"Colorado football" can refer to a few different things, but it most commonly relates to the University of Colorado Boulder’s football team, the Colorado Buffaloes. The Buffaloes compete in NCAA Division I FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) as a member of the Pac-12 Conference, although they are scheduled to move to the Big 12 Conference in 2024.
The Colorado Buffaloes have garnered significant attention recently due to their new head coach, Deion Sanders, also known as "Coach Prime." He was hired in December 2022 and has brought a lot of media attention and excitement to the program, significantly revamping the roster and generating buzz with his unique coaching style and charisma.
Team Overview
Name: Colorado Buffaloes
Founded: 1890
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Stadium: Folsom Field (capacity: approximately 50,183)
Conference: Pac-12 (moving to the Big 12 in 2024)
History and Achievements
The Colorado Buffaloes football program has a long and storied history:
- National Championships: 1 (1990)
- Conference Championships: 26 (various conferences, including Big 8, Big 12, and Pac-12)
- Bowl Appearances: 30+
The Buffaloes have seen varying levels of success over the years, with notable achievements in the late 1980s and early 1990s under coach Bill McCartney, including their national championship in 1990.
Notable Players
Some of the best players in the history of Colorado Buffaloes football include:
Rashaan Salaam – Heisman Trophy winner in 1994; led the nation in rushing yards and touchdowns that year.
Kordell Stewart – A dynamic quarterback known for the famous "Hail Mary" pass against Michigan in 1994.
Byron "Whizzer" White – An All-American in 1937 who later became a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
Alfred Williams – A standout linebacker who won the Butkus Award in 1990.
Eric Bieniemy – A talented running back who was a key player in the 1990 national championship team.
Michael Westbrook – A wide receiver known for his iconic game-winning catch in the "Miracle at Michigan."
Current Leadership
Deion Sanders & Rick George
Head Coach: Deion Sanders (since December 2022)
Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders is a Hall of Fame cornerback who played in the NFL and MLB. Before joining Colorado, he was the head coach at Jackson State University, where he had a highly successful tenure. Sanders is known for his charismatic personality, motivational coaching style, and ability to attract top talent.
Athletic Director: Rick George
Rick George has been the athletic director at the University of Colorado since 2013. He has been instrumental in driving the growth of the athletic programs at CU Boulder, including the hiring of Deion Sanders.
Current President of the University
President: Todd Saliman
Todd Saliman was appointed as the president of the University of Colorado system in 2021. He oversees all four campuses of the university system, including CU Boulder.
Recent Developments
Under Coach Deion Sanders, the Buffaloes have undergone significant changes. Sanders brought in numerous transfers and new recruits, dramatically reshaping the team’s roster. This influx of talent has led to heightened expectations and media coverage, with the Buffaloes being seen as a team on the rise.
The Buffaloes' move to the Big 12 Conference in 2024 is also a significant development, as it marks a return to the conference they were part of until 2011.