Colorado fans, get ready—Isaiah Hardge is making serious noise this spring.
After a 2024 season where he was primarily a special teams contributor, Hardge is now locked in at slot receiver, and by all accounts, he’s thriving.
Hardge was one of the most versatile players on the Buffs’ roster last season, playing in all three phases of the game. He caught a 39-yard pass from Shedeur Sanders, had a 43-yard kickoff return against Kansas, and even racked up five tackles on defense. But with his full-time shift to receiver, he’s positioned to make a real impact on offense in 2025.
Head coach Deion Sanders has taken notice. "He is coming into his own and playing the slot receiver,” Sanders said. “We've taken him off defense so he can focus on the slot. He's going to do some incredible things this season.”
That should excite Buffs fans. At 5-foot-10 and 160 pounds, Hardge isn’t the biggest guy on the field, but he’s quick, shifty, and has a knack for making plays. He comes from Florida powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas, where he helped win multiple state titles, so he knows what it takes to compete at a high level.
With Colorado looking to build on their first season in the Big 12, Hardge could be an under-the-radar weapon that helps take the offense to the next level. If spring ball is any indication, 2025 might just be his breakout year.