Colorado's New AD Fernando Lovo Embraces Buffs Community in First Month

Lovo's calm leadership and focus on innovation aim to elevate Colorado athletics to national prominence.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

One month into his tenure as Colorado's athletic director, Fernando Lovo is still finding his bearings, but the direction he wants to take the Buffaloes is already coming into focus. Lovo's presence at a recent men's basketball game, where he connected with legendary Buffs fan Miss Peggy, offered a fitting snapshot into how quickly he's embraced the CU community. For Lovo, his first month in Boulder hasn't been about sweeping changes, but rather listening, learning, and laying a strong foundation for the future.

Why it matters

Lovo's confidence reflects an already intimate understanding of where Colorado football currently stands, a program no longer fighting for attention, but one tasked with proving it belongs in the national conversation long-term. With college athletics continuing to evolve at a staggering pace, Lovo's emphasis on steady decision-making and an ability to navigate chaos will be crucial in guiding Colorado's athletic department through the changing landscape of NIL, the transfer portal, and governance changes.

The details

Much of Lovo's early focus has been on internal organization, spending his first weeks meeting with staff, learning the nuances of the department, and leaning on those who know Colorado best. A key part of that transition has been working alongside former athletic director Rick George, who's remained deeply involved throughout the handoff process. As Lovo continues to learn and embrace the culture and traditions that define Colorado athletics, he's already immersed himself in the program's identity, even joking about running onto the field with Ralphie and coach Deion Sanders once football season returns.

  • Lovo was named Colorado's athletic director in January 2026.
  • Lovo attended his first men's basketball game as AD on February 1, 2026.
  • Lovo spoke with the voice of the Colorado Buffaloes, Mark Johnson, during halftime of the January matchup against Utah.

The players

Fernando Lovo

The new athletic director of the University of Colorado, who has expressed a vision to make Colorado a national force to be reckoned with across all sports.

Rick George

The former athletic director of the University of Colorado, who has remained deeply involved in the transition process to help Lovo learn about the department and university.

Deion Sanders

The head football coach of the University of Colorado, who Lovo joked about running onto the field with once football season returns.

Miss Peggy

A legendary Colorado Buffaloes fan who Lovo connected with at a recent men's basketball game.

Mark Johnson

The voice of the Colorado Buffaloes, who interviewed Lovo during halftime of a January basketball game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“For me, it was a destination and a place I know we can win and win at a high level. And are you kidding me, living in Boulder? I'll take that every day.”

— Fernando Lovo, Athletic Director (Colorado Buffaloes)

“Not only will we be relevant, I think we'll be a force to be reckoned with.”

— Fernando Lovo, Athletic Director (Colorado Buffaloes)

“I think you've just got to be calm in the midst of chaos. It's easy to get caught up in all the narratives and the things that are changing every day.”

— Fernando Lovo, Athletic Director (Colorado Buffaloes)

“We have to be innovative, we've got to do things differently. We can't just look at what worked three, four, five years ago and say, 'Let's just do it again.' We have to think differently, and we're going to push the envelope.”

— Fernando Lovo, Athletic Director (Colorado Buffaloes)

“He loves this place. For him to be here and pour into me, to help give me an idea of where I should start and what I should look at, is really special.”

— Fernando Lovo, Athletic Director (Colorado Buffaloes)

What’s next

Lovo will continue to meet with staff, learn the nuances of the Colorado athletic department, and work closely with former AD Rick George to ensure a smooth transition. He has also expressed a desire to be more involved in game day traditions, such as running onto the field with Ralphie and coach Deion Sanders.

The takeaway

Lovo's calm leadership and focus on innovation, combined with his willingness to embrace Colorado's rich athletic traditions, suggest he is well-positioned to elevate the Buffaloes' programs to national prominence. His early approach reflects a clear vision and a belief that Colorado's best days are still ahead.