Buffs Beat
Ben Armendariz

Ben Armendariz

Joined: Apr 8, 2025

Ben Armendariz is a reporter for Colorado Buffaloes On SI, part of the Sports Illustrated Network. He has a diverse background in sports journalism, media, and marketing, with experience covering college football, hockey, and professional combat sports. Ben previously worked in athletic communications at the University of Colorado at Boulder and contributed to coverage of Buffs athletics through CUBuffs.com and Sko Buff Sports. A lifelong sports fan, Ben is seeking a master's degree in Sports Management from Texas A&M University and holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism with a minor in Sports Media from the University of Colorado. His passion for storytelling, in-depth analysis, and unique perspectives on sports marketing and sponsorships set his work apart. Outside of reporting, he enjoys attending Colorado Avalanche, and Denver Nuggets games, analyzing sports advertising trends, and running his online vintage retail business.

Oct 28, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders leaves the field after the game against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl. UCLA defeated Colorado 28-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Football

Colorado Buffaloes Viral Photo of Peko Brothers Rekindles Memory of Sal Aunese

A new photo of Colorado Buffaloes recruiting target Joseph Peko and recent commit Domata Peko Jr. at Folsom Field mirrors an iconic image of Sal Aunese and Oakland Salavea—bridging past and present in one powerful tribute.

Ben Armendariz
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Jun 10, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) talks to the media during minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Football

Johnny Manziel Praises Cleveland Browns' Shedeur Sanders After NFL Draft Slide

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders earned praise from former Browns signal-caller Johnny Manziel, who applauded the Colorado Buffaloes standout for his composure during the 2025 NFL Draft and predicted his long-term success in the league.

Ben Armendariz
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Jun 10, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Football

Cleveland Browns' Shedeur Sanders Shares Mic'd Up Moment With New Teammate

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku and rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders showed off their new bond in a social media clip released by the Browns, causing some fans to speculate that the former Colorado Buffaloes star must be Cleveland's starter.

Ben Armendariz
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders puts in extra work after practice during NFL minicamp, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.
Football

Shedeur Sanders’ Continues Outreach In Cleveland Browns Communities

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is already earning admiration from the city’s youngest fans. If he succeeds on the field, his impact could grow from Colorado Buffaloes legend to NFL franchise icon.

Ben Armendariz
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Apr 4, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (5) catches passes at the University of Colorado NFL Showcase at the CU Indoor Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images
Football

Carolina Panthers' Jimmy Horn Jr. Fined By Coach During Mic’d Up Debut

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. is already showcasing the personality and on-field traits that made him a Colorado Buffaloes fan favorite. Horn was "mic'd up" at practice, which might have led to a fine from one of his coaches.

Ben Armendariz
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Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders throws as QBs Dillon Gabriel (5) and Kenny Pickett look on during minicamp, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Berea.
Football

NFL Analyst Questions Cleveland Browns Quarterback Battle, Shedeur Sanders' Chances of Starting

NFL analyst Tony Grossi isn’t sold on the idea of a wide-open quarterback battle — but Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski and the team’s recent actions may suggest a more level playing field for rookie Shedeur Sanders, the former Colorado Buffaloes st

Ben Armendariz
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Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) waves to someone in the stands after the Jacksonville Jaguars’ mandatory minicamp Tuesday June 10, 2025 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Football

Jacksonville Jaguars' Travis Hunter Responds To Unofficial Madden Rating: 76 Overall?

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie and former Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter isn’t sweating his Madden NFL 26 rating just yet. The number is not yet official, but does it come from an old conversation between Hunter and former NFL receiver Chad Johnson?

Ben Armendariz
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Jun 10, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) walks off the field during minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Football

Cleveland Browns' Shedeur Sanders' Flashy Practice Stats Despite Lack of First-Team Reps

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders continues to impress with his efficiency and command during NFL minicamp, posting the highest quarterback completion rate through two days despite not receiving reps with the first team.

Ben Armendariz
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Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) waves to someone in the stands during the Jacksonville Jaguars’ mandatory minicamp Tuesday June 10, 2025 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Football

Jacksonville Jaguars' Travis Hunter Reunites With Teammate, Lifelong Bond

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie cornerback and wide receiver Travis Hunter is flashing early signs of NFL stardom after being the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft, and a longtime bond with teammate Jarrian Jones is helping him settle in fast.

Ben Armendariz
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) heads off the field after the first day of NFL rookie minicamp at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Friday, May 9, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.
Football

Browns Rookie Shedeur Sanders Surprises Cleveland Youth Football Event

Former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders is now with the Cleveland Browns, and he made a surprise visit to a youth 7-on-7 football tournament in Cleveland, and the kids’ reaction was unforgettable.

Ben Armendariz
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Apr 4, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders watches as his players go through drills at the University of Colorado NFL Showcase at the CU Indoor Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images
Football

How Fans Can Support Colorado Buffaloes By Playing EA Sports College Football '26

Colorado Buffaloes football fans can now support the Colorado program just by playing as the Buffs in EA Sports’ new video game, College Football '26, thanks to a new in-game royalties model tied to team usage.

Ben Armendariz
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Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffalos safety Shilo Sanders (21) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Football

Shilo Sanders Gifts Apple Watches to Colorado Buffaloes: Subtle Recruiting Statement?

Former Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders, now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, gifted Apple Watches to his CU teammates—highlighting a culture of loyalty and brotherhood that could give the Buffs a significant recruiting edge in today’s NIL era.

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