The Buffs' Journey: Resilience and Rebuilding in Colorado Sports
March 26, 2025, 4:40 am
In the heart of Boulder, Colorado, the CU Buffs are navigating a landscape of challenges and triumphs. The football and women’s basketball teams are at pivotal crossroads, each facing their own set of hurdles. Yet, amid the chaos, there’s a pulse of resilience. The Buffs are not just teams; they are a testament to the spirit of perseverance.
The football team is gearing up for a crucial pro day, a showcase that will be broadcast live on NFL Network. It’s a moment of opportunity, a chance for players to shine under the spotlight. The event kicks off at 9 a.m. at the indoor facility, but it’s not open to the public. The real action starts at 12:30 p.m. when analysts Steve Wyche and Brian Baldinger take the reins, dissecting the talent on display.
This year, the Buffs face a significant challenge in their secondary. With the graduation of key players Silmon-Craig and Shilo, the defense is looking to fill the void. These two combined for 160 tackles and several game-changing plays. Their absence leaves a gap, but the team is optimistic. The safeties are eager, driven by a love for the game. They are not just players; they are a tribe, united in purpose.
Carter Stoutmire stands out as a beacon of hope. Last season, he was a reliable backup, stepping up when needed. His versatility is a rare gem. He can shift from post safety to cornerback, embodying the team’s ethos. His teammates trust him, and that trust is a cornerstone of any successful defense. Newcomer Tawfiq Byard, a transfer from South Florida, adds depth. He’s not just a player; he’s a legacy, the younger brother of All-Pro safety Kevin Byard.
As spring practices unfold, competition is fierce. RJ Johnson, Savion Riley, and Antonio Branch are all vying for spots. Even walk-on Ben Finneseth is making waves, proving that hard work can turn heads. The Buffs have held six of their 15 spring practices, but they’re currently on break. When they return, the intensity will ramp up. The clock is ticking, and the stakes are high.
Meanwhile, the women’s basketball team is in a different kind of battle. Head coach JR Payne is steering the ship through turbulent waters. The past season was a rollercoaster, marked by injuries and departures. Key players like Jaylyn Sherrod and Quay Miller have moved on, leaving a young roster in their wake. The Buffs leaned heavily on their three returning seniors, but the road to success was rocky.
Injuries plagued the team, robbing them of their full potential. The rotation was rarely intact, with only eight games featuring the complete lineup. Frida Formann, the program’s all-time leader in three-pointers, missed crucial games. Her absence was felt deeply, especially with so many new faces. The team missed a staggering 45 games due to injuries, a statistic that speaks volumes about their struggles.
Yet, amid the chaos, there were bright spots. Missouri State transfer Jade Masogayo emerged as a reliable scorer, showcasing her talent night after night. Freshmen like Tabitha Betson and Grace Oliver stepped up, proving that the future is bright. The team’s spirit remained unbroken. They fought hard, securing victories against ranked opponents and nearly upsetting a top contender in the Big 12 tournament.
The landscape of college sports is shifting. The transfer portal and NIL payments are reshaping rosters. As the offseason approaches, uncertainty looms. Freshman Lova Lagerlid has already announced her transfer, and she may not be the last. The Buffs must adapt, rebuild, and continue to strive for excellence.
Despite the challenges, the expectation remains high. The program has a history of success, and the goal is clear: return to the NCAA Tournament and make a deep run. The past two seasons have set a standard, and the pressure is on to maintain that momentum.
Both teams are in a state of flux, yet they share a common thread: resilience. The Buffs are not just athletes; they are warriors, battling against the odds. They embody the spirit of Colorado, a state known for its rugged landscapes and unyielding determination.
As the football team prepares for its pro day and the women’s basketball team looks to rebuild, one thing is certain: the Buffs will not back down. They will rise to the occasion, fueled by passion and a desire to succeed. The journey may be fraught with challenges, but the heart of the Buffs beats strong. In the world of sports, it’s not just about the wins and losses; it’s about the journey, the growth, and the unwavering spirit of a team that refuses to be defined by its setbacks. The Buffs are ready to write their next chapter, and it promises to be an exciting one.
