Greg McElroy: Colorado Buffaloes’ Offensive Revamp in 2025

A Stronger Focus on the Running Game

The Colorado Buffaloes are entering a new era in 2025, with major changes on offense following the departures of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter to the NFL.¹

While much of the attention has been on who will replace Sanders at quarterback, college football analyst Greg McElroy believes the real key to success for Deion Sanders’ team lies in developing a more effective running game.

With Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter and freshman Julian Lewis set to battle for the starting quarterback job, McElroy stressed the importance of improving the ground attack.

Last season, the Buffaloes ranked dead last in the FBS with just over 65 rushing yards per game. If Colorado hopes to compete in a stacked Pac-12, a balanced offensive approach will be crucial.

Love this. Need to get the boys back together and do one for 2009 @AlabamaFTBL! https://t.co/19gAbdZ7Sv

— Greg McElroy (@GregMcElroy) February 25, 2025

Kaidon Salter: A Dual-Threat Playmaker

Kaidon Salter brings an exciting dynamic to the Buffaloes’ offense. A former Liberty standout, Salter rushed for an impressive 2,006 yards and 21 touchdowns with the Flames.

His ability to extend plays with his legs gives the Buffaloes a new offensive dimension, something they lacked with Sanders under center.

McElroy believes that if Salter wins the job, he could provide a much-needed boost to the running game, either through designed quarterback runs or scrambling on broken plays. His mobility would also allow the offensive line to adjust more effectively to opposing pass rushes.

Julian Lewis: The Pocket Passer

On the other hand, Julian Lewis offers a more traditional pocket-passing approach. Coming from Carrollton High School in Georgia, Lewis was ranked the No. 10 quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class, according to 247 Sports.

His arm talent is undeniable, but his style of play means that Colorado will need to rely heavily on its running backs to provide offensive balance.

If Lewis wins the starting job, the Buffaloes must significantly improve their ground game to avoid becoming one-dimensional.

A strong rushing attack would alleviate pressure on the freshman quarterback and prevent defenses from focusing solely on stopping the passing game.

Greg McElroy: The Struggles of the 2024 Season

The Buffaloes’ offensive struggles last season were well-documented. Their 65 rushing yards per game ranked last in the FBS, and the lack of a consistent ground attack forced Shedeur Sanders to carry the offense through the air.²

While Sanders put up impressive numbers, the offense became predictable, making it easier for defenses to scheme against them.

Part of the issue stemmed from an offensive line that struggled to create running lanes. Injuries and inconsistency up front contributed to Colorado’s inability to establish the run.

The lack of a power running game also forced the Buffaloes into unfavorable third-down situations, leading to stalled drives.

A Revamped Running Back Room

One bright spot for the Buffaloes is the return of running back Isaiah Augustave. He led the team in rushing last season with 384 yards and four touchdowns in a pass-heavy offense.

While those numbers aren’t eye-popping, they do indicate potential if given a larger role.

With a more experienced offensive line and a greater commitment to running the ball, Augustave could see a major increase in production. His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact makes him a reliable option in the backfield.

Colorado has also brought in fresh talent to bolster the running game. Incoming recruits and potential transfer additions will be key in helping the Buffaloes establish a more consistent rushing attack.

A combination of power runners and speed backs could give the offense more versatility and unpredictability.

The Role of the Offensive Line

A major factor in improving the run game will be the performance of the offensive line. Last season, the unit struggled with both pass protection and run blocking.

To address these issues, Coach Prime and his staff have emphasized recruiting and development in the trenches.

The addition of experienced transfers and highly rated recruits should provide an immediate boost.

The offensive line will need to show marked improvement in run blocking, opening up lanes for the backs and creating opportunities for chunk plays on the ground.

Greg McElroy: Offensive Coordinator’s Strategy

A More Balanced Approach

A successful offense requires balance, and that will be the goal for the Buffaloes in 2025.³

Last year, Colorado leaned heavily on the passing game, often abandoning the run early in games. This led to increased pressure on the quarterback and made the offense predictable.

The new offensive approach will likely feature more designed runs, zone-read plays, and quick-hitting runs to keep defenses honest.

By committing to a more balanced attack, Colorado can control the tempo of games and keep opposing defenses guessing.

