👋 Good Morning!

The Broncos have until 2:00 p.m. MT to get down to a 53-man roster. Keep up with all of the latest moves with our roster tracker.

I’m obviously biased but I’m really hoping to see former CSU Ram Adam Prentice make the cut at fullback. He’s an underrated athlete and a heady individual on the gridiron. Plus, it’s always just fun to have a local guy on the team.

— Justin Michael

The season opener won’t be a breeze for the Buffs or the Rams this week.

CU starts the year with Georgia Tech at home, where the Buffs have the benefit of playing at Folsom, but more importantly will be tasked with the challenge of stopping a dynamic quarterback in Haynes King.

CSU, on the other hand, starts the year with a trip to Washington. The Huskies have won 20 straight home games and are very talented across the board. It’s very likely the most athletic team the Rams will come across in 2025.

With expectations relatively optimistic for both teams this fall, quarterback play will be a big factor in both Boulder and Fort Collins.

CSU has the advantage of returning a third-year starter in Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi. Interestingly, CU has not named a starter for Week 1 after bringing in a pair of talented options over the offseason. Regardless of whether it’s Kaidon Salter or Julian Lewis, though, you know there’s a lot of pressure for them to be ‘the guy’.

You really only go as far as the guy under center can take you at this level. If either of these teams are going to reach their goals, consistency at QB is going to be key. Just look back at all of the great local teams from over the years. What do they have in common? They had a badass under center.

It feels good good to be writing about college football again. Enjoy this week’s epic action.

PS one national analyst already projected CSU and CU to face off in a bowl game this winter. Could you imagine how crazy that would be?

Are the Buffs being overlooked? Our guy Jake Schwanitz thinks so.

READ: Why is the nation sleeping on CU’s WR corps?

Already thinking about the 2026 NFL Draft and who you should be watching this fall? We’ve got you covered.

READ: Arch Manning tops the first draft board of the CFB season | by Fran Duffy

Will the Avalanche have more contract drama this season or will they lock down Martin Necas with an extension?

READ: Is Martin Necas worth the investment for the Avalanche? | by AJ Haefele