BOULDER — The energy at Folsom Field on Saturday wasn’t just about spring football—it meant more. With clear skies overhead and over 20,000 fans packing the stands, the Colorado Buffaloes took the field for their third spring showcase under head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders. What unfolded was a mix of ceremony, competition, and cultural reinforcement. The Buffs’ 2025 Spring Game didn’t deliver much offensive fireworks, but that wasn’t the point. For Coach Prime, the spotlight was on progress—and on the quarterback competition that will define this team heading into the fall.

This wasn’t just a scrimmage. It was a statement.

“Everything we get is right now. We don’t wait no more,” Sanders told reporters.
“We got to give people their flowers while they can enjoy ’em and smell ’em. That’s how I get down.”

A Generational Tribute and Emotional Moment

Before the first whistle, emotions were already high. The Buffs honored two of the most iconic players in program history by retiring the jerseys of Shedeur Sanders (No. 2) and Travis Hunter (No. 12). But that wasn’t the only tribute. News broke of a statue being built to honor legendary coach Bill McCartney, and Sanders didn’t hold back on the importance of celebrating greatness now—not decades later.

“Why wait? Would we have wanted him to feel it, to feel the love, the respect, the appreciation… while we wait?” Sanders said.
“We gotta stop waiting. I’m proud of what those two have done, and I ain’t built to wait 20 years to recognize greatness.”

The standing ovation for Shedeur and Travis said it all. Both players, joined by family and teammates, stood on the field cemented in Buffs legacy—while still carving their future paths to the NFL.

Quarterback Battle Heats Up

With Shedeur off to the draft, the battle to replace him is wide open. All eyes were on three names: freshman phenom Julian “JuJu” Lewis, Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter, and returner Ryan Staub.

Salter looked the most game-ready, flashing dual-threat ability and connecting on a 22-yard strike to Zach Atkins. Lewis, the youngest of the bunch, showed his upside but also struggled with timing. Staub, steady and efficient, managed his reps well but didn’t create separation in the competition.

“I don’t know who’s going to be that guy right now,” Coach Prime admitted.
“And naming a starter doesn’t do anything for us. They gotta perform—with consistency.”

The position remains up for grabs, but the tone is set: performance, not promise, will decide it.

Defense Sets the Tone

While the quarterbacks took turns trying to establish rhythm, the defense dictated the tempo. Arden Walker opened with a sack, freshman TJ Branch made a sharp interception during 7-on-7s, and USF transfer TJ Robinson added a textbook pass breakup and open-field tackle.

“Branch, man—I’m on his butt all day,” Sanders said.
“He’s carrying a lot on his heart, but he’s fighting through it. That’s what being a freshman is about.”

Sanders praised the unit’s growth but acknowledged reinforcements are coming. He laid out the team’s priorities bluntly:

“We need one tremendous defensive tackle, another linebacker or two, two safeties, probably three corners… and a couple running backs. We’ve already got half of that coming. Just watch.”

Special Teams: A Hidden Strength

One of the biggest cheers of the day came when kicker Buck Buchanan boomed a 60-yard field goal, reinforcing what Sanders has been preaching all spring.

“Special teams must be special,” Sanders said.
“We should be kicking the ball into the end zone consistently now… Marty’s motto, and Buck—he’s that guy.”

New punter Damien, long snapper Poncherello, and return man Martin also drew praise from Sanders, who emphasized the attention to detail and ownership in that unit.

Weapons Emerge, Standards Rise

Despite the inconsistency under center, Coach Prime was encouraged by the emergence of playmakers on the perimeter. Wide receiver Joseph Williams flashed strong hands and route-running, while the tight ends played a more visible role—though not without critique.

“There’s a standard now, because they’ve seen it with Shedeur, Travis, and Jimmy [Horn Jr.],” Sanders said.
“The guys in that receiver room know how pros operate—and they know what’s expected.”

As for the tight ends?

“They gotta do better,” he said matter-of-factly.
“There’s things that went on that y’all didn’t see, but I did.”

Praise for Wiggins, Push for Discipline

Defensive lineman Quincy Wiggins caught Sanders’ attention for all the right reasons.

“I love Quincy. He’s one of my favorites,” Sanders said.
“I stay on him because I see so much in him… this should be his breakout summer.”

Discipline remains a central focus after leading the Big 12 in penalties last season.

“We will fix that,” Sanders said.
“We’ve got officials at practice. If someone jumps offsides, they’re running. We will not be the most penalized team again this season. I’m putting my name on that.”

Scholarship Moment: “Ben Is Who We Are”

The most touching moment of the day came when Sanders awarded a scholarship to walk-on safety Ben Finneseth, a special teams staple and fan favorite from Durango.

“Ben don’t take days off. Smart as a whip. Never frowns. Never misses a rep,” Sanders said with conviction.
“He didn’t quit. He didn’t walk away from competition. He’s one of the original Buffs—and I love him to life.”

Sanders praised Finneseth not just as a football player, but as a reflection of the values he’s building the program around: loyalty, effort, and consistency.

Building for the Future

Sanders made it clear: this team isn’t reinventing itself—it’s evolving with purpose.

“There’s not a new version of us,” he said.
“We’re going to do what we do. But we’ve got to use our guys’ gifts. JuJu is something different, man.”

As far as roster additions, the portal will be active.

“You’ll probably see that portal jumpin’ in the next few days,” Sanders said, smiling.

A Call to the Fans

Though Saturday’s turnout was one of the best in recent memory, Sanders had a direct message for Buff Nation:

“We need a little more support when it comes to whatever we do inside the stadium,” he said.
“If you’re a real Buff fan, show up. Because we’re going to do it for you—so do it for us.”

Final Word: Sanders Reflects on the Journey

As the day wrapped up, Coach Prime looked ahead—with a smile and a vacation on his mind.

“I’m looking forward to vacation. I’m out of here tomorrow morning,” he laughed.
“It’s been a long journey. I gotta kind of relax a little bit so I can get geared up for this bull junk… but I’m happy because I know God has ordained this.”