You're stuck in traffic on I-25. It’s a Saturday afternoon. The Flatirons are in your rearview mirror, and the Buffs are about to kick off at Folsom Field. You reach for the dial. If you grew up in Boulder or Denver, you probably instinctively hunt for those legacy AM signals, but the way we consume Colorado University football radio has changed. Honestly, it’s gotten a bit more complicated than just spinning a knob, yet the experience is arguably better than it has ever been because of how Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders has turned the program into a global media circus.
KOA 850 AM and 94.1 FM remain the backbone. They call it "The Voice of the West" for a reason. For decades, it’s where you went to hear the legendary Larry Zimmer, and now it’s where Mark Johnson and Gary Barnett hold down the fort. But if you think that’s the only way to catch the action, you’re missing half the story. The digital shift has moved the "radio" experience into apps, satellite streams, and even social media snippets that fly around in real-time. It’s loud. It’s chaotic. It’s Colorado football.
Why the Radio Broadcast Still Wins Over TV
Look, we all love the high-def 4K broadcasts on FOX or ESPN. But there’s a massive delay. If you’re at a tailgate outside the stadium, the TV broadcast is sometimes thirty seconds behind reality. You hear the roar of the crowd inside Folsom, and then you wait. And wait. By the time the touchdown happens on your screen, the extra point is already being kicked. Radio doesn’t have that lag—at least not the analog version.
Mark Johnson’s play-by-play isn't just a description of the game; it’s a vibe. He’s been the voice of the Buffs since 2004. He knows the history. When he pairs up with former head coach Gary Barnett, you get a level of tactical analysis that the national TV announcers, who probably only studied the roster on the plane ride over, simply can't match. Barnett knows what it’s like to stand on that sideline. He knows the pressure of a Big 12 conference game. That local institutional knowledge is why fans still mute the TV and sync up the radio.
Finding the Right Frequency: It's Not Just 850 AM
The partnership between CU Athletics and iHeartMedia is the engine here. If you're in the Denver metro area, KOA 850 AM is the gold standard. It’s got a massive signal. At night, that thing bounces off the ionosphere and hits states away. But AM can be finicky under bridges or near power lines. That’s why the FM simulcast on 94.1 FM is a lifesaver for local fans who want that crisp, static-free sound.
Then there’s the Buffs Radio Network. It isn’t just one station; it’s a web of affiliates stretching across the state. From KHOW 630 in Denver to various stations in Colorado Springs and the Western Slope, the reach is wide.
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But what if you aren't in Colorado?
That’s where the Varsity Network app comes in. It’s a free download. No subscriptions, no nonsense. You just find Colorado and you’re in. Or, if you’re a SiriusXM subscriber, you’re looking for the Big 12 channels. Usually, it’s on channel 199, 200, or somewhere in that neighborhood depending on who is the home team.
The "Coach Prime" Effect on the Airwaves
Let’s be real. Nobody was talking this much about Colorado University football radio five years ago. Since Deion Sanders arrived, the listenership numbers have gone through the roof. It’s not just about the game anymore; it’s about the spectacle. The pre-game show is now "must-listen" radio. The post-game press conferences, which are often carried live, are theater.
The media frenzy means that the radio guys have to be on their toes. There’s more scrutiny. There are more eyes—and ears—on the program than ever before. This has led to better production values. The sideline reporting is sharper. The interviews are more candid. You’re not just hearing about a 3-yard run; you’re hearing about the culture shift in Boulder.
Technical Hurdles: Why Your Stream Might Be Lagging
One thing that drives people crazy is the "digital delay." If you are listening via the iHeartRadio app or the Varsity Network, you are going to be behind the live action. It’s just the nature of how data packets travel across the internet.
- Analog Radio (AM/FM): Nearly instant. Perfect for when you're at the game.
- Satellite (SiriusXM): About a 5-10 second delay.
- Phone Apps: Can be 30 seconds to a full minute behind.
If you’re trying to follow along on Twitter (or X) while listening to a stream, you will see spoilers. It’s the trade-off for convenience. Honestly, if you want the "true" radio experience, you’ve gotta find an old-school transistor radio. They still exist. They’re cheap. And they work when the cell towers are overloaded because 50,000 people are trying to upload Instagram stories at the same time.
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The Voices You Need to Know
You can't talk about Buffs radio without mentioning the legends. Larry Zimmer, who passed away recently, set the bar. He called games for over 40 years. He was the soundtrack of the 1990 National Championship season.
Today, Mark Johnson carries that torch. He’s energetic. He’s a pro’s pro. Gary Barnett provides the "coach's eye." It’s a balanced booth. They don't just "homer" for the team—though they clearly want the Buffs to win—they will call out a bad play or a blown coverage when they see it. That honesty is rare in team-employed broadcasts.
How to Access the Broadcasts Today
If you are trying to find the game right this second, here is the fastest way to do it without getting lost in a Google search rabbit hole:
- In Denver/Boulder: Tune to 850 AM or 94.1 FM.
- On Your Phone: Download the Varsity Network App or the iHeartRadio App and search for "KOA."
- In Your Car (Nationwide): Check your SiriusXM listings under the "Big 12" sports section.
- Online: Go to CUBuffs.com. They usually have a "Listen Live" button right on the home page during game days.
The pre-game coverage usually starts two hours before kickoff. That’s where you get the real nuggets—injury updates, weather reports from Folsom Field, and the "Coach Prime" interview that everyone is going to be talking about on Monday.
Dealing with Blackouts and Restrictions
Sometimes, people get frustrated because they find a station that should be playing the game, but it’s airing a national talk show instead. This usually happens because of territorial rights. Some smaller affiliates only have the rights to broadcast within a certain radius. If you find yourself in a blackout zone, your best bet is always the official school app or the Varsity Network. They bypass those weird local geographic restrictions.
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Also, keep in mind that bowl games have different rules. When Colorado makes it to a bowl game, the national radio rights often take over, though KOA usually still gets to send their crew. It’s always worth checking the official CU social media accounts an hour before kickoff to see exactly which "dial" you should be on.
The Future of Colorado University Football Radio
Is radio dying? People have been saying that for twenty years. But in college football, radio is thriving. It’s the companion for the drive to the mountains. It’s the way alumni in New York or California stay connected to their roots. With the Big 12 move, the travel is tougher and the rivalries are being rekindled. That means the stories being told over the airwaves are getting better.
We're seeing more integration too. You’ll hear the radio guys popping up on podcasts and YouTube shows throughout the week. The "radio" broadcast is becoming the "audio brand" of the team.
Whether you're a lifelong Boulder resident or a new fan who hopped on the bandwagon when Prime arrived, the radio broadcast is the most intimate way to experience the game. It’s just a voice and the sound of the pads popping. No yellow lines on the screen, no flashy graphics—just football.
Your Game Day Action Plan
- Buy a small portable radio if you plan on going to Folsom Field. The stadium Wi-Fi is better than it used to be, but it still chokes under pressure. An FM signal won't fail you.
- Sync your audio. If you’re at home, try to pause your TV for a few seconds to let the radio stream catch up. It takes a little trial and error, but hearing Mark Johnson call a Shedeur Sanders touchdown pass while watching it happen is the peak fan experience.
- Check the schedule early. Kickoff times in the Big 12 are all over the place. Some weeks it’s an 11:00 AM "Big Noon" kickoff, and other weeks it’s a late-night "after dark" special. The radio pre-game show time will shift accordingly.
- Follow @CUBuffsRadio on social media. They often post behind-the-scenes clips and clarify which satellite channels the game will be on each week.