Colorado Buffaloes' Crowded Running Back Battle Heats Up

New coach Deion Sanders has brought in a talented group of running backs to compete for carries in 2026.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Colorado Buffaloes' offseason is winding down, and with it comes a crowded race for the starting running back job. Coach Deion Sanders has added several new faces through the transfer portal, including Alabama's Richard Young, Sacramento State's Damian Henderson II and Jaquail Smith, to join the already talented Micah Welch. This influx of talent has created an intense competition for touches in the Buffaloes' backfield as they look to establish a powerful rushing attack under new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion.

Why it matters

The battle for the Buffaloes' starting running back job will be one of the key storylines to watch as Colorado looks to bounce back in 2026. With so much talent competing for carries, the winner of this position battle could go a long way in determining the success of the Buffaloes' offense under Deion Sanders and his new coaching staff.

The details

The Buffaloes have brought in a mix of experienced and new talent at running back, creating a crowded competition for touches. Alabama transfer Richard Young is expected to be the early favorite to start, bringing three seasons of experience and a physical running style that could thrive in the Big 12. However, the newcomers from Sacramento State, Damian Henderson II and Jaquail Smith, also have the potential to make an immediate impact with their big-play ability. Returning sophomore Micah Welch is a bit of a wild card, as his role in the new offense is still uncertain. The coaching staff will have some tough decisions to make as they look to establish a lead back to anchor the Buffaloes' rushing attack.

  • The Colorado Buffaloes' offseason is winding down.

The players

Deion Sanders

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, who has brought in a talented group of transfers to compete for starting jobs.

Brennan Marion

The new offensive coordinator for the Colorado Buffaloes, who is expected to place a heavy emphasis on the running game.

Richard Young

A redshirt junior running back who transferred to Colorado from Alabama, and is expected to be the early favorite to start.

Damian Henderson II

A running back who transferred to Colorado from Sacramento State, known for his big-play ability.

Jaquail Smith

Another running back who transferred to Colorado from Sacramento State, also with a reputation for explosive plays.

Micah Welch

The returning sophomore running back for the Colorado Buffaloes, whose role in the new offense is still uncertain.

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What’s next

The Colorado coaching staff will closely evaluate the running backs throughout spring practice and fall camp to determine the starting running back for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The depth and talent in Colorado's running back room has created an intense competition that will be crucial in determining the identity of the Buffaloes' offense under Deion Sanders. Whichever back emerges as the lead option could provide a major boost to Colorado's chances of success in 2026.