The 2026 preseason All‑Big 12 team was released this week, and the list of honorees left out a familiar name: the University of Colorado. The Buffaloes, who finished the 2025 campaign with a 3‑9 record, were not represented on either side of the ball, a result that comes as little surprise to analysts.
Offensive honors went to Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita, while Texas Tech linebacker Austin Romaine headlined the defensive selections. Their performances set the early tone for a conference that appears poised for a shift in power dynamics.
Among the few players with Colorado ties, former Buffaloes wide receiver Omarion Miller now suits up for Arizona State. He remains the sole representative from the former Pac‑12 program on the preseason roster.
Colorado joins Kansas and UCF as the only Big 12 institutions without a player named to the team, underscoring the depth of the exodus from the conference’s traditional power centers.
Wide receiver Danny Scudero, a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist last season, is viewed by many as a more polished talent than Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Young, yet both were overlooked for the preseason accolades.
A Quiet Optimism in Boulder
Despite the snubs, the Buffaloes are moving forward with a revamped coaching staff and a series of strategic transfers. Head coach Deion Sanders has emphasized a culture shift, and early practices suggest a more disciplined unit ready to compete.
The front office has kept a low profile, focusing on internal development rather than external hype. If the early signs hold, the team could surprise many when the season finally kicks off.