Takeaways from Colorado football spring game

Colorado football concluded its 2026 spring camp Saturday afternoon with its annual spring game.

The Buffs scrimmaged for just over an hour, putting their new offense and several new players on display for fans. Many performances stood out, but overall, the program appears to be in a good place entering Deion Sanders’ fourth season at the helm.

Following a 3-9 season, it was important for the program to show improvement in multiple areas, even if only in a spring game. Those improvements were evident, especially with the intangibles like player leadership and coaching.

Here are a few takeaways from Colorado’s 2026 Black and Gold spring game.

The secondary looks like the real deal

Apr 11, 2026; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the start of the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The revamped Colorado secondary jumped off the tape early. Tackling was a major positive from the group, with safeties Boo Carter and Randon Fontenette making impressive tackles for loss.

Freshman cornerback Maurice Williams capped off the day with a diving interception of quarterback Issac Wilson. Safety Ben Finneseth told the media early this week that he thinks the secondary could be the best position group on the team, and on Saturday, they looked the part.

Julian Lewis is still QB1

Apr 11, 2026; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis (10) prepares to pass the ball during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Both Isaac Wilson and Julian Lewis led solid drives downfield, but only Lewis finished it off with a touchdown. Wilson seemed like a good mobile option, especially in Brennan Marion’s Go-Go offense, but he missed a couple of throws that would have been touchdowns.

Lewis played it safe and missed a few throws himself, but I didn’t see anything that made me think he won’t be the starter come Week 1 against Georgia Tech.

Go-Go offense will be electric

Apr 11, 2026; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis (10) hands the ball off to running back Damian Henderson (26) during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Brennan Marion warned fans that he would be “vanilla” when calling the game, but still opened the scrimmage with a triple option reverse pass from running back DeKalon Taylor to wide receiver Ernest Campbell.

If Saturday’s game plan was vanilla, then Buff Nation is in for a treat when the real action begins in the fall.

Improved rushing attack

Apr 11, 2026; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes running back Damian Henderson (26) carries the ball during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Even with tackling being limited, Colorado’s rushing attack showed that it is an improved unit with multiple talented backs. Alabama transfer Richard Young proved he will be a tough guy to bring down, while Damian Henderson looked explosive getting free for a 30-yard gain.

Colorado has not had a good rushing season under Deion Sanders, but with Brennan Marion calling the plays and better personnel this year, that seems likely to change.

Front seven has some playmakers

Apr 11, 2026; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders greets players before the start of the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Whether it was Santana Hopper, Toby Anene or Tyler Martinez, Colorado’s defensive line and linebackers were flying around making plays. The increased talent level was immediately evident. If the Buffaloes can generate pressure and make plays behind the line of scrimmage, combined with a linebacker core that can fly around the defense, they have a chance to be a well-above-average unit.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football spring game takeaways

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