Five things to know ahead of Colorado's Black and Gold Spring Game
- Leo Rivera IV
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
After another offseason revamp, Deion ‘Coach Prime’ Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes will make their first appearance for fans in 2026 on April 11.
The fourth Black and Gold Spring Game under Coach Prime will feature two new coordinators. On the offense, Brennan Marion and his Go-Go system have been getting players acclimated to pace, and defensively, Chris Marve is bringing new energy to Boulder.
A total of 59 new players will take Folsom Field on Saturday, and here are five things to know before Colorado’s spring game.
Format of the Game
Following the format of the previous years, there will be a scrimmage session with different players on each team. After, skill positions will likely play 7-on-7 while linemen compete in 1-on-1’s.
“We’re gonna do it like we’ve been doing it,” Sanders said. “Probably going to be out there an hour, we’re going ot do the best we can. We have picked teams and split teams up early in the spring, we may coincide with that so you can see.”
More of a glorified practice, the game is an opportunity to see players, get autographs and create excitement for the upcoming year.
Every position is open
Since teams were predetermined by draft anyway, there won’t be any true starters on Saturday. Even if there were, in April, no job is safe for any Buffalo after a 3-9 season–that includes quarterback Julian Lewis.
Transfer Isaac Wilson has been pushing for a spot during the spring and has opened a quarterback battle with the returning redshirt freshman. Spending two years at Utah, Wilson has potential to improve and an older brother (Zach Wilson) with NFL experience. Lewis appeared in four games during the 2025 season while starting two.
“Isaac can play, man. Isaac has applied pressure,” Sanders said. “But that’s what you want. You want every position to have pressure applied. You want those battles.”
Even the most proven players like wide receiver Danny Scudero and defensive tackle Ezra Christensen will have to compete for a spot.
No extra toppings
As with most spring games, the playcalling and drills will be basic and limited for both sides of the ball. Coaches aren’t trying to give any opponents an advantage by leaking trick plays and unique formations early. With Marion and Marve bringing a new system, they will have the advantage in Week 1.
“I don't (balance plays). It will be vanilla. Sorry, fans,” Marion said.
Still, seeing new Buffs and how they move in a Colorado uniform will be beneficial to coaches and fans alike.
Defensive back room is deep
Headlined by Tennessee transfer Boo Carter, Colorado’s secondary received a much-needed revamp from the portal. Carter has received praise for his athleticism and versatility across all positions in the defensive backfield.
“Boo is arguably the best athlete on the team, as well as he can play safety, he can play corner, slot, return kicks as well,” Sanders said. “ I put him on the corner the last two weeks because I wanted to see him do his thing.”
Cornerback Cree Thomas has also caught the attention of his head coach during the spring. At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, he can match up well with any receiver and cover distance as a man corner.
“He is the No. 1 guy right now,” Sanders said. “He is that guy. He studies, he prepares, and he is just a good young man. This is what this program is about, and I love what I am seeing about him.”
Healthiness is a priority
Although the showcase is meant to be fun, avoiding injuries will be a priority for Colorado, which has already lost receivers Joseph Williams and DeAndre Moore Jr. in the spring. A healthy roster going into summer would make a successful day for the Buffaloes.
“I don’t want to see anybody get hurt. I want them to play hard, I don’t want to sustain any injuries,” Sanders said. “We have a whole Soul Train line of guys doing work. They need to practice. I need to see them. There are a bunch of them.”
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. and will be streaming on Colorado’s YouTube channel.