Colorado Buffaloes to Face Mountain West Opponent in Early Bowl Projection

Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes are going back to Cali, at least in one early bowl projection. 

According to Athlon Sports' staff, the Buffs will face UNLV in the LA Bowl hosted by Gronk. The projected matchup between the Mountain West and current or former members of the Pac-12 would mark back-to-back Bowl appearances for CU.

Last season came to a disappointing close in the 2024 Alamo Bowl with Colorado suffering a 36-14 loss to the BYU Cougars. The all-Big 12 contest was rare in postseason play. 

Colorado closed its second season under head coach Deion Sanders at 9-4, marking a major step in the right direction. However, Coach Prime moves forward without the services of quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, who are with their respective NFL teams. 

However, Sanders and his staff have made adjustments and look to turn heads with year two of Big 12 play on the horizon. One of the biggest storylines will be who starts under center next year? 

Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter appears to be the frontrunner in the QB battle for the Buffaloes. The three-year starter for the Flames is said to be ahead of five-star Julian Lewis, but both will play a pivotal role. 

As for UNLV, this would be a second straight year heading to SoFi Stadium in the postseason. They beat Cal 24-13 in last year's LA Bowl. However, this is expected to be a new-look Runnin Rebels squad with Dan Mullen taking over on Las Vegas.