Colorado Football's 2023 Season Preview and Key Players to Watch

As I sit down to analyze Colorado Football's 2023 season prospects, I can't help but reflect on how coaching transitions often mirror the emotional journey described by Valenzuela in his MPBL experience. When Coach Prime took over Colorado's program, I'll admit I felt that same mix of skepticism and cautious optimism that Valenzuela expressed about his Cebu team. Having followed college football for over fifteen years, I've seen enough program turnarounds to recognize when something special might be brewing in Boulder.

The transformation began the moment Deion Sanders arrived on campus, and let me tell you, the energy around this program has shifted dramatically. I remember watching spring practices and thinking this doesn't look like the same team that finished 1-11 last season. Coach Prime brought with him an unprecedented level of attention and, more importantly, talent. The transfer portal became Colorado's best friend, with the team adding approximately 28 new players to the roster, including several high-profile recruits who followed Sanders from Jackson State. What impressed me most wasn't just the quantity of transfers but the quality - we're talking about players who could start for most Power Five programs.

Now, let's talk about Shedeur Sanders because honestly, how can you not? The quarterback position has been Colorado's Achilles heel for years, but watching Shedeur operate during spring games reminded me why his father was so confident bringing him along. In his final season at Jackson State, he threw for 3,732 yards with 40 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions. Those aren't just good numbers - they're Heisman-contender numbers. What makes Shedeur special, in my view, isn't just his arm talent but his football IQ. He reads defenses like he's got the playbook in his head, and his connection with Travis Hunter might become the most exciting quarterback-receiver duo in the Pac-12.

Speaking of Travis Hunter, this kid is something else. The former number one overall recruit plays both ways, and while some analysts question whether he should focus on one position, I love the confidence Coach Prime has in his versatility. Last season at Jackson State, Hunter recorded 19 tackles and 2 interceptions on defense while catching 18 passes for 188 yards and 4 touchdowns on offense. Those numbers don't even capture his impact on special teams and the psychological advantage his presence gives Colorado. When your best athlete is willing to play both ways, it sets a tone for the entire program.

The offensive line remains my biggest concern, and I'm not going to sugarcoat this - if they don't improve significantly from last year's performance where they allowed 34 sacks, nothing else will matter. However, I'm encouraged by the additions through the transfer portal, particularly Tyler Brown from Clemson and Jack Bailey from Stanford. These aren't project players; they're seasoned veterans who understand what it takes to compete at this level. During my conversations with offensive coordinator Sean Lewis, he emphasized the focus on developing cohesion among the line, something that was clearly lacking last season.

Defensively, the Buffaloes should be more athletic than we've seen in recent memory. The secondary, led by Hunter and Trevor Woods, has the potential to be among the conference's best. Woods recorded 84 tackles and 5 interceptions last season despite playing on a struggling team, which tells you everything about his motor and instincts. The defensive line added Jordan Domineck from Arkansas, who registered 7.5 sacks last season, giving Colorado the pass rusher they've desperately needed. I'm particularly excited about the linebacker corps, where LaVonta Bentley brings SEC experience and a physicality that should elevate everyone around him.

Special teams often get overlooked in these previews, but having watched Colorado lose at least two games last season due to special teams miscues, I can't stress enough how important this phase will be. New special teams coordinator Tim Brewitt has his work cut out for him, but early indications suggest marked improvement in the kicking game. Alejandro Mata followed Coach Prime from Jackson State, where he connected on 15 of 18 field goal attempts last season, including a long of 48 yards. That reliability could be the difference in close games.

The schedule presents both challenges and opportunities. The early matchup against TCU on September 2nd will tell us everything we need to know about this team's progress. I'm circling October 13th against Stanford as a potential turning point - it's a winnable conference game that could build momentum for the tougher second half. The rivalry game against Nebraska in week two carries extra significance this year, not just for bragging rights but for establishing the new identity Coach Prime is building.

What gives me hope about this Colorado team isn't just the talent influx but the cultural shift. Like Valenzuela recognizing the pride associated with representing Cebu, these players understand what it means to wear the black and gold. During my visit to fall camp, I noticed something different in how players carried themselves - there was a confidence that hadn't been there in previous years. They believe in Coach Prime's vision, and that belief can be powerful. Will they win the Pac-12? Probably not this year. But I'm confident we'll see significant improvement, likely in the 6-7 win range, with the potential to pull off an upset or two that nobody sees coming. The journey back to relevance won't happen overnight, but for the first time in years, Colorado football feels like it's heading in the right direction.