How a Strong Running Game Helps the Passing Attack

• One of the biggest benefits of a strong running game is how it opens up opportunities in the passing attack.
• Play-action becomes more effective when defenses are forced to respect the run, creating space for receivers downfield.
• For a quarterback like Salter, having a reliable running game allows him to operate more comfortably, reducing the need to make plays under constant pressure.
• For Lewis, a strong ground attack ensures he doesn’t have to shoulder the entire offensive burden in his first year.
• With the Pac-12 remaining a competitive conference, the Buffaloes will need to improve significantly to contend for a top spot.
• Teams like Oregon, Washington, and USC have powerful offenses and strong defenses, meaning Colorado must become more well-rounded to compete.
• If the Buffaloes can develop a reliable running game to complement their passing attack, they have the potential to surprise teams and exceed expectations.
• The ability to control the clock and sustain drives will be crucial in matchups against high-powered offenses.

Greg McElroy Believes the Defense Could Carry the Team

College football analyst Greg McElroy has expressed confidence in Colorado’s defense as a key factor for the Buffaloes’ success in the upcoming season.

While questions remain about their offense, McElroy highlighted the significant improvements the team made on the defensive side in 2024 compared to the previous year.

“There’s a lot of reason to feel real good about where they’re going. Their defensive coordinator last year, coach (Robert) Livingston, did a great job. Allowed 23 points and just 352 yards. That is over 100 yards improved from 2023,” McElroy said.

The Buffaloes demonstrated their defensive prowess by leading the Big 12 in sacks and tackles for loss. However, despite their progress, they lost key players such as two-way star Travis Hunter.

Still, McElroy believes the team has enough experienced backups who can step up. Additionally, Colorado has strengthened its defensive line with the addition of nose tackle Jehiem Oatis, a transfer from Alabama, who is expected to play a crucial role in the trenches.

Colorado’s Defense Took a Major Step Forward in 2024

The Buffaloes’ defense made drastic improvements in 2024, transforming from a struggling unit into a formidable force.

Under defensive coordinator Robert Livingston, the team allowed only 23 points per game and gave up 352 yards per contest. This was a massive leap forward, cutting over 100 yards and 12 points per game from their 2023 averages.

A key reason for their success was their ability to generate pressure. The Buffaloes finished atop the Big 12 rankings in sacks and tackles for loss, demonstrating their ability to disrupt opposing offenses.

Their improved tackling and discipline also played a role in their defensive turnaround.

Greg McElroy: Key Losses on Defense and Their Impact

While Colorado’s defense improved dramatically, they face some challenges heading into the new season due to key departures.

The most significant loss is Travis Hunter, who played both cornerback and wide receiver. His presence in the secondary was a game-changer, and the Buffaloes will need to find a way to replace his playmaking ability.

Additionally, other defensive starters who played crucial roles in last season’s success have moved on. Losing experienced players means Colorado will rely heavily on returning contributors and incoming transfers to maintain their defensive identity.

A Game-Changer for the Defensive Line

One of the most exciting additions to the Buffaloes’ roster is defensive tackle Jehiem Oatis, a transfer from Alabama. At 6-foot-5 and over 320 pounds, Oatis brings size, strength, and SEC-level experience to Colorado’s defensive front.

Oatis was highly regarded at Alabama for his ability to clog running lanes and apply interior pressure on quarterbacks.

His arrival is expected to help Colorado maintain a strong presence in the trenches, particularly against run-heavy opponents in the Big 12. If he lives up to expectations, he could become a dominant force for the Buffaloes.

 

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Coach Robert Livingston’s Impact on the Buffaloes’ Defense

Much of the credit for Colorado’s defensive turnaround in 2024 goes to defensive coordinator Robert Livingston. After taking over, Livingston implemented a system that emphasized aggressiveness, discipline, and improved tackling.

Livingston’s ability to develop players and maximize their potential has been a game-changer for Colorado. Under his leadership, the Buffaloes transformed from a struggling defense into a respectable unit that kept them competitive in many games.

Heading into the next season, Livingston will be tasked with maintaining that momentum, adjusting to personnel changes, and continuing to elevate the defense’s performance.

Can Colorado’s Defense Carry the Team to a Bowl Game?

With an improved defense, Colorado could be in a strong position to make a bowl game appearance in the upcoming season.

However, it will depend on how well they handle the loss of key defensive stars and whether their offense can hold up its end of the bargain.

If the defense continues to improve and the offense becomes more consistent, the Buffaloes have a legitimate shot at winning at least six games and securing a bowl bid.

Their defensive unit will need to set the tone, create turnovers, and keep games competitive to help their offense succeed.