Colorado Players Aim To Take On Leadership Role In 2026, And Coach Prime Agrees

As the 2026 football season approaches, a sense of determination and renewed energy is palpable within the Colorado Buffaloes' program. The team's players, emboldened by the return of their high-profile head coach, Deion Sanders, are now stepping up to take on leadership roles, vowing to rectify the shortcomings of the previous season. The sixth-year senior and defensive back, Ben Finneseth, has emerged as a key figure, echoing the sentiments of his teammates and Coach Prime in their quest for a better year.

Background & Context

The Colorado Buffaloes have experienced significant ups and downs in recent years, including a dismal 3-9 finish in the 2025 season, which saw the team accumulate a 16-21 record over three seasons under Coach Sanders' guidance. The 2025 season was marred by a lack of leadership, which left a lasting impact on the team's performance. This year, however, the players are determined to make a change, with Finneseth and his teammates taking the reins to drive the team forward.

Coach Sanders, who has declared himself cancer-free and feeling rejuvenated, is backing his players' efforts, emphasizing the team's progress and growth throughout the offseason. With the addition of new recruits and a revamped roster, the Buffaloes are looking to put their past disappointments behind them and make a fresh start.

Key Details

At the Big 12 media days, Finneseth spoke candidly about the team's shortcomings last season and the importance of leadership in driving the team's success. "The thing with last year was we just didn’t have the players that wanted to lead and were willing to lead," he said. "And it starts with me." Finneseth's comments reflect a newfound sense of confidence and maturity within the team, with the players recognizing the need for leadership and stepping up to take on that responsibility.

Tight end Zach Atkins, a newcomer to the team, echoed Finneseth's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of getting the team on the same page and working together towards a common goal. "I think it starts now," Atkins said. "I think it starts with all the work that we’ve put in since January. All the lifting days, all the conditioning days, all the player-led practices, all that stuff."

Receiver Danny Scudero, a recent addition to the team, has also expressed his commitment to taking on a leadership role. "I feel like I can definitely be a guy that a lot of my teammates can count on and just being a consistent guy for them," Scudero said. "Because a lot of teams have a lot ups and downs, and in times of need you can look to a guy to kind of be a steady guy. I feel I can fit into that position."

What Experts Say

Coach Sanders' return to full health has undoubtedly had a positive impact on the team's morale and performance. His presence on the sidelines has been a constant source of inspiration, with the players feeding off his energy and motivation. As Finneseth noted, even Coach Sanders has a "chip on his shoulder," driven by his passion for the game and his commitment to leading the team to success.

The team's progress and growth throughout the offseason have been notable, with the addition of new recruits and a revamped roster contributing to a renewed sense of optimism within the program. As Coach Sanders observed, "I'm loving everything I've seen in the spring. I'm loving everything that we added. I'm loving what we did in the portal. I'm loving what we're doing recruiting-wise. We're right where we want to be. And we're going to get even better."

Key Takeaways

• Player leadership is a key focus for the Colorado Buffaloes this season, with players like Ben Finneseth and Danny Scudero taking on leadership roles.
• The team has made significant progress throughout the offseason, with the addition of new recruits and a revamped roster contributing to a renewed sense of optimism.
• Coach Sanders' return to full health has had a positive impact on the team's morale and performance, with the players feeding off his energy and motivation.
• The team is committed to putting their past disappointments behind them and making a fresh start in the 2026 season.

What This Means For You

For everyday fans, the Colorado Buffaloes' renewed commitment to leadership and teamwork offers a compelling narrative of resilience and determination. As the team takes on the challenges of the 2026 season, their fans can expect a more dynamic and engaging experience, with the players' growth and development driving the team's success.

As the Buffaloes embark on their new journey, one thing is clear: the team is united in their quest for excellence, with Coach Sanders and his players leading the charge. With their sights set on a better year, the Colorado Buffaloes are ready to take on the challenges of the season and make a lasting impact in the world of college football.