Two weeks into spring practices for head coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes, all eyes are on a roster losing key contributors.
Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, Shilo Sanders, Jimmy Horn Jr., LaJohntay Wester and many others are all off to the next level.
Spring football is often the time for players lower on the depth chart to make a name for themselves, and starting position battles take center stage. The starting quarterback competition is the most significant competition that Colorado fans will have an eye on, but there are plenty of starting roles also up for grabs. A big spring can go a long way in determining a player’s spot on the depth chart during the season.
With the departures to the NFL creating opportunities, several players have stepped up in spring practices, showing they have what it takes to shine in Boulder this fall. From returning players to new faces, these five Buffs are rising fast and could be difference-makers in 2025.
Quentin Gibson, Wide Receiver
Colorado is losing its top four receivers from last season, and the 2024 MaxPreps National High School Player of the Year is in a prime position to take over.
The 5-foot-9 freshman playmaker out of Texas has blazing speed and caught 36 touchdowns in his senior year. Whoever gets the starting job at quarterback Gibson can be a go-to target in an offense losing Travis Hunter.
DJ McKinney, Cornerback
After transferring from Oklahoma State, McKinney became a defensive leader in 2024, tallying 62 tackles and three interceptions.
Last season, McKinney ranked fourth in the Big 12 for both pass deflections and passes defended. With Hunter moving on to the NFL, McKinney is set to become Colorado’s No. 1 lockdown corner in 2025.
Jordan Seaton, Offensive Tackle
Coming into his sophomore season, the anchor of Colorado’s offensive line, Seaton allowed just two sacks in 579 pass-blocking snaps in 2024.
Seaton made program history when he became the first true freshman to start at tackle and earned a 75.3 pass-blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus. His growth in 2025 will be critical in keeping the Buffs’ quarterbacks upright and the offense moving.
Arden Walker, Edge
Colorado’s defense led the Big 12 in sacks last season, and Walker played a significant role in that success. With depatures such as BJ Green II, Walker can step into a more prominent pass-rushing role.
The 6-foot-2 Denver, Colorado native is coming into his junior year and tallied 4.5 sacks last season. He was the second-highest ranked edge player in the Big 12 per PFF and could be one of the best edge rushers in college football next year.
Julian Lewis, Quarterback
While it’s too soon to tell if Lewis or Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter will start, Lewis still controls the future of the Buffs’ offense.
Lewis reclassified to 2025 and committed to Colorado last season. With elite arm talent, he’s already making waves in spring practices and could make a push to be Colorado’s starter.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football players on the rise during spring football
