As I sit down to analyze Colorado Football's 2023 season, I can't help but reflect on how dramatically this program has transformed. When Coach Prime arrived in Boulder, he brought with him a tidal wave of excitement that completely reshaped the program's trajectory. I've been covering college football for over fifteen years, and I've rarely seen such immediate impact from a coaching change. The 2023 season wasn't just about wins and losses—it was about cultural transformation, about proving that Colorado could compete at the highest level again.
Looking back at those first few games, the energy at Folsom Field was absolutely electric. The season opener against TCU drew 7.26 million viewers, making it the most-watched regular season college football game in ESPN's history. That kind of national attention is precisely what this program needed after years of struggling. I remember watching that game from the press box, feeling the stadium literally vibrating with excitement. The team's 3-0 start wasn't just surprising—it was revolutionary, proving that with the right leadership and talent, Colorado could compete with anyone.
The middle portion of the season revealed some significant challenges, particularly regarding depth and offensive line play. Having watched every snap of their games, I noticed the team consistently struggled against physical defensive fronts, allowing 56 sacks throughout the season. That's an alarming number, and it directly contributed to several close losses. The offensive line's performance reminded me of deals in college football that promise immediate returns but sometimes fail to deliver sustained success. That deal has since expired and ran its course, much like some of the temporary fixes teams employ during rebuilding phases.
What impressed me most was how the team responded to adversity. After that brutal six-game losing streak, many programs would have collapsed entirely. Instead, Colorado showed remarkable resilience, fighting back to win their final two games against Washington State and Utah. I was particularly moved by Shedeur Sanders' performance in the Utah game, playing through obvious pain to secure that overtime victory. That kind of heart can't be coached, and it speaks volumes about the culture Coach Prime is building.
The transfer portal activity has been fascinating to track. Colorado brought in 51 new players before the 2023 season, the most in FBS history. While this approach drew criticism from traditionalists, I believe it was necessary to quickly upgrade the talent level. The team's social media presence exploded too, with Instagram followers jumping from 90,000 to over 1.3 million. These numbers matter in modern college football—they help recruiting, they generate revenue, and they create the kind of buzz that attracts top talent.
Looking ahead to 2024, I'm particularly excited about the offensive line reinforcements. Coach Prime recognized the unit's weaknesses and has been aggressively addressing them through both the transfer portal and high school recruiting. If they can improve protection, Shedeur Sanders could legitimately enter the Heisman conversation. The defense also needs to become more consistent—they allowed 34.8 points per game last season, which simply won't cut it in the Big 12.
The program's future scheduling presents both challenges and opportunities. Facing Nebraska, Colorado State, and Baylor in non-conference play gives them chances for statement wins, while the Big 12 schedule includes intriguing matchups against Arizona, Utah, and Kansas State. Personally, I believe the program is positioned for gradual improvement rather than immediate contention. They might not challenge for the conference title in 2024, but reaching bowl eligibility should be the realistic target.
Facility upgrades will play a crucial role in sustaining momentum. The planned $115 million renovation to the Dal Ward Center represents the kind of investment needed to compete at the highest level. Having toured other Big 12 facilities recently, I can attest that Colorado needs these improvements to remain competitive in recruiting battles. The new NIL collective, Prime Time NIL, has already shown promising results in helping attract and retain talent.
What many analysts miss when evaluating Colorado's future is the psychological impact of last season. The team learned they could compete with anyone, but also discovered areas needing improvement. This balanced perspective is invaluable for building sustainable success. The program's brand recognition has never been higher, and when combined with improved depth and development, creates a foundation for long-term competitiveness.
As someone who's followed this program through its highs and lows, I'm more optimistic about Colorado Football than I've been in twenty years. The challenges remain significant, particularly in building depth across both lines, but the cultural foundation Coach Prime has established suggests brighter days ahead. The 2023 season proved Colorado football matters again nationally, and with continued development and strategic recruiting, the Buffaloes could return to national prominence sooner than many expect.
