ESPN identifies two keys to a successful Colorado football season

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Colorado enters spring practice with an almost entirely different roster and coaching staff that ended the 2025 season with a disappointing 3-9 record.

A shakeup was required, and that is exactly what Deion Sanders did in all facets of his program. The big question is, will the sweeping changes produce results? History shows that widespread changes don't usually lead to an immediate return.

In ESPN's Big 12 Conference preview, ESPN staff writer Kyle Bonagura writes that hiring Brennan Marion as offensive coordinator is a solid addition, but also notes that two things will tell the story of Colorado's season.

Position of intrigue

The first being how well the offensive line gels, with five new starters, and protects star quarterback Julian Lewis. Underperformance from that group likely means another sub-500 season for the Buffs. It is the one position that CU has yet to field an elite unit in Sanders' three seasons.

Player to watch

Bonagura lists Lewis as the Buffs player to watch, and I'll have to agree with him. With a talented offensive coordinator and a borderline elite crop of skill players at his disposal, the ingredients are there for Lewis to have a breakout year. He will be the engine that drives Colorado forward or backward, depending on the season he has.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Two factors will define Colorado football's 2026 season, per ESPN

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