Key Colorado Buffaloes Expected To Miss Arizona Game With Injury

The Colorado Buffaloes are expected to be without one of their top offensive linemen for Saturday's game against the Arizona Wildcats.

In Wednesday's initial Big 12 player availability report, starting left guard Xavier Hill was listed as out due to an unknown injury. Hill started in Colorado's first eight games and has played in the most offensive snaps (507) on the team, anchoring the interior offensive line alongside center Zarian McGill and right guard Zy Crisler.

Yayha Attia (probable), Kareem Harden and Aki Ogunbiyi are candidates to see the field in Hill's absence.

Impact Of Losing Xavier HIll

Key Colorado Buffaloes Offensive Lineman Expected Miss Arizona Game Injury Report Xavier Hill Big 12 College Football Wildcat — Oct 4, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes running back Dallan Hayden (7) is tackled by TCU Horned Frogs defensive lineman Tristan Johnson (35) during the second half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Coming off its worst performance of the season against the Utah Utes, Colorado's offensive line will be without a key guard for Saturday's evening matchup with Arizona. Hill allowed two sacks, eight quarterback hurries and was penalized twice in the Buffs' first eight games.

Fortunately for the Buffs, their improved depth on the offensive line will help hold things down against Arizona.

“We probably have nine guys that can really start and contribute mightily that we don’t fear is going to get in there and mess it up,” coach Deion Sanders said of his offensive line before the season. “That group there is physical, they’re smart, they’re tough, they’re truly disciplined, and I’m truly proud of that group.”

Colorado Buffaloes Initial Injury Report vs. Arizona Wildcats

Including Hill, seven Buffs were listed as out on Wednesday's initial injury report. Two others are considered doubtful, five are questionable and six probable.

OUT

Wide receiver Hykeem Williams
Cornerback Makari Vickers
Running back Simeon Price
Offensive lineman Walker Andersen
Defensive tackle Christian Hudson
Defensive end Alexander McPherson

DOUBTFUL

Defensive tackle Amari McNeill
Defensive tackle Tawfiq Thomas

QUESTIONABLE

Cornerback Teon Parks
Cornerback RJ Johnson
Wide receiver Sincere Brown
Wide receiver Isaiah Hardge
Cornerback Braden Keith

PROBABLE

Safety Carter Stoutmire
Linebacker Jeremiah Brown
Offensive lineman Larry Johnson III
Offensive lineman Yahya Attia
Tight end Zach Atkins
Defensive end Brandon Davis-Swain

McPherson (out), McNeill (doubtful) and Sincere Brown (questionable) are three of the more notable names on CU's injury report. The freshman McPherson has impressed in his first college season, earning plenty of praise from teammates and coaches.

For Arizona, offensive lineman Jordan Brown (OUT) was the only player listed on its injury report, although some have questioned the validity of the Wildcats' unusually short report.

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Colorado Looking For Second Big 12 Win

Few expected Colorado to start the season 1-4 in Big 12 play, but the Buffs have a winnable home game on deck against the 4-3 (1-3 Big 12) Wildcats.

"I don't give a darn what the record is," Sanders said earlier this week. "There's a sense of urgency. There's a sense of urgency at this point last year as well. We want to win every game, we want to win every play, we want to win every down. We want to win."