The Colorado Buffaloes are entering a crucial phase of preparation for the 2025 college football season, with the Black & Gold Spring Football Game serving as a pivotal event for evaluating team progress under head coach Deion Sanders. Following last season’s mixed results, the program is focused on refining its roster, integrating key recruits and transfers, and making strategic adjustments to strengthen its competitiveness in the Pac-12.

The annual spring game will showcase the team’s new-look lineup and provide fans with an early glimpse of what to expect in the upcoming season.

The Black & Gold Spring Football Game

The highly anticipated Black & Gold Spring Football Game will take place on April 19, 2025, at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. The game serves as both a fan engagement opportunity and a critical milestone in the Buffaloes’ offseason preparation.

While the official kickoff time has yet to be announced, ticket sales commenced in mid-February 2025, with a strong demand from Colorado fans eager to see the revamped squad. Television broadcast details are still pending, but expectations are high for national coverage, given the team’s growing profile under Deion Sanders.

Beyond being a spectacle for fans, the spring game is a vital tool for the coaching staff to assess player development, chemistry, and system execution. With a roster infused with 30 newcomers, including high-profile recruits and transfer athletes, this game will provide insight into how the fresh talent is adapting to the Buffaloes’ system. It will also allow returning players to solidify their roles as leaders within the program.

Colorado Buffaloes’ 2025 Spring Practice Schedule

The Buffaloes’ offseason training began with the start of spring practices on March 11. The team will engage in two weeks of rigorous workouts before taking a scheduled spring break from March 24 to 28. Practices will then resume on April 1, with an intense focus on refining offensive and defensive schemes leading up to the spring game on April 19.

During these sessions, Coach Sanders and his staff are prioritizing quarterback development, offensive line cohesion, and defensive stability—three areas that require improvement based on last season’s performance. The integration of high-profile recruits and transfers will be critical, as several new faces are expected to compete for starting positions immediately.

Key Additions to the Buffaloes’ Roster

Among the biggest acquisitions for Colorado is Julian Lewis, a five-star quarterback hailed as one of the most dynamic signal-callers in the nation. His ability to make deep throws and execute under pressure will be instrumental in leading the Buffaloes’ offense.

Several four-star recruits will bolster the Buffaloes’ defense, including:

• TJ Branch Jr. (Safety): A hard-hitting defensive back with elite coverage skills.
• Christian Hudson (Defensive Lineman): A versatile lineman expected to contribute immediately.
• London Merritt (Defensive End): A dominant edge rusher with explosive pass-rushing ability.
• Makari Vickers (Cornerback): A shutdown corner transferring from Oklahoma, bringing experience and skill to the secondary.

The Buffaloes have secured crucial offensive reinforcements:

• Quanell X Farrakhan Jr. (Wide Receiver): A highly skilled route-runner with breakaway speed.
• Chauncey Gooden (Offensive Lineman): A strong presence on the line, expected to provide stability.
• Carde Smith (Offensive Lineman): A crucial addition to help fortify the trenches.
• Adrian Wilson (Wide Receiver): A big-play threat with excellent hands and route discipline.

Colorado has also made key acquisitions through the transfer portal:

• Zy Crisler (Offensive Lineman, Illinois): A veteran presence for the offensive front.
• Jehiem Oatis (Defensive Lineman, Alabama): A former SEC standout bringing toughness and experience.
• Aki Ogunbiyi (Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M): A physically imposing lineman expected to start immediately.
• Kaidon Salter (Quarterback, Liberty): A dual-threat quarterback providing depth at the position.

Position Battles to Watch During Spring Practices

With Julian Lewis and Kaidon Salter both in the mix, the battle for the starting quarterback position will be closely monitored. Lewis’ five-star pedigree makes him the favorite, but Salter’s experience could factor into the decision.

The offensive line struggled in 2024, but the additions of Crisler, Ogunbiyi, Gooden, and Smith signal a major rebuild. Their performance in spring practices will determine who earns the starting nods.

The secondary and defensive line will be areas of emphasis, with Branch Jr., Vickers, Merritt, and Oatis set to elevate the unit’s overall performance.

The Deion Sanders Effect on Colorado Football

Coach Prime’s arrival has transformed the Buffaloes into a national brand, evidenced by their ability to attract top-tier talent. His hands-on coaching approach and relentless recruiting efforts continue to shape Colorado into a serious Pac-12 contender.

The goal for 2025 is to compete for a Pac-12 title and secure a bowl game bid, with the talent on this roster providing a legitimate pathway to success. However, the Buffaloes must prove their ability to execute on both sides of the ball consistently.

Fan Engagement and Excitement for the Season

The Black & Gold Spring Game is more than just a scrimmage—it’s a major fan event. Expect a packed Folsom Field, merchandise sales to spike, and a growing interest in Colorado sportsbooks as fans anticipate the team’s performance and look to take advantage of promotional offers to add excitement to the upcoming season games.

With Deion Sanders at the helm and a roster full of playmakers, season ticket demand has surged, reflecting the enthusiasm surrounding the program.

Colorado is setting the stage for an electrifying 2025 season, and all eyes will be on Folsom Field as the Buffaloes unveil their new-look squad on April 19.

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

[email protected]