Colorado's Dallan Hayden Looks for Turnaround After Unfortunate Season

Despite losing stars like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter to the NFL, Colorado running back Dallan Hayden remains confident that the Buffaloes are built to compete, and even dominate, in the Big 12. In a bold prediction for the upcoming season, Colorado won’t just improve its run game, but will lead the Big 12 in rushing yards.

That might seem far-fetched for a program that ranked dead last in FBS rushing the past two seasons, but Hayden believes the Buffs are ready for a breakthrough.

“I feel like we got the pieces to be great,” Hayden told CBS Colorado's Romi Bean. “We’ve got to make every yard count so we can continue to run the ball and be balanced. That’s when teams win.”

With Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk now coaching the running backs, and a revamped backfield featuring Hayden, Micah Welch, Simeon Price, and DeKalon Taylor, Colorado has the depth and leadership to transform its ground game.

Price brings SEC experience and a powerful running style, while Hayden hopes to return to his Ohio State form, where he ran for over 500 yards as a freshman. A more physical offensive line and a quarterback battle between Kaidon Salter and JuJu Lewis could also open up the run game. Whoever wins the job will rely heavily on the backfield to keep defenses honest.

“We’re a big part of helping them,” Hayden said. That veteran mindset, combined with NFL-ready coaching, could make Colorado’s rushing attack one of the most improved in the nation.

If the Buffs can control the clock and keep opposing offenses off the field, don’t be surprised if Colorado runs its way into the Big 12 title game come December.