Colorado football faces uphill battle as Big 12 preseason rankings list Buffaloes outside top-10

During a recent episode of The Joel Klatt Show: Big Noon Conversations, Deion Sanders opened up about his future with Colorado, saying quote: "I plan on being here and being dominant." Skip Bayless predicts the Buffaloes' record this season.

The Deion Sanders-led Colorado football team had a disappointing finish last season. 

Colorado was able to attract some top recruits in 2024 as the Pro Football Hall of Famer orchestrated a massive roster overhaul. The Buffaloes' 4-8 record in 2023 was an improvement over its 1-11 mark in the season prior to Sanders' arrival. 

But, the Buffaloes will face an uphill battle when they kick off their inaugural season in the Big 12 Conference in late August. As the calendar turns to July, the conference's football media preseason poll was revealed.

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Colorado head coach Deion Sanders directs players during the first half of an NCAA spring college football game Saturday, April 27, 2024, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

The Big 12 Conference has expanded to 16 schools. Entering the 2024 season, media members projected the Buffaloes as the 11th best team in the conference.

Colorado's roster does feature elite talent at some key positions. Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders received All-Big 12 honors, while star wide receiver and defensive back Travis Hunter was the preseason pick for defensive player of the year.

EX-COLORADO PLAYER RIPS DEION SANDERS' APPROACH TO ROSTER OVERHAUL

However, some appear to believe the Buffaloes' deficiencies could prevent the team from racking up a significant number of wins in 2024.

Colorado could enter several games this upcoming season as an underdog. The Buffaloes will host North Dakota