Colorado football is an unfinished product. While Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis could make for a great platoon to replace Shedeur Sanders, neither has enough weapons to thrive.
On SI's Josh Tolle is particularly worried about the lack of a running game -- something that doomed CU in 2023 and improved, but not enough to make a significant dent -- setting Lewis back in his development.
"A critical focus for CU heading into next season must be the development of a consistent running game, especially with the anticipated debut of five-star quarterback Julian Lewis. The Buffs' inability to establish the run against BYU was glaring. CU managed only two rushing first downs, with running back Micah Welch leading the team with five carries for 25 yards," Tolle wrote.
"This lack of production on the ground placed undue pressure on the passing game, allowing defenses to drop two safeties into coverage without fear of being gashed by the run. The last time CU had a 100-yard rusher was in 2022 when Alex Fontenot ran for 108 yards against USC. For the Buffs to thrive in 2025, they must become more balanced offensively. A strong running game will not only alleviate pressure on Lewis but also keep defenses honest and open up opportunities for big plays downfield."
Coach Prime has never focused on RB, often stacking WR talent. Then again, that was while his son was the starting quarterback. He may have neglected RB by design to justify an air-raid offense.
Does this change now that Shedeur Sanders is gone? Well, if the Buffs are ever to become a serious player in the Big 12 and on a national scale, it has to.
Now, the real heavy lifting begins for Coach Prime and Co. It'll be interesting to see if he sticks around to do that work, or if he takes his talents to the NFL instead.
That used to sound like a conspiracy, but the tea leaves indicate it's possible these days.