A New Era for the Buffaloes
Colorado Buffaloes are poised to make a serious push for the upper echelon of the Big 12 in the 2026 campaign, a goal that has driven coach Tad Boyle and his staff since the start of the offseason.
The Buffaloes will have to navigate a slate that includes the Houston Cougars, a team that finished second in the nation for scoring defense last year, the Arizona Wildcats, who averaged nearly 49 points per game in the paint, and the BYU Cougars, whose 83.5 points per game placed them among the country's most prolific offenses.
To meet those challenges, Colorado has bolstered its frontcourt with the additions of forwards Justin Neely and Noah Feddersen, both of whom bring size and versatility that the coaching staff believes will complement the existing interior game.
Meanwhile, the backcourt will rely heavily on emerging talents Josiah Sanders, Ian Inman and Jalin Holland, young guards who have shown the ability to accelerate the tempo and create scoring opportunities in transition.
If the chemistry clicks, the Buffaloes could see a surge in win total that puts them within striking distance of a conference title, a narrative that has energized fans across Boulder and beyond.
Key Matchups to Watch
The showdown against Houston will test Colorado's defensive adjustments, while the clash with Arizona will be a battle of post play, and the meeting with BYU promises a high‑scoring affair that could hinge on bench production.
Early indicators suggest that the new frontcourt pieces will see increased minutes, and that the trio of Sanders, Inman and Holland will be given expanded roles in crunch time, a development that could define the team's identity.