Five Colorado Buffaloes Entering Make-or-Break Season Under Deion Sanders

Entering 2026, several Colorado Buffaloes are under duress to perform for coach Deion Sanders at a high level.

Oct 4, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders on the sidelines during the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

From here on out, every second for the Colorado Buffaloes gets heavier.

Coach Deion Sanders must prove his worth to the program once again after a 3-9 season in 2025. It was filled with question marks, and "Coach Prime" did his due diligence to find answers this offseason. Which players enter 2026 facing the most pressure?

Liona Lefau, Linebacker

Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Liona Lefau (18) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

After a year when its linebacker was a liability, Colorado brought in Lefau to dominate. And hailing from a premier program in the Texas Longhorns, expectations will be high. He's missed just one game in three seasons, and his 139 tackles are nothing to scoff at.

However, his history in pass coverage is spotty, as Texas used him in rotation. But on the Buffs, Sanders and defensive coordinator Robert Livingston will likely expect him to play every down.

And if the Buffaloes learned anything last season, it's that situational success doesn't always translate. Lefau must bring it against both dimensions, or risk another year of linebacker lows.

Boo Carter, Safety

Tennessee defensive back Boo Carter (23) runs with the ball during a college football game between Tennessee and Mississippi State at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Carter has the whole world in his hands. His talent has never been a question mark, as he earned SEC All-Freshman honors for a riveting stint at safety and returner for the Tennessee Volunteers. However, discipline is his soft spot.

Last November, Carter was removed from Tennessee's roster after a sequence of flaky behavior dating back to the previous summer. He missed practices and workouts, and when confronted on the matter, got into an alleged altercation with teammates.

If Sanders can put a harness on him, Carter has an inside track to the NFL. He should see time on offense, defense and special teams, as he was a dynamic running back in high school. Carter is poised to take the slot cornerback position.

Since he coached Jackson State, Coach Prime has wanted Carter, so he won't want to regret finally having him.

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Justin Eaglin, Cornerback

Oregon’s Dierre Hill Jr., left, outruns James Madison’s Justin Eaglin during the first quarter at Autzen Stadium in Eugene Dec. 20, 2025. | Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Eaglin was a ball hawk with the James Madison Dukes last season, snagging five interceptions. However, his role with the Buffs will both ratchet up in competition and increase in terms of pressure.

When discussing outside cornerbacks, Eaglin stands out as the most likely one to cover opponents' best receivers. He'll play one of the defense's toughest positions, so he must expand his skillset from playmaker to lockdown. Otherwise, he'll get picked on.

Micah Welch, Running Back

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffalos running back Micah Welch (29) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Welch has shown flashes throughout his two seasons in Boulder, leading the Buffs in rushing last year and showing promise as a contact sponge and with keen eyes. However, new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion's "Go-Go" offense provides the perfect chance for a breakout.

In a new system, Welch could thrive. However, Colorado brought in a litany of backs to compete with him for touches. While his skillset leans more into a bellcow back, Welch's fit in the Go-Go will be a major storyline of the Buffaloes' season.

DeAndre Moore Jr., Wide Receiver

Sep 6, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; tx Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) runs for yards after making a reception during the first half against the San Jose State Spartans at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

At receiver, the Buffs added a stable. Moore Jr. has an NFL-ready skillset, and similar to Welch, if he fits, it can take his offense to unforeseen territory.

The former Texas speedster should see heavy involvement in the slot, though not without competition from Danny Scudero, Kam Perry, Quentin Gibson and others. Moore Jr. was Colorado's most marquee offensive transfer, so he's gunning not to be tabbed as a waste of resources.