Standout Offensive Player Reaffirms Loyalty To Colorado Buffaloes

There's at least one player the Colorado Buffaloes don't have to worry about losing.

Amid a flurry of teammates entering the college football transfer portal and position coach Brett Bartolone leaving for the Nevada Wolf Pack's offensive coordinator job, tight end Zach Atkins reaffirmed his loyalty to Colorado via a social media post.

"I’m a buff 4L (for life)," Atkins wrote on X. "We got unfinished business. #LastRide."

Atkins, a former Division II standout at Northwest Missouri State, caught 20 passes for 149 yards and proved capable as a run-blocker during his first season with the Buffs this fall. Next season will mark his final year of eligibility.

Even during a rough season that resulted in only three wins, Atkins made it a point to finish strong for himself and his teammates.

I’m a buff 4L, we got unfinished business. #LastRide🦬 pic.twitter.com/sufv8qX5z7
— Zach Atkins (@zachatkins24) December 18, 2025

"I'm not going to quit," Atkins said prior to Colorado's final game. "There's never been quit in me and this team. I'm taking it upon myself to be a better leader and to lead the offense. I think that we're going to go out there and we're going to fight."

Deion Sanders' Trust in Zach Atkins

Sanders' faith in Atkins likely played a role in the junior's decision to remain at Colorado for his upcoming final college season.

“This kid can really play... I’m talking about he can really play,” Colorado coach Deion Sanders said of Atkins last month. “We just have not gotten him in situations that we should have. I think he has pro ability.”

Atkins was, of course, appreciative of his head coach's comments. Colorado took a chance on Atkins considering his Division II background and was rewarded with a productive season from the 6-foot-4, 240-pound tight end.

"It means everything having your head coach believe in you like that," Atkins said. "For me, that was a big confidence booster."

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Colorado Hit Hard By Transfer Portal

As of Thursday, Colorado has lost 10 players to the transfer portal, including key pieces in wide receiver Omarion Miller, safety Tawfiq Byard and defensive lineman Brandon Davis-Swain. The Buffs can begin adding players once the portal officially opens on Jan. 2.

Safety TJ Branch
Defensive lineman Jehiem Oatis
Cornerback Noah King
Cornerback Teon Parks
Linebacker Mantrez Walker
Safety Terrance Love
Safety Tawfiq Byard
Wide receiver Omarion Miller
Defensive tackle Brandon Davis-Swain
Offensive lineman Carde Smith

Colorado's offensive rebuild will largely be centered around true freshman quarterback Julian "JuJu" Lewis, who's now paired with new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion. Atkins, like many others, was impressed by Lewis' play late in the season and believes his potential can help bring more offensive talent to Boulder.

"If you're a recruit in the portal or you're a high school kid, I mean, you saw him play," Atkins said. "He's the truth. I think that's a major selling point for next season."