The post-Shedeur Sanders era in Boulder isn't just coming; it’s basically here. Honestly, the 2025 season feels like the real "Year One" for Deion Sanders because he finally has to prove he can build a winner without his son under center. It’s a massive pivot point. People kept asking how "Coach Prime" would replace a projected first-round NFL talent, and the answer turned out to be a mix of veteran savvy and the most hyped freshman in program history.
Basically, the Colorado football depth chart 2025 is a complete overhaul.
Forget the 2024 roster. Most of those names are gone. We’re talking about a lineup that has been rebuilt through a relentless transfer portal strategy and a few massive high school flips. The vibe around Folsom Field is different now. It’s less about "Grown" and more about "Sustainable." If you’re trying to keep track of who’s actually lining up against Georgia Tech in the opener, you’ve come to the right place.
The Quarterback Room: Salter vs. JuJu
The biggest question of the offseason was answered in late August when Coach Prime named Kaidon Salter the starter.
Salter, the Liberty transfer, isn't just some bridge player. He’s a legitimate dual-threat weapon who led Liberty to a New Year’s Six bowl. He’s got the experience Shedeur had, but with a lot more "twitch" in the run game. He threw for over 2,800 yards and ran for 1,000 in 2023. That’s the kind of production that keeps defensive coordinators awake.
Then there’s Julian "JuJu" Lewis.
👉 See also: What Really Happened With Nick Chubb: The Injury, The Recovery, and The Houston Twist
The five-star freshman is the future. Period. He reclassified from 2026, skipped his senior year of high school, and still nearly won the job in camp. While Salter is QB1 for now, don't be shocked if you see Lewis in specific packages. He’s too talented to sit on the bench for 60 minutes. Behind them, you’ve got guys like Ryan Staub and Colton Allen, but this is a two-horse race for the spotlight.
2025 Quarterback Depth
- Starter: Kaidon Salter (Sr.)
- Backup: Julian Lewis (Fr.)
- Reserves: Ryan Staub (So.), Dominiq Ponder (So.), Colton Allen (Jr.)
Replacing Travis Hunter: The Impossible Task
You don't "replace" a Heisman winner. You just try to cover the hole he left behind. With Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. off to the NFL, the wide receiver room looks very different. Omarion Miller is the guy everyone is pointing to as the next superstar. He’s shown flashes of brilliance—remember that TCU game in '23?—but injuries slowed him down last year. Now, he’s the undisputed WR1.
Opposite him, keep an eye on Hykeem Williams, the Florida State transfer. He’s a big-bodied receiver who can win those 50/50 balls that Shedeur used to trust Travis with.
The slot is where it gets interesting. Drelon Miller and freshman Quentin Gibson are battling for snaps. Gibson might be small, but he was a touchdown machine in high school and has already earned some "Coach Prime" praise in spring ball.
On the defensive side, the secondary is led by DJ McKinney. He was the "other" corner next to Hunter last year, but scouts actually love his length and recovery speed. He’ll be paired with Tawfiq Byard, a South Florida transfer and the younger brother of NFL star Kevin Byard. That’s a lot of pedigree in one defensive backfield.
✨ Don't miss: Men's Sophie Cunningham Jersey: Why This Specific Kit is Selling Out Everywhere
The Trenches: Can They Finally Protect the QB?
If Colorado fails in 2025, it’ll be because the offensive line looked like a revolving door again. But there’s a reason to be optimistic this time. Jordan Seaton is back at left tackle. He’s a year older, stronger, and more experienced. He’s the anchor.
The Buffs went heavy in the portal to fix the interior. Zy Crisler (Illinois) and Larry Johnson III (Tennessee) were massive pickups. Literally. These are 330-pound humans meant to stop the interior pressure that plagued the offense for two years.
- Left Tackle: Jordan Seaton (So.)
- Left Guard: Zy Crisler (Gr.)
- Center: Zarian McGill (Jr.)
- Right Guard: Aki Ogunbiyi (Gr.)
- Right Tackle: Larry Johnson III (Jr.)
The defensive line has a new look too. Jehiem Oatis, the massive tackle from Alabama, is the centerpiece. Having Warren Sapp coaching these guys up has clearly helped with recruiting. Oatis is a space-eater who allows edge rushers like Arden Walker and London Merritt to work one-on-one.
The Defensive Identity under Robert Livingston
Coach Livingston is entering his second year as DC, and he’s clearly leaning into a 4-3 base that can disguise looks. The linebacker corps is much more athletic than it was. Nikhai Hill-Green leaving for Alabama hurt, but Martavius French and Reginald Hughes are seasoned vets who don't miss many tackles.
Honestly, the defense might be the more consistent unit this year. They aren't relying on one or two "unicorns" to make every play. It’s a more disciplined, gap-sound group. Taje McCoy is a name to watch on the edge; he’s got a first step that looks like it belongs in the SEC.
🔗 Read more: Why Netball Girls Sri Lanka Are Quietly Dominating Asian Sports
Running Backs: A Rushing Attack (Finally?)
Colorado was dead last in rushing for two straight years. It was embarrassing. To fix it, they brought in DeKalon Taylor from Incarnate Word and Simeon Price from Coastal Carolina.
Taylor is a lightning bolt. He’s small, but his lateral quickness is insane. He’s the type of back that thrives in Pat Shurmur’s spread option. If Isaiah Augustave can stay healthy, he provides the "thunder" to Taylor’s "lightning." Expect a much more balanced offense this year, which should take some of the pressure off Salter's shoulders.
Special Teams and Depth Pieces
Don't sleep on the kicking game. Buck Buchanan, a transfer from Louisiana Tech, has a cannon for a leg. In a Big 12 conference where games are constantly decided by three points, having a reliable kicker is a godsend. Damon Greaves returns as the punter, providing some much-needed continuity.
The depth at tight end is still a bit of a concern. Zach Atkins is the projected starter, but he’s more of a traditional blocker. If they want to involve the tight end in the passing game, they might need freshman Zayne DeSouza to grow up fast.
Actionable Insights for Buffs Fans
Watching this team in 2025 requires looking past the "Prime" hype and focusing on the actual football mechanics. Here is what you should watch for:
- Watch the RPO timing: Salter’s ability to pull the ball and run is the X-factor. If the defense respects the run, Omarion Miller will have career-high numbers.
- Monitor the Sack Count: If Seaton and Johnson can keep Salter's jersey clean through the first three games, Colorado is a Big 12 contender.
- Follow the Freshman Snaps: JuJu Lewis is the most talented player on the roster. Even if he’s not the starter, his usage rate will tell you everything about the staff's confidence in the future.
- Check the Defensive Rotation: Warren Sapp loves to rotate D-linemen. If the Buffs are still getting pressure in the 4th quarter, the depth is working.
The Colorado football depth chart 2025 is built for a specific purpose: to prove that this program is a destination, not just a pit stop for a celebrity coach. With a veteran QB and a beefed-up line, the floor is much higher than it’s been in years.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the weekly injury reports, especially for the offensive line. Success in Boulder this year isn't about the flashy highlights—it’s about whether the big guys upfront can finally hold their ground.