Players celebrate a touchdown during the CU Boulder spring game at Folsom Field on Saturday, April 11, 2026. (Rebecca Schima/CU Independent)
Less glitz and glamor came with the newest rendition of the Colorado Buffaloes’ Spring Game. No national broadcast or ESPN spotlight, just an estimated 17,500 fans in Folsom Field watching the new Buffs. Rebuilding after a 3-9 season allows the program to get back to fundamentals and acquire new players to get back to winning.
Senior wide receiver Danny Scudero shone as the Buffs’ diamond in the rough. The transfer from San Jose State bolsters an emerging receiver room with high potential and diverse archetypes.
A handful of them made impressions in the Black and Gold scrimmage last Saturday.
Scudero’s Swiftness
Scudero was the second-highest rated addition Colorado made in the transfer portal this offseason. He participated on Team Gold with redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Lewis, giving Buffs fans a glimpse of what’s to come this fall.
“He was a lot better,” head coach Deion Sanders said about Lewis’ performance. “That’s very easy to obtain when you have Danny Scudero on your side.”
Lewis and Scudero connected for the only touchdown of the scrimmage. In the red zone, Lewis placed a rainbow toss to a fading Scudero in the corner for the first of what Buffs fans hope to be many touchdowns.
“JuJu is great,” Scudero said. “It just excites me because we’re doing good now … it’s the little things that we have to iron out now because he’s got the talent. Now we just have to put the work in even more.”
Scudero showcased his agility and skill in creating space between defenders. His secondary burst of speed after the catch will lead to many broken tackles and yards after the catch.
“I don’t think he’s missed a day of practice,” Sanders said. “He’s a pleasure and an honor to coach.”
Senior tight end Zach Atkins secures a sideline catch during the CU Boulder spring game at Folsom Field on Saturday, April 11, 2026. (Rebecca Schima/CU Independent)
Returning Breakouts
Returning sophomore wideouts Quentin Gibson and Quanell Farrakhan Jr. saw some action on Saturday as well. Both suited up for Team Black and caught passes from backup quarterbacks Isaac Wilson and Kaneal Sweetwyne.
Gibson tallied three catches in the scrimmage and did a positive job of adjusting to off-throws while transitioning his momentum upfield. His ability to switch shoulders to accommodate where the ball’s thrown will make him a threat all over the field.
Gibson exited the game at the end of the first quarter after taking a hard hit on a catch. He appeared to be holding his wrist on the sideline, but no information has been released on a potential injury.
Farrakhan Jr. specialized in finding gaps in coverage during the scrimmage and the seven-on-seven drill. He’s looking to step up into a more dependent role in 2026 or potentially act as a wildcard in the fresh playbook.
Players run drills between quarters during the CU Boulder spring game at Folsom Field on Saturday, April 11, 2026. (Rebecca Schima/CU Independent)
New Offense
A marquee move this winter from Colorado was bringing in offensive coordinator Brennan Marion. His trademark “Go-Go” offense emphasizes a ground attack, which leaves these receivers in an uncharted role.
Marion’s scheme could exploit Lewis’ legs just as much as his arm. Colorado’s receivers have explosive speed, meaning the Buffs could see a lot of motions and movement behind the line of scrimmage from players like Scudero.
“I love Coach Marion,” Sanders said. “He’s unbelievable at getting guys the ball in the manner that they’re accustomed to getting it.”
Scudero will share primary targets with junior Joseph Williams and senior Hykeem Williams. Neither participated on Saturday, coming back from injuries, but both will remain key parts in Marion’s offense.
“We got a lot of speed at the receiver position,” Sanders said. “We have guys that can get vertical as well as move chains.”
Colorado plays its first game of 2026 in a rematch with Georgia Tech. The Buffs and Yellow Jackets met in Boulder to open the season in 2025, with Georgia Tech winning 27-20. The game is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 3, and will stream on ESPN.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Baylan Wysuph at baylan.wysuph@colorado.edu.
