Four Colorado football breakout candidates for the 2026 season

Predicting breakouts and possible standout seasons is a difficult task, but also a rewarding one if you pinpoint a potential breakout before it happens.

For the Colorado Buffaloes, breakout candidates are even harder to predict because the Buffs rebuilt their roster with so many proven players. Still, several candidates across the roster could have unexpected big seasons for Colorado.

So which Buffs have the most breakout potential in 2026? We compiled our list below.

WR Ernest Campbell

Many will say Quentin Gibson is the wide receiver most likely to break out, but I like Campbell's chances a bit better. Campbell is coming off a borderline breakout year last year with Sacramento State. With a crowded wide receiver room, his head start in knowing the intricacies of Brennan Marion's offense gives him a huge advantage. He is also the fastest wide receiver on the team, which should at the very least give him downfield targets.

CB Justin Eaglin

Eaglin might have been my favorite transfer addition this offseason. He showed in the College Football Playoff that he is a big-game player, recording an interception that he took for a 61-yard touchdown. Eaglin finished the year with 35 combined tackles and five interceptions. I would be surprised if he does not win the second outside cornerback spot opposite Notre Dame transfer Cree Thomas.

DL Santana Hopper

This might be controversial because you could argue he already had his breakout, but I think Hopper can reach another level. He will be the central force along the interior of Colorado's defensive line, especially with Ezra Christensen's eligibility issue.

RB Richard Young

Young might have the most untapped potential in the entire Colorado roster. The former four-star, top-100 recruit is finally in a situation where he has a runway to succeed. A 5-foot-11, 210-pounder, he is the prototypical size to be a lead back, but still has speed to get to the edge. Marion's offense often uses three-back sets, making a true lead back less likely, but he still has the talent to make a significant impact.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Four Colorado football breakout candidates for the 2026 season