After Houston Loss, Colorado Faces Early Reality Check Under Coach Prime
Buffs Fall to 1–2 Amid Offensive Struggles and Roster Growing Pains
The Colorado Buffaloes entered the 2025 season with plenty of attention and intrigue. But three games in, the Buffs sit at 1–2, and after a humbling loss at Houston, concerns are starting to feel heavier.
High Expectations, Early Doubts
Before the season, coach Deion Sanders set the bar high, boldly calling this Colorado team better than last year’s and speaking about competing for the Big 12 title as the new standard in Boulder.
After Sanders turned Colorado from a one-win program in 2022 into a nine-win team in 2024, the question now looms: has his rebuild of the Buffaloes hit a wall?
Offensive Rhythm Missing
Despite the star power of Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the Buffs lost numerous key contributors from last season — and their absence has been glaring.
Colorado’s once dynamic offense has sputtered. Ryan Staub, stepping in at quarterback, missed several critical throws against Houston. Even when he connected, receivers failed to secure catchable passes in big moments.
With the reliability of LaJohntay Wester, Jimmy Horn Jr., and Will Sheppard gone, explosive plays have been almost non-existent. Without that veteran foundation, Colorado’s margin for error has shrunk drastically.
Transfer Portal Reality
In today’s college football landscape, loyalty is rare. The transfer portal and NIL opportunities have made roster movement more fluid than ever. Sanders has benefited from that system to build his team — but he also lost 26 players to the portal ahead of 2025.
Freshman quarterback Julian “JuJu” Lewis represents both massive promise and uncertainty. A 5-star recruit with all the tools to be Colorado’s future, Lewis is the face of potential — but also a reminder of how hard it is to keep elite prospects committed when wins don’t come quickly.
Building, Keeping, and Developing Talent
The offensive line is another microcosm of Sanders’ challenge. Sophomore Jordan Seaton, a highly recruited lineman, has been thrust into a leadership role up front. At times, his visible frustration reflects the growing pains of a group still searching for an identity.
For Sanders and his staff, the task extends beyond landing talent. The real test is developing players, keeping them invested, and molding them into long-term leaders who can anchor the program.
Coach Prime’s Candid Assessment
After the Houston loss, Sanders didn’t sugarcoat his team’s struggles. He admitted Colorado was beaten physically in the trenches, which allowed the Cougars to dictate the game.
Now, the Buffs return home to face the Wyoming Cowboys, a nonconference matchup that should give Colorado a chance to reset.
A Moment of Truth
For the Buffaloes to contend in the Big 12, they need more than flashes of talent. They need an identity — a reliable core capable of withstanding the grind of a conference season.
Already a quarter into 2025, it’s clear Colorado has significant work ahead. The wall they’ve hit isn’t permanent, but if progress doesn’t come soon, Sanders’ bold standard may start to feel further away than ever.
