Four Colorado Buffaloes Under Most Pressure From Deion Sanders

"Coach Prime" once again has a team of majority veteran transfers, overseeing the nation's leader of those playing their final year of eligibility. A fair share of this group has disappointed, and with the season teetering downwards, should this reliance experience be exchanged for developing youth?

Preston Hodge, Cornerback

Hodge had an outstanding first season at Colorado after transferring in from the Liberty Flames. He chose an extra year of eligibility rather than testing his luck in the NFL, but the former JUCO product has only damaged his stock in 2025.

He's looked out of sorts, especially on in-breaking routes. Hodge hasn't shifted from the domain that's made him great in the slot, but his lackadaisical play has cost the Buffaloes oodles of preventable chunk plays through the air.

Martavius French, Linebacker

French had big shoes to fill following a standout year with the UTSA Roadrunners. But tasked with replacing LaVonta Bentley and Nikhai Hill-Green at the position that helped Colorado stop the run in 2024, his cleats are slipping off.

He came up with two fumble recoveries amid a solid day against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, but otherwise, French hasn't looked up to par. Colorado's run defense has looked nearly as inept as it did in 2023, when the front seven was littered with issues.

French hasn't been afforded much help by his partners in Reginald Hughes, Jeremiah Brown and Shaun Myers, but the former All-AAC tackle for loss machine has left much to be desired.

Carter Stoutmire, Safety

After years as an inconsistent cornerback, Stoutmire found his spot up top in relief of safety Shilo Sanders last season. However, he hasn't felt nearly as impactful playing the position in a full capacity.

He's third on Colorado in total tackles (15) and first in pass defenses (three), but Stoutmire's missed tackling issues have caused sore eyes and unnecessary explosions for opposing offenses.

Following Tawfiq Byard's standout performance in Houston, Stoutmire must shape up or start familiarizing himself with cold metal benches.

Kaidon Salter, Quarterback

The current Colorado plan at quarterback is unclear, but after a disastrous day for Ryan Staub, Salter may get the mulligan he desired. He didn't play poorly in his game-and-a-half under center, but left much on the table.

If Salter expects to end the indifference that surrounds his current NFL status, he must be ready to meet any moments that will come his way. His mental fortitude throughout the Buffaloes' quarterback carousel must endure.

It wouldn't be a shock if Sanders trusts him once Big 12 play ramps up against the BYU Cougars on Sept. 27, so a strong tune-up game against the Wyoming Cowboys this Saturday would be vital.