How Deion & Colorado Are Gearing Up for Georgia Tech

BY LEOPOLDO RIVERA IV | 365 SPORTS

Days from their Week 1 clash against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, the Colorado Buffaloes have been competing to fine-tune their offense. 

Confidence has grown in the chemistry and scheme of the 2025 unit under offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur. Starting short-handed without running back Dallan Hayden, who will miss week one with a hand injury, transfers will need to make a significant contribution Friday night. 

“It’s natural to believe that we will be more balanced. I want to call plays for us, and I want us to execute plays that gain yards,” Shurmur said. “Whether we run the ball or throw the ball, we want to gain yards and ultimately get it past the goal line.”

Returning receivers Dre’lon and Omarion Miller, running back Micah Welch and tackle Jordan Seaton are the familiar faces expected to make an early impact for the Buffs. The transfer class also included an abundance of talent in the skill position room with players like Joseph and Hykeem Williams and Sincere Brown.

Colorado coaches have been hesitant to name starters, waiting for gameday to reveal their lineup. 

Quarterback Kaidon Salter is expected to take a majority of the snaps under center, while head coach Deion Sanders has not made an official announcement. The dual-threat running ability of Salter adds another layer of attack that the offense lacked a season ago. 

Defensively, the Buffs return a multitude of members from their front seven that led the Big 12 in sacks in 2024. Edge Arden Walker, linebacker Jeremiah Brown, and corner DJ McKinney have stood out as returning players set to play a key role in the scheme. 

Honing in on the Yellow Jackets, defensive coordinator Robert Livingston acknowledged the presence of tenured quarterback Haynes King. The focal point of the Yellow Jackets offense, King brings experience and a dual-threat skillset that Colorado has been preparing for. 

“He is an elite competitor; you feel him on every play. Offensively, they go as he goes. He’s the straw that stirs the drink,” Livingston said. “The kid will make a 35-yard out route, and then on the next play he’s running counter ot through the A Gap. He’s what college football is about.”

Defensively, for the Yellow Jackets’ safety, Clayton Powell-Lee brings confidence to the defense and a unit that has spent camp time learning its opponent. Focusing on Colorado’s transfers and any film they could get their hands on, he feels confident in their ability to get it done.

All questions will be answered on Friday night when the season kicks off at 8 pm EST on ESPN.