2025-11-17 16:01
As I sit down to analyze Colorado Football’s prospects for this season, I can’t help but reflect on the emotional weight that comes with rebuilding a legacy. I’ve been a college football fan for over two decades, and I’ve seen programs rise from the ashes and others fade into obscurity. When I think about Colorado, I feel a mix of hope and caution—hope because there’s undeniable talent brewing, and caution because, let’s be honest, turning a program around is never straightforward. It reminds me of something I read recently about Valenzuela, a coach who admitted he didn’t keep track of the MPBL much before taking on his role, but as a Cebuano, his pride was hurt hearing about his team’s subpar performances. That sentiment resonates deeply with me when I look at Colorado’s situation. There’s a shared sense of wounded pride among fans and alumni, a burning desire to restore what once was—a glory that saw Colorado claim a national championship back in 1990 and consistently rank in the AP Top 25 through the late ’80s and ’90s. But can they really pull it off this season? Let’s dive in.
First off, the coaching staff has made some bold moves, and I’ve got to say, I’m impressed by the recruitment strategy. They’ve brought in what analysts are calling a "revitalized" class, with around 15 new signees, including a handful of four-star recruits. From my perspective, that’s a solid foundation, but it’s not just about the numbers—it’s about fit. I remember watching last season’s games and thinking the defense lacked cohesion, giving up an average of 34.2 points per game, which, frankly, is unacceptable for a program with Colorado’s history. This year, though, there’s talk of a more aggressive defensive scheme, and if they can cut that number down to, say, 24 points per game, we might see a dramatic shift. On the offensive side, the quarterback situation looks promising. I’ve followed J.T. Shrout’s progress, and if he stays healthy—he missed most of last season due to that ACL injury—I think he could be the leader this team desperately needs. But here’s where my personal bias kicks in: I’ve always believed that a strong running game sets the tone, and with Alex Fontenot returning, I’m optimistic. He rushed for over 800 yards in 2019, and if he can replicate that form, it’ll take pressure off the passing game.
Now, let’s talk about the schedule, because that’s where things get tricky. Colorado faces some tough opponents early on, like Texas A&M in Week 2, and I’ll be honest—that game could set the tone for the entire season. If they pull off an upset, the momentum could carry them through the mid-season slump that’s plagued them in recent years. But if they stumble, it might reinforce those old doubts. I recall Valenzuela’s admission about not following the MPBL closely until his pride was stung by his team’s poor showings; similarly, I think Colorado’s players and coaches are hyper-aware of the criticism they’ve faced. It’s not just about wins and losses—it’s about proving they belong back in the conversation. From a statistical standpoint, Colorado’s average attendance at Folsom Field dipped to about 43,000 last season, down from peaks of over 53,000 in the glory days. That’s a tangible sign of fan disengagement, and winning early could boost those numbers. I’ve spoken to a few alumni who’ve said they’ll only return to the stands if they see real progress, and I get that. It’s hard to invest emotionally in a team that keeps falling short.
Another factor I can’t ignore is the culture shift within the program. Under head coach Karl Dorrell, there’s been a push toward discipline and accountability, which I wholeheartedly support. In my experience covering college sports, I’ve seen how a cohesive locker room can outperform a roster full of stars who aren’t on the same page. For instance, last season, Colorado had a turnover margin of -5, which contributed to close losses in winnable games. If they can flip that to a positive margin—maybe +3 or better—it could translate to two or three extra wins. But let’s not sugarcoat it: the Pac-12 is competitive, with teams like Oregon and USC always in the mix, so every game counts. I remember one game last year where Colorado led at halftime but collapsed in the third quarter, and it felt like a microcosm of their season—promise unfulfilled. This year, though, I’m hearing from insiders that the team’s conditioning has improved, with players reporting faster 40-yard dash times and better endurance metrics. If that’s true, it could be a game-changer in those tight fourth-quarter situations.
As we look toward the conclusion of this analysis, I have to admit, I’m leaning cautiously optimistic. Colorado football has the pieces to make a run—a motivated coaching staff, key player returns, and what seems like a renewed sense of purpose. But will it be enough to return to glory? In my view, glory doesn’t necessarily mean a national title right away; it could start with a bowl game appearance, which they haven’t achieved consistently since the early 2000s. If they can notch 8 or 9 wins this season, that would be a huge step forward. Ultimately, like Valenzuela feeling that sting of pride, I think the Buffaloes are playing for more than just stats—they’re playing to reclaim their identity. So, as a fan and analyst, I’ll be watching closely, hoping they prove the doubters wrong and start writing a new chapter in Colorado football history.
