Opinion: Are size concerns about Colorado Football fair?

Colorado Buffaloes receiver Quentin Gibson was at the forefront of Colorado's size hearsay, with his 5-foot-9 frame. (Photo by Tripp Mauldin/Sko Buffs Sports)

The Colorado Buffaloes recently made headlines for their lack of size. But this isn’t the first time social media has raised questions about the team appearing small. 

At the spring game, videos circulated online of Colorado players coming out of the tunnel, drawing comments about needing to “hit the weights” and comparing their frames to “Pop Warner” kids. 

However, it is categorically unfair to judge a team because of its physical makeup, especially when the content doesn’t capture the full picture.

“They’re talking about the size of our team, which is hilarious,” Colorado head coach Deion Sanders said in his opening statement in his press conference last Thursday. 

“16 linemen, average [height and weight] is 6-5, 310 pounds, six tight ends, average is 6-5, 255 pounds, interior defensive linemen average is 6-3, 295 pounds,” he continued. “Defensive ends average 6-3, 245 pounds; cornerbacks average 6-1, 185 pounds. I don't think that's small by any means.” 

Quentin Gibson, a 5-foot-9 and 155-pound sophomore receiver, was conveniently the target of the training camp highlight in question. Still, Gibson has more than thrived while being undersized in his football career. 

His career accolades include setting a Texas single-season state record with 2,009 receiving yards in 2024 along with 36 touchdowns. Gibson also has a MaxPreps National Player of the Year trophy on the mantle. Not too shabby for a “Pop Warner” size receiver. 

To boot, Colorado’s new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion's “Go Go” scheme thrives on the speed that Gibson is set to offer, and not ‘bully ball’ as some may insinuate. 

There is still plenty to prove before the Buffaloes can show they are set up to succeed more than last season. There are only a handful of justifications to call some players on Colorado small.  And there will likely continue to be internet users poking at that on social media. 

But if the Buffaloes’ 2026 season goes awry, it will be about scheme and footballing reasons, not because of measurements on a depth chart. 

“As the kids would say, ‘pull up’,” Marion said when asked about the team’s size. “At some point you got to spot the ball and see.”