Football
Colorado had a solid 2024 campaign because of more players than quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. Also, there’s no question the Buffs leaned heavily on them. This offseason, CU needs to identify its cornerstone players for 2025.
Not only is four-year quarterback Seth Henigan gone, so are a heavy majority of Memphis’ skill-position players. Running back Mario Anderson Jr. piled up 1,362 yards and 18 scores on the ground with 52 catches. Brandon Thomas added nine touchdowns. Roc Thomas had 66 receptions, while Demeer Blankumsee, Koby Drake and Anthony Landphere each reeled in 33-plus passes. They’re all gone.
Star wideout Ricky White III is headed to the NFL, and Jacob De Jesus transferred to Cal. That leaves Jaden Bradley, who made nine catches for 173 yards and one touchdown, as UNLV’s top returning receiver. This transfer-infused group simply must produce some reliable targets.
Similar to Memphis, Mizzou is undergoing a huge makeover on offense. Penn State transfer Beau Pribula is expected to replace Brady Cook at quarterback, but there is little continuity in the supporting cast. Running backs Nate Noel and Marcus Carroll and receivers Luther Burden III, Theo Wease and Mookie Cooper all used up their eligibility or went pro.
Although the defense brings back a decent chunk of production, the offense is a different story. Bryson Daily brilliantly steered the option attack with 1,659 yards and 32 scores on the ground last season, and Kanye Udoh amassed 1,117 yards with 10 scores. Daily is out of eligibility, however, and Udoh transferred to Arizona State.
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