Colorado Buffaloes Center Battle Heats Up Ahead of Fall Season

Veteran transfers Demetrius Hunter and Sean Kinney competing for starting job at crucial offensive line position

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting an offensive line, with players' bodies and equipment broken down into overlapping geometric shapes in shades of navy, gold, and crimson, conveying the intensity and competition of the position battle.The battle for Colorado's starting center position has become a focal point of the Buffaloes' spring practices, with veteran transfers vying to anchor the offensive line.Houston Today

As the Colorado Buffaloes prepare for the 2026 college football season, a key position battle has emerged at center. Veteran transfers Demetrius Hunter from Houston and Sean Kinney from Lafayette are competing to replace graduating starter Zarian McGill and anchor the offensive line in front of redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Lewis. Offensive line coaches Gunnar White, George Hegamin and Andre Gurode have praised the energy and focus of the competition, emphasizing that the starting job must be earned rather than given.

Why it matters

The center position is vital to the success of Colorado's offense, responsible for setting protections, making line calls, and establishing a strong run game. With the Buffaloes transitioning to a more run-heavy "Go-Go" system under new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, finding the right center to lead the offensive line will be crucial for quarterback Julian Lewis' development and the team's overall offensive production.

The details

Hunter, a two-year starter at Houston with 25 career starts, brings extensive Power Five experience and has allowed just two sacks over the last two seasons. Kinney, an All-Patriot League selection at the FCS level, has more versatile experience with five starts at guard in 2024. Both players are described as "maulers" who will help prioritize the run game, but coaches are looking for the center who best displays the mentality and leadership to execute the offense and "fight" through any situation.

  • Colorado's spring camp is currently underway, with the center competition a major focus.
  • The Buffaloes open their 2026 season on September 5th.

The players

Demetrius Hunter

A graduate transfer from Houston, Hunter is a two-year starter at center with 25 career starts and only two sacks allowed over the last two seasons. He brings extensive Power Five experience to the Buffaloes' offensive line.

Sean Kinney

A junior transfer from Lafayette, Kinney was an All-Patriot League selection in the FCS and has experience at both center and guard, making five starts at guard in 2024.

Julian Lewis

The Buffaloes' redshirt freshman quarterback, whose development will be heavily impacted by the play of the offensive line and center position.

Yahya Attia

A returning starting guard for Colorado, who has been working closely with the center candidates and expects the Buffaloes' offense to prioritize the run game under the new system.

Deion Sanders

Colorado's head coach, who has emphasized competition and a "fight" mentality across the roster as the Buffaloes look to improve on last season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“No one's earned a spot, and we still have a great battle with the center position. I'm enjoying the energy, I'm enjoying the focus, I'm enjoying the fight from everybody. And again, we don't give you anything. You have to earn it, take it.”

— Andre Gurode, Offensive Line Coach

“I love that guy, [so] much experience. I talk with him a lot, especially about the defense, be with him a lot, too. I really think we did a great job of bringing the great people in, good people.”

— Yahya Attia, Returning Starting Guard

“He's been steadily growing and improving every single day. He's constantly trying to ask questions, understanding details ... We'll see who takes that job.”

— Andre Gurode, Offensive Line Coach

What’s next

The Buffaloes will continue their spring practices and evaluate the center competition, with a decision likely coming in the summer before the start of fall camp.

The takeaway

The battle at center is a crucial one for the Colorado Buffaloes, as the position will be responsible for anchoring the offensive line and supporting the development of redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Lewis. The energy and focus of the competition between veteran transfers Demetrius Hunter and Sean Kinney has impressed the coaching staff, who are looking for the player that best displays the mentality and leadership to execute the offense and "fight" through any situation.