Colorado’s offensive line will shape Buffs 2026 offense

Colorado Buffaloes offensive line blocks the defensive line while Isaac Wilson throws a pass during the Black and Gold spring game at Folsom Field on April 11, 2026. (Nick Rauscher / Sko Buffs Sports)

Last season, the Colorado offensive line ranked 57th in the nation (per Pro Football Focus), a middle-of-the-pack grade. Only nine programs allowed more sacks than the Buffaloes last year, allowing 38 sacks, losing nearly 300 yards. 

This season, under new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, the offensive line has been a big priority.

Though they lost five-star tackle Jordan Seaton to the transfer portal, head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders brought in new talent to revamp the line. 

Through the early part of fall practice, Sanders has been rotating his offensive linemen, specifically looking for physicality. 

“When you're able to have eight to nine guys that can really start, you have to find a way to get them reps,” Sanders said. “One guy goes down to practice, next man up, but we have the depth that you could do that.”

Among that depth is Houston transfer Demetrius Hunter. Hunter is projected to be the starting center for the Buffs come week one. Hunter only allowed two sacks across the last two seasons and led all Cougars with 730 offensive snaps played. 

The reliability of the center position will help anchor the entire offense this coming season.

“We have three really good guys, veteran guys who have played the position, have played in big games, who understand what to do, understand communication and understand protections,” Marion said. “And what does that do mostly? That helps our young quarterback.”

The right side of the offensive line may have the most heated competition, though it has gained some praise from Coach Prime.

“Practices have been wonderful and very competitive,” Sanders said. “Sometimes it goes a little far, but I'm pleased with the effort.”

Among those fighting for a spot is Sacramento State transfer Jose Soto, who Marion brought with him when taking the offensive coordinator job. His familiarity with the “Go-Go” style offense may give him an edge over another three-star transfer in Jayvon McFadden. 

McFadden comes from Ohio State, where he only participated in two games last season. Soto played in all 12 of the Hornets’ games last year and didn’t allow a sack or quarterback hit during conference play. 

Rutgers transfer Taj White, Cal transfer Leon Bell and last year’s right tackle starter Larry Johnson III are all battling for a spot on the end of the offensive line. 

White started all 11 games for the Scarlet Knights last season and was a reliable piece on a potent offense. 

Bell blocked for Cal last season, who helped his quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele complete a historic season for the school. Bell started in eight games for the Golden Bears.

Johnson started in eight games as well for the Buffs and returned after only allowing one sack last season but missed the final three games due to injury.

These position battles at the beginning of fall practice will help shape the entire offense as it falls into place.

“We built a new offensive line in front of [our quarterbacks]. We put better skill players on the outside,” Marion said. “In the running back room, we have guys that can get downhill and get yards and get those tough yards.”

With an almost entirely new offensive line, Sanders and Marion will look to help put Lewis and the entire offense into a position to succeed when they act like a unit.

“[Since the Spring, the biggest area of growth is] the unity, togetherness, and them really understanding one another, understanding what the coaches desire, and getting a feel for tempo in the way we practice,” Sanders said.

Colorado’s offensive line will have its work cut out for them operating under the “Go-Go” system that uses a fast tempo and its fair share of motion and run-pass-options. There’s plenty of talent on the line, and both Coach Prime and Marion have begun to mold them into a respectable unit.