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Colorado Buffaloes Finally Receive Good News Amid Difficult Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Sep 19, 2025 11:09 AM ET

It's been a rough start for the Colorado Buffaloes, sitting with a 1-2 record. Their only win came against the Delaware Blue Hens, who were clearly inferior opponents.

After going 9-4 in 2024, it's clear that Deion Sanders' squad has taken a step back, having lost players such as two-way star Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

However, a big aspect of college football is being able to replenish talent and much of the time that comes in the form of high school recruiting.

Despite their struggles on the field, Colorado received exciting news on Friday, being named one of four finalists for the class of 2026 wide receiver Christian Ward.

Top 4, I will be announcing my commitment 9/24 live @On3sports @SWiltfong_ @Rivals @IMGAFootball @CoachAlecCobb @QuinnShanbour @KoreenBurch @ChadSimmons_ @JeremyO_Johnson @adamgorney @JohnGarcia_Jr @BenjaminRivals @WRHitList @BALLERSCHOICE1 @RecruitGeorgia @TheUCReport pic.twitter.com/vJeyiRMAIo
— Christian Ward|c/o 2026 WR/DB (@ward_chris1) September 19, 2025

Ward also revealed the Michigan Wolverines, the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Alabama Crimson Tide are the other three still in consideration.

All four are impressive programs, and it's no surprise that each is trying to land the pass catcher. Rivals Industry Rankings place him as the No. 105 wide receiver and the No. 681 player in the nation.

Colorado is in desperate need of a recruiting win for their 2026 class, which ranks just No. 16 in the Big 12 and No. 68 in the nation. Ward has the potential to be the first wide receiver in the cycle.

Things are looking good for them in this race, with Ward previously telling Rivals' Steve Wiltfong that the Buffaloes were at the "top" of his list.

He's also had the opportunity to get a closer look at Colorado, taking an official visit to Boulder for the team's win over Delaware on September 6.

However, this is obviously a big decision, and Ward has a lot to think about before making his official announcement on Wednesday.

For a program looking for stability after a rocky start, landing Ward would serve as much more than just a recruiting win, but also a sign that Sanders can still bring in talent when things aren't going perfectly.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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