What to expect from Dre'lon Miller’s sophomore season for the Colorado Buffaloes

Dre'lon Miller flashed in 2024 as a true freshman for Colorado. In 2025, the former 4-star receiver looks primed for a breakout sophomore season.
Utah v Colorado
Utah v Colorado | Andrew Wevers/GettyImages

There’s something different about Dre'lon Miller this offseason.

Year two Dre'lon looks like he’s moving with purpose. Fast off the line. Clean in and out of breaks. Confident with the ball in his hands.

Miller finished the season with 32 receptions for 277 yards and three touchdowns, while also having four rushing attempts for 10 yards. His most productive outing came in the win over Utah, where he caught six passes for 108 yards and a 49-yard touchdown—his first career 100-yard receiving game and longest reception to date.

Miller showed flashes of the explosiveness that makes him one of the most highly anticipated players to see in 2025. His ability to create separation underneath and after the catch made him a natural fit in the slot.

Where Dre'lon fits in Colorado’s 2025 offense

Miller will most likely be a slot receiver in Colorado’s offense in 2025. He’ll share snaps with Isaiah Hardge and possibly true freshman Quentin Gibson.

With Travis Hunter off to the NFL and Lajohntay Wester also gone, the Buffs are replacing 170 receptions and 2,189 receiving yards from last year’s team. That’s a massive task.

Miller finished fifth on the team in receptions as a freshman. But the more important stat? Only two Buffs averaged more YAC (yards after catch) per attempt out of last season's receivers. Dre has that extra gear, and now, with more polished route running, he’s learning how to use it to dominate DBs.

What would a breakout year look like?

Colorado threw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2024, with Shedeur averaging 318 passing yards per game. Even if the volume drops slightly in 2025, there’s still plenty of room for a receiver like Miller to hit 50+ catches and 600+ yards, especially out of the slot.

But it's not just about the numbers. It’s about the timing, trust, and clutch moments. Miller needs to build chemistry with Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis. He’s shown he can make plays in the red zone and on third down.

With defenses likely keying on Tulsa transfer Joseph Williams and Omarion Miller on the outside, Dre has a real chance to become the go-to guy in the middle of the field.

Don’t sleep on Dre

Dre'lon Miller might not be the flashiest name on the roster—yet.

But he’s moving differently. He’s preparing like a veteran. And with his natural playmaking ability and a year of experience under his belt, 2025 might be the season he officially introduces himself to the nation.

Colorado’s offense is going to look different this fall. More balance and more speed. And with Dre'lon stepping into the spotlight, Buffs fans should be excited about what’s coming next.

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