Colorado Buffaloes
· 2026-07-08
Colorado Buffaloes failed to earn a single spot on the 2026 preseason All‑Big 12 team, a rare omission that has fans and analysts questioning the squad’s perceived talent pool. The conference announced its selections on July 3, and none of Colorado’s starters or rising stars made the list, marking the first clean sweep since the program’s 2020 rebuild.
The Big 12 coaches and media panel released the preseason roster on July 3, highlighting players from Texas, Oklahoma State and Baylor, but leaving Colorado out entirely. Defensive end J.J. Miller, who posted 8.5 sacks last season, was notably absent, as was quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who threw for 2,842 yards in 2025. No Buffaloes name appeared in the first‑team, second‑team or honorable‑mention categories.
Missing the preseason accolades can affect recruiting narratives and player confidence. Prospects often look at conference honors to gauge a program’s visibility, and a blank slate may give rival schools a talking point. Coach Deion Phillips, in his third year, emphasized that the lack of recognition doesn’t reflect the work ethic inside the locker room, but it does raise questions about how the team will be perceived nationally.
Senior linebacker Ethan Harris, who led the defense with 112 tackles last season, is a strong candidate for first‑team honors if he repeats his production. On offense, wide receiver Malik Gonzalez, a junior who logged 78 receptions for 1,112 yards, could earn a spot with a strong start to the season. Both players have been highlighted in preseason watch lists, and their performances will be closely monitored.
The Buffaloes open the 2026 campaign against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on September 4, 2026. A solid showing could shift the narrative and put Colorado players back on the All‑Big 12 radar before the mid‑season awards. The team will look to showcase a balanced attack and a stingy defense, hoping to prove that the preseason snub was a miscalculation. And if they win, the buzz will start to build around who deserves the conference’s top honors.