ESPN analyst Heather Dinich recently sparked conversation across college football circles by declaring that the Colorado Buffaloes are not a playoff contender and are likely to finish among the lowest tier of the Big 12.
The Buffaloes posted a 3‑9 record in the previous season, securing a single victory over a conference opponent and slipping to the bottom of the league in several key statistical categories.
A massive roster overhaul
In response to that disappointing finish, Colorado has undertaken a sweeping rebuild, bringing in 43 transfer players while losing 36 others, a maneuver that reflects an aggressive attempt to reshape the roster.
Head coach Deion Sanders, who has previously leveraged the transfer portal to construct competitive squads at other programs, now faces the challenge of integrating a large influx of newcomers into a cohesive unit before the upcoming campaign.
National expectations remain low
Nevertheless, national observers remain skeptical, projecting a continued uphill battle for the Buffaloes in the 2026 season and questioning whether the rapid roster turnover will translate into on‑field improvement.
The coming months will test whether the Buffaloes can convert their roster overhaul into tangible results, a storyline that will be closely followed by fans and analysts alike.