Three takeaways from Colorado's Black and Gold game
- Mason Davis
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
The Colorado Buffaloes wrapped up their annual spring showcase with the 2026 Black and Gold Game, the fourth under head coach Deion Sanders.
This game is always an opportunity for new players and coaches to get out to Folsom Field and show a little bit of what they’ve been working on in practice, while continuing to build chemistry across the roster. It also gives Buff Nation its first look at the new team in action.
Here are three things Colorado fans should know from Saturday’s spring game:
The offensive identity is taking shape
New offensive coordinator Brennan Marion came to Colorado looking to revamp an offense in need of a boost, and fans got an early preview of what that could look like.
The game opened with a creative trick play that picked up solid yardage and immediately showed the kind of creativity Marion is bringing with the “Go-Go” system. The offense looks to prioritize getting the ball out quickly and into space, setting up opportunities for bigger plays downfield.
That showed up early. The Gold team jumped out to a fast start, moving the ball efficiently before capping off the opening drive with a touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Julian Lewis to San José State transfer Danny Scudero.
There also looked to be more of a commitment to the run game than we’ve seen in past Coach Prime teams. Sacramento State transfer Damian Henderson II showed burst and vision, hitting gaps and creating plays behind what looked like an improved offensive line.
When asked about the group up front, Deion ‘Coach Prime’ Sanders kept it simple.
“Each year, the offensive line has gotten better,” Sanders said in his post-game press conference.
If that continues, it could be a major factor in this offense taking the next step.
Transfers are going to make a large impact
In the transfer portal era, roster turnover is part of the game. For the Buffs, it’s a huge part of the story this next year.
This season’s team features over 40 transfers, and several already look like key contributors.
On offense, Scudero stood out the most. He was involved throughout the game and showed clear chemistry with Lewis, highlighted by their touchdown connection. After the game, Sanders had high praise for him, calling him “a dog” and noting his consistency throughout spring.
Henderson also made his presence felt in the run game, adding another dimension to the offense with his ability to create explosive plays.
Defensively, Tennessee transfer Boo Carter flashed as well, flying around the field with a couple of notable tackles while showing off his speed and instincts in the secondary. As a defensive back, Carter has worked closely with Coach Prime in one-on-one settings, looking to elevate his game to the next level.
It’s still early, but it’s clear these transfers aren’t just filling spots and will shape how this team looks on both sides of the ball.
There’s real optimism around the program
More than anything, spring is about building belief, and there’s a noticeable sense of that around this team.
After a 3–9 season, the focus is on improvement, and both players and coaches seem to feel good about where things are heading. “I love what I’m seeing from everybody,” Sanders said.
That energy is showing up with players, including transfers. Scudero summed it up best after the game.
“I want to win. That’s why I came here,” Scudero said.
That kind of mindset, especially from new additions, says a lot about the culture being built.
Between stronger competition and better chemistry for both returning players and transfers, there’s reason for fans to feel optimistic heading into the offseason.
The offense looks more defined, transfers are already making an impact, and the overall energy around the program feels strong. There’s still work to do, but Colorado leaves spring with momentum and something real to build on heading into the 2026 campaign.
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