive line returns Larry Johnson after eight starts last season and Yahya Attia after four, while Houston transfer center Demetrius Hunter and Rutgers transfer Taj White join a group that will feature several new starters in 2026.
Chris Marve takes over as defensive coordinator. Colorado returns only one of its top eleven tacklers from last season, defensive back Ben Finneseth, after losing all ten. Texas transfer Liona Lefau joins the linebacker group, and Vanderbilt transfer Randon Fontenette joins the secondary, while the Buffaloes will feature several new starters throughout the defense in 2026.
Colorado will feature a new placekicker after Alejandro Mata exhausted his eligibility and Josh McCormick departed the program in June, with sophomore Elliot Arnold competing for the role. Damon Greaves returns at punter, while Quentin Gibson returns with kickoff-return experience.
Colorado enters 2026 with new coordinators on both sides of the ball, significant roster turnover, and a defense replacing ten of last season’s top eleven tacklers. The midseason switch from Julian Lewis to Isaac Wilson at quarterback adds another significant adjustment for a Buffaloes offense already working to establish continuity.