The football team is gearing up for a crucial pro day, a showcase that will be broadcast live on NFL Network. It’s a moment of opportunity, a chance for players to shine under the spotlight. The event kicks off at 9 a.m. at the indoor facility, but it’s not open to the public. The real action starts at 12:30 p.m. when analysts Steve Wyche and Brian Baldinger take the reins, dissecting the talent on display.
This year, the Buffs face a significant challenge in their secondary. With the graduation of key players Silmon-Craig and Shilo, the defense is looking to fill the void. These two combined for 160 tackles and several game-changing plays. Their absence leaves a gap, but the team is optimistic. The safeties are eager, driven by a love for the game. They are not just players; they are a tribe, united in purpose.
Carter Stoutmire stands out as a beacon of hope. Last season, he was a reliable backup, stepping up when needed. His versatility is a rare gem. He can shift from post safety to cornerback, embodying the team’s ethos. His teammates trust him, and that trust is a cornerstone of any successful defense. Newcomer Tawfiq Byard, a transfer from South Florida, adds depth. He’s not just a player; he’s a legacy, the younger brother of All-Pro safety Kevin Byard.
As spring practices unfold, competition is fierce. RJ Johnson, Savion Riley, and Antonio Branch are all vying for spots. Even walk-on Ben Finneseth is making waves, proving that hard work can turn heads. The Buffs have held six of their 15 spring practices, but they’re currently on break. When they return, the intensity will ramp up. The clock is ticking, and the stakes are high.
Meanwhile, the women’s basketball team is in a different kind of battle. Head coach JR Payne is steering the ship through turbulent waters. The past season was a rollercoaster, marked by injuries and departures. Key players like Jaylyn Sherrod and Quay Miller have moved on, leaving a young roster in their wake. The Buffs leaned heavily on their three returning seniors, but the road to success was rocky.
Injuries plagued the team, robbing them of their full potential. The rotation was rarely intact, with only eight games featuring the complete lineup. Frida Formann, the program’s all-time leader in three-pointers, missed crucial games. Her absence was felt deeply, especially with so many new faces. The team missed a staggering 45 games due to injuries, a statistic that speaks volumes about their struggles.
Yet, amid the chaos, there were bright spots. Missouri State transfer Jade Masogayo emerged as a reliable scorer, showcasing her talent night after night. Freshmen like Tabitha Betson and Grace Oliver stepped up, proving that the future is bright. The team’s spirit remained unbroken. They fought hard, securing victories against ranked opponents and nearly upsetting a top contender in the Big 12 tournament.
The landscape of college sports is shifting. The transfer portal and NIL payments are reshaping rosters. As the offseason approaches, uncertainty looms. Freshman Lova Lagerlid has already announced her transfer, and she may not be the last. The Buffs must adapt, rebuild, and continue to strive for excellence.
Despite the challenges, the expectation remains high. The program has a history of success, and the goal is clear: return to the NCAA Tournament and make a deep run. The past two seasons have set a standard, and the pressure is on to maintain that momentum.
Both teams are in a state of flux, yet they share a common thread: resilience. The Buffs are not just athletes; they are warriors, battling against the odds. They embody the spirit of Colorado, a state known for its rugged landscapes and unyielding determination.
As the football team prepares for its pro day and the women’s basketball team looks to rebuild, one thing is certain: the Buffs will not back down. They will rise to the occasion, fueled by passion and a desire to succeed. The journey may be fraught with challenges, but the heart of the Buffs beats strong. In the world of sports, it’s not just about the wins and losses; it’s about the journey, the growth, and the unwavering spirit of a team that refuses to be defined by its setbacks. The Buffs are ready to write their next chapter, and it promises to be an exciting one.