BOULDER, CO – Colorado Buffaloes are preparing for their annual Black & Gold Day spring football game this Saturday. At Folsom Field, fans will get their first true glimpse of how Coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders’ team is shaping up, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting and telling showcase.

Coming off an intense series of spring practices, Coach Prime is optimistic about his team’s direction, focusing heavily on growth, accountability, and positional battles that will set the tone for the season ahead. Sanders made it clear that the spring game isn’t merely a ceremonial scrimmage—it’s an essential measuring stick for his squad.

When asked about assessing his team’s spring progress, Sanders expressed both realism and enthusiasm:

“It’s kind of tough to really assess talent against yourself. That’s why I’d love a spring game against somebody else, so you could kind of assess talent, coaching, growth, and adversity. I know what I’d like to see. I don’t see it every day, but I saw it today. We had a great practice today,” 

Beyond team dynamics, Coach Prime highlighted significant off-field celebrations coinciding with the spring game, particularly the historic jersey retirements of Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, two pillars of the Buffs’ recent resurgence. Sanders underscored the gravity of the moment, noting the unprecedented achievements of both players and calling Saturday a “beautiful and blessed day” for the Buff Nation.

Stoutmire Steps Up

For defensive back Carter Stoutmire, this Saturday marks an exciting first. After being sidelined during last year’s spring showcase due to shoulder surgery, Stoutmire is eager to finally take the field. His versatile play and readiness to assume leadership within the secondary will be key storylines to follow.

Stoutmire acknowledged he’s ready to embrace the challenge, particularly after the departure of star teammates. Inspired by former Buffs leader Cam Silmon-Craig, Stoutmire is ready to step firmly into a significant leadership role:

“I’m just trying to take on this leadership role, really. What Cam was last year, I’m just gonna be what he was—just going out there making plays wherever they put me,” 

The junior defensive back also pointed to the lessons learned from Silmon-Craig and others, emphasizing how critical mentorship has been to his development. His confidence and versatility in the secondary promise a strong defensive performance for fans to watch closely during the spring game.

RJ Johnson: Embracing Change

RJ Johnson is another player with much to prove this weekend. Coming off a season primarily focused on special teams, Johnson has spent spring practices transitioning from safety to cornerback, demonstrating impressive growth and adaptability.

Johnson described the transition as smooth, crediting his high school experience and extensive mentorship within the Buffs’ coaching staff. However, it was a recent encounter with Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey that provided critical insights and added fuel to his development:

“It was great having the ability to talk with Mr. Bailey. He dropped a lot of knowledge about how we should play the game, how we can develop our game, be a better corner, and just the ins and outs—what we need to look for,” 

Johnson’s chemistry with longtime teammates, including Colton, Brandon, and Zach, has also contributed to his increasing comfort and confidence on the field. This camaraderie has laid a solid foundation for Johnson, who looks forward to showcasing his improved skills to Buff Nation.

Transfer Portal Dynamics

The backdrop of the upcoming spring game includes ongoing conversations surrounding the transfer portal. Coach Prime addressed its strategic importance, emphasizing its role in shaping the current Buffs roster and his plans moving forward:

“I think we know the portal really good. We’ve been doing this for quite some time. It didn’t just start when we got here. It started at Jackson. It started really in youth—taking nothing and turning it into something,”

Sanders remains deliberate about using the portal wisely, careful to avoid “tampering” while being proactive about finding talent that fits Colorado’s evolving football identity.

Stoutmire echoed his coach’s sentiment on the importance of team chemistry, emphasizing loyalty to the program amid transfer portal temptations:

“Me personally, I just have so much loyalty to this program. Everything Coach Prime has promised me since I was a kid—I don’t think there’s a number out there that could really get me to leave,” 

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What to Watch for Saturday

As the Buffs prepare to take the field this weekend, fans will have plenty to look out for— Quarterback battle intensifying, and young talent stepping into the spotlight. Coach Prime’s vision is clear, his enthusiasm palpable, and his players, from Stoutmire’s leadership to Johnson’s promising transition, embody the excitement building around Colorado football.

This Saturday’s spring game won’t just mark the end of a productive spring—it will set the tone for a highly-anticipated fall season. Buff Nation has every reason to continue to be optimistic about what’s ahead, and Saturday’s game is their first glimpse into what Coach Prime’s Buffs will bring to the gridiron in 2025.