The quarterback room features Julian Lewis and Utah transfer Isaac Wilson. Wilson will push Lewis, but it is certainly the former 5-stars job to lose. I expect Lewis to thrive in new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion’s Go-Go offense. I think it’s a great scheme fit for him.
The running back room returns experience in Micah Welch and DeKalon Taylor. Welch led the Buffs in rushing last season. The additions of Damian Henderson II (Sacramento State), Richard Young (Alabama), and Jaquail Smith (Sacramento State) are massive for this unit.
The wide receiver room returns Joseph Williams and tight end Zach Atkins. The additions of Ernest Campell (Sacramento State), Kam Perry (Miami OH 1st Team All-MAC), DeAndre Moore Jr. (Texas), Danny Scudero (San Jose State), and tight end Fisher Clements (Northern Colorado) are massive. Scudero led the FBS with 1,297 receiving yards last season and was an All-American.
The offensive line room has been a concern for a while now. Larry Johnson II, Yahya Attia, and Chauncey Gooden return with some experience. The additions of Jayvon McFadden (Ohio State), Bo Hughley (Georgia), Taj White (Rutgers), Sean Kinney (Lafayette), Demetrius Hunter (Houston), Leon Bell (California), Jayven Richardson (Missouri), and Jose Soto (Sacramento State) are big.
The defensive line room is very transfer heavy. The additions of Samu Taumanupepe (Baylor), Sedrick Smith (Maryland), Vili Taufatofua (San Jose State), Tyler Moore (Coastal Carolina), Yamil Talib (Charlotte), Toby Anene (North Dakota State), Immanuel Ezeogu (James Madison), Santana Hooper (Tulane 1st Team All-America Conference), Dylan Manuel (App State), Ezra Christensen (New Mexico State), Balanzama Kamara (UAlbany), and Lamont Lester Jr. (Monmouth) are massive.
The linebacker room will also be transfer heavy. The additions of Tyler Martinez (New Mexico State), Liona Lefau (Texas), Gideon Lampron (Bowling Green), and true freshman Rodney Colton Jr. are big. Gage Goldberg returns with some experience.
The secondary returns some experience in RJ Johnson, Makari Vickers, and Ben Finneseth. The additions of Jason Stokes Jr. (Utah), Jah Jah Boyd (Indiana), Randon Fontenette (Vanderbilt), Jaydan Hardy (Oklahoma), Emory Floyd (App State), Naten Mitchell (New Mexico State), Cree Thomas (Notre Dame), Justin Eaglin (James Madison), Paul Omodia (Lamar), and Boo Carter (Tennessee) are massive for this unit.
Punter Damon Greaves was solid last season and returns. The kicking duties should belong to redshirt freshman Elliot Arnold. Grambling transfer Josh McCormick will push him.
9/3 at Georgia Tech
9/12 Weber State
9/19 at Northwestern
9/26 at Baylor
10/3 Texas Tech
10/17 Utah
10/24 at Oklahoma State
10/31 Kansas State
11/7 at Arizona State
11/13 Houston
11/21 at Cincinnati
11/28 UCF
The honeymoon is over for Coach Prime and fans want to win and win now. Returning to a bowl game is certainly within reach. The roster is full of talent. Both new coordinators are an upgrade. The Buffs should surprise some folks in the Big 12 this season.
