Plenty of eyes will be on the Colorado Buffaloes this upcoming season as they will be without quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman winner Travis Hunter, who are both headed for the NFL. It will be up to players like tight end Zach Atkins to step up.
Zach Atkins Returns From Injury
Atkins, who transferred in from Northwest Missouri State in December, is going to be one of the more important veteran players on this team. However, according to Colorado tight ends coach Brett Bartolone, he was dealing with a back injury that has since subsided.
Colorado TEs coach Brett Bartolone says Zach Atkins missed a couple weeks with an injury but is back: “He’s been productive … he can run + catch. He has all the intangibles we look for.” pic.twitter.com/E2vUksHa5N
— Scott Procter (@ScottProcter_) April 10, 2025
If Atkins is healthy, he can be a true force in the receiving game. While at Northwest Missouri State for the last three seasons, he caught a total of 30 passes for 360 yards and four touchdowns. In his latest season, he reeled in 18 passes for 179 yards and three scores.
The Missouri native will have to play a more prominent role in the final two seasons of his collegiate career.
How Far Can Colorado Go in 2025?
After winning a remarkable nine games in 2024, head coach Deion Sanders has his Colorado team moving in the right direction. However, the losses of both of his sons in Shedeur and Shilo Sanders to the NFL, along with Travis Hunter, will hurt.
Now, Sanders is going to have to choose between Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis for the starting quarterback gig soon. Salter is the veteran transfer, and Lewis is the five-star recruit.
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It’s not the easiest situation for Sanders, but it is a good problem to have when you possess two capable quarterbacks.
Now, the Buffaloes will have to contend with the reigning Big 12 champions in the Arizona State Sun Devils, along with 10-win Iowa State Cyclones this year.
That is not going to be easy, as both of those teams finished higher up in the standings a season ago. But knowing who Deion Sanders is, look for his team to be ready as the season moves closer and closer to the start time.
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