Three Colorado Buffaloes Defenders Considered Game-Time Decision For TCU Game

Three defensive linemen are considered game-time decisions for the Colorado Buffaloes' Saturday matchup against the TCU Horned Frogs.

As of 90 minutes before kickoff, defensive tackles Brandon Davis-Swain and Anquin Barnes Jr. and true freshman EDGE Alexander McPherson are questionable for Colorado's first trip to TCU since 2023. Neither Davis-Swain nor McPherson were listed on the Buffs' Wednesday player availability report, so their respective injuries likely occurred at practice.

Davis-Swain started Colorado's first three games before giving way to Amari McNeill. On the season, the second-year defensive tackle from Michigan has seven total tackles and half a sack.

Two Colorado Buffaloes Defenders Added Lengthy Injury Report TCU Horned Frogs Alexander McPherson Brandon Davis-Swain Status — Aug 29, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive end Brandon Davis-Swain (91) reacts to a turnover in the first quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

A former three-star prospect from the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida, McPherson has made the most out of his true freshman opportunities with seven total tackles, four quarterback hurries and a blocked punt.

“It’s always great to earn the trust of your teammates early,” McPherson said. “That’s the benefit of coming in the spring and early, even to the bowl game. Now, going into the season, you have their trust, hopefully. That was my main goal.”

Along with McPherson and Davis-Swain, wide receiver Isaiah Hardge and defensive tackle Tavian Coleman were both downgraded from questionable to out on Colorado's Thursday injury report. Plus, McNeill fell from probable to questionable.

Jehiem Oatis and Taurean Carter II are candidates to see more playing time on Saturday if Barnes (doubtful) and McNeill can't go.

"Thank God for the depth," coach Deion Sanders said. "It's paying off really well, especially just think about a season ago, losing a couple of linemen, what it would have been like. I mean, hell. Pure hell... But next man up. Thank God for the recruiting team that we have, because they got the depth that we needed."