Colorado’s New Identity Takes Shape as Coach Prime Prepares for 2026.

BOULDER, Colo. — The Colorado Buffaloes are approaching the 2026 season with a different look, deeper competition across the roster, and growing confidence from head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders. With the season opener less than three weeks away, Sanders used Friday’s media day in Boulder to provide a glimpse into a team he believes is becoming smarter, faster, tougher, and more disciplined. Rather than focusing on one star player or position, Sanders repeatedly returned to the overall development of the roster. He believes Colorado has built a team with more options than in previous seasons, particularly in areas where depth can become important over the course of a long college football schedule. One of the strongest examples is the offensive line. Colorado enters the season with several players competing for significant playing time instead of depending on the same five starters every week. Sanders estimated that eight or nine offensive linemen could realistically earn starting roles. Second-year guard Chauncey Gooden has been among the players drawing attention during camp. Sanders recalled Gooden having an especially physical practice after believing a strong performance might allow him to avoid conditioning. Although that turned out not to be the case, Sanders was impressed with what he saw.

“He was killing people in practice,” Sanders said. “But I ran with him that day to comfort him a little bit. Chauncey’s killing people”

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The confidence surrounding Colorado is not limited to the offense. Sanders believes the Buffaloes could have several difference-makers on defense. He called the linebacker unit possibly the strongest position group on the team and spoke highly of the cornerbacks, safeties, and edge rushers. One player receiving particularly high expectations is defensive back Boo Carter. After transferring from Tennessee, Carter has quickly established himself as one of Colorado’s most versatile athletes. Sanders described him as the best athlete on the roster and believes his professional potential could become clear during the upcoming season. “Boo could be a pro this year for certain,” Sanders said, adding that Carter has the talent to become a first-round selection if he puts together the type of season Colorado believes he can have. Carter’s arrival in Boulder also appears to be more than a simple transfer decision. He said playing for Sanders had been on his mind before he entered the program and described Colorado as a place that already felt familiar. “I always thought about coming with Coach Prime,” Carter said. “It was like my second home, basically” . Another defensive back, Randon Fontenette, is entering the season with a different kind of motivation. Although the current eligibility rules could give him another year of college football, Fontenette said he plans to make 2026 his final season before pursuing the NFL.

For Fontenette, the goal is not simply to reach the professional level. He wants to finish his Colorado career successfully and become one of Sanders’ NFL Draft selections.

“This is my last year of college,” Fontenette said. “This is the season, and I’m going to declare”.

The changing eligibility rules have also made roster management more complicated for coaching staffs. Sanders said he keeps a color-coded roster in his office to track where players stand in their college careers. With athletes potentially remaining in programs longer, recruiting decisions now require coaches to think beyond the upcoming season. Offensively, Colorado could also become more aggressive through the passing game. Fifth-year tight end Brady Kopetz has found a role in offensive coordinator Brennan Marion’s Go-Go offense after previously playing running back in high school. His versatility could allow Colorado to use its tight ends in several ways. Kopetz suggested fans should expect the position to become involved downfield. “We will have a lot of deep passes this year, especially at the tight end position,” Kopetz said. “Be ready for that”. Sanders also appears comfortable with the leadership surrounding him. He praised offensive coordinator Brennan Marion and defensive coordinator Chris Marve for bringing different personalities and strengths to the coaching staff. Sanders believes that balance allows the coaches to communicate effectively while still maintaining their individual approaches. Special teams remain another important area as Colorado prepares for opening day. New players will be responsible for key parts of the kicking operation, something Sanders believes should not be overlooked. A successful snap, hold, and kick may receive less attention than an explosive offensive play, but Sanders emphasized that mistakes in those situations can determine the outcome of close games. Despite the excitement surrounding the roster, Sanders made it clear that his definition of success extends beyond football. Winning remains an expectation, but he also wants players to graduate and leave Colorado prepared for their futures. For athletes who do not continue playing professionally, that means having the education and opportunities needed to build successful careers.

That approach also includes maintaining relationships with the families connected to the program. Sanders spoke about Colorado’s continued relationship with the parents of Dominiq Ponder and how much their communication continues to mean to him. Ultimately, however, Sanders knows that expectations surrounding Colorado will include what happens on the field. “We want to win,” Sanders said. “We want to win profoundly”. The program is also trying to strengthen its connection with the rest of Colorado athletics Sanders recognized the university’s soccer, volleyball, and cross-country programs during media day and encouraged Buffaloes teams to support one another throughout their seasons.

As opening day gets closer, Colorado appears to have more competition, versatility, and depth than Sanders has had in some previous seasons. The Buffaloes still have to prove themselves once the games begin, but Sanders is entering the year with confidence in both the talent and character of his roster.