The Colorado Buffaloes landed a key transfer to help improve their offensive line, which had problems protecting the quarterback in 2024. Former Fighting Illini OL Zy Crisler is supremely confident in his abilities and wasn’t shy saying so.
Colorado OL Transfer Addition Zy Crisler Lets Confidence Be Known Ahead of 2025 Season
As spring practices continue for the Colorado Buffaloes, some storylines have begun to emerge.
At the top, they begin with the QB battle between fifth-year senior Kaidon Salter and five-star true freshman Julian “Juju” Lewis. Additionally, there’s question marks surrounding what pass-catchers will step up to replace potentially four wide receivers who will be taken in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Colorado’s Pro Day also stole some of the show, as each of the NFL prospects the Buffaloes have showed out on April 4 in front of representatives from every pro organization.
But arguably the most important storyline as far as how good Colorado will be next season may just be in the trenches. Namely, the offensive line, which struggled last season to protect the quarterback.
In fact, they surrendered 3.5 sacks per game — good for 125th out of 134 teams nationally. To use other words, the Buffaloes’ offensive line was not good in pass protection.
To help the cause, they brought in former Illinois Fighting Illini offensive lineman Crisler. Standing 6’6″ and weighing 335 pounds, Crisler will help bring some much needed heft to the frontline.
Named an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in 2023, Crisler proved himself to be a key cog along an offensive line for the Fighting Illini that was named as a Joe Moore Award Semifinalist, given to the best offensive line group in college football.
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As far as his role with the Buffaloes in his final season, Crisler remained open to playing all around.
“I feel comfortable playing wherever they put me … inside, outside, I’m going to dominate in what I do,” he claimed.
If Colorado is poised to be a contender in the Big 12, they’ll need Crisler to have a big impact — something he surely believes he can do.
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