Colorado had a much better season compared to last year, although the team was eliminated in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament by the 14-seeded Oklahoma State Cowboys.
The team improved throughout the year, particularly after a close home game against No. 2 Arizona, which ended in a ten-point defeat.
This team's potential is clear, contingent upon retaining their core players, starting with the freshman who earned honorable mention for the 2025-26 All-Big 12 Team.
Isaiah Johnson is a key player for this team, leading the Buffs in scoring with 16.9 points per game, and his confidence increased as the season progressed.
"“The sky’s the limit for Isaiah. There’s no doubt about that,” Boyle said. “Isaiah’s a warrior. He’s a great teammate. He’s given everything he’s got this year. He’s in unbelievable company when you look at the guys he passed from a scoring standpoint. Chauncey Billups. Richard Roby, one of our all-time leading scorers. Alec Burks, who had a 13-year career in the NBA. And Isaiah had a better scoring year (as a freshman) than those guys when they were Buffs.”"Pat Rooney, DailyCamera.com
Josiah Sanders, Ian Inman, Jalin Holland, and Alon Michaeli joined Johnson in a freshman class that exceeded expectations, showcasing flashes of potential.
Tad Boyle announced his return to the sidelines next season before the end of the regular season. I believe this decision wouldn't have been made if the freshman class hadn't met expectations.
However, Johnson's comments and commitment to the team following the recent Big 12 Tournament loss left the door open and will have CU fans on edge.
"“I’m just going to take my time away from basketball this offseason for a little bit,” Johnson said after the loss to Oklahoma State. “I’ll talk to my friends and family and see what it is going forward.”"Pat Rooney, DailyCamera.com
While I don't want to assume anything, this response is often given by someone weighing their options for next season.
He also mentioned later that he was proud of how he handled himself during his freshman campaign, navigating both the ups and downs, and the consistency he displayed.
Colorado's top priority is securing Johnson's commitment to Boulder and keeping the freshman core together. Although it may seem extreme, they need a solution, as bigger programs will surely be competing for his talent.