Colorado Buffaloes Crack ESPN’s College Football Future Power Rankings originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
It wasn’t long ago that Colorado football was fighting for national relevance. Now, for the first time under Deion Sanders, the Buffaloes have earned a spot on ESPN’s College Football Future Power Rankings, a list that projects program strength over the next two seasons. But while the Buffs cracked the top 35, there’s a twist that fans in Boulder may not love: BYU is ranked higher.
Advertisement
ESPN slotted Colorado at No. 35, making them one of the more intriguing programs in the Big 12. It’s a significant step for a team that wasn’t ranked at all last year. But ten spots ahead, at No. 25, sits BYU, a steady rival with less buzz, but more stability heading into the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
The Future Power Rankings weigh quarterback outlook, roster health, recruiting, and coaching, and Colorado’s recent volatility is both a blessing and a burden.
Gone are Shedeur Sanders, who rewrote the school’s passing records before heading to the NFL, and Travis Hunter, the Heisman winner who electrified fans with his two-way dominance. Both were central to Colorado’s national resurgence, and their exits leave massive voids.
In their place? Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter, brings firepower and experience. But he’s a one-year rental. The real future may lie in Julian “Ju Ju” Lewis, the touted freshman who could become the face of the program.
Advertisement
The defensive line was one of Colorado’s few strengths last season, with 37 sacks and a promising pass rush. Ends Arden Walker and Samuel Okunlola return with All-Big 12 potential, and Alabama transfer Jehiem Oatis adds SEC pedigree. On the offensive line, former five-star tackle Jordan Seaton anchors a unit that’s still heavily reliant on transfers, a gamble that didn’t always pay off last season.
While BYU lacks star power, their offensive line continuity and quarterback pipeline may have earned them that one-spot edge.
With key portal losses at running back, corner, and offensive line, Colorado continues to churn its roster at a breakneck pace. Yet they still landed ESPN’s No. 34 recruiting class for 2025, showing that Sanders’ pull remains strong even post-Hunter.
Coach Prime enters Year 3 with retained coordinators and a fresh addition: NFL legend Marshall Faulk joins as running backs coach. The star-studded staff may be Colorado’s greatest long-term asset.
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion SandersCU Buffs
Being ranked at all is a win, especially considering where the program was three years ago. But being behind BYU? That should sting just enough to motivate fans and players alike.
Advertisement
The question now isn’t just “Can Colorado sustain success?” It’s “Can they outpace the programs still doubting them?”
Don’t be surprised if ESPN’s 2026 update looks very different.
Related: Shedeur Sanders Praised for his Demeanor During Browns Minicamp
Related: Travis and Leanna Hunter Buy Lavish $3.28M Jacksonville Mansion
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.