The Colorado Buffaloes will honor their senior players during a significant matchup against the Arizona State Sun Devils on March 15, 2024. This game marks the home finale at Folsom Field, where the team will celebrate the careers of its seniors amidst a season that has seen varied experiences for the players involved.
Kickoff is scheduled for 18:00 MT at Folsom Field in Boulder, which has a capacity of 51,400. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2 and available on radio through KOA (850 AM/94.1 FM). Arizona State enters the matchup as a favorite, with odds set at Arizona State by 7 points. Historically, Arizona State leads the series against Colorado with a record of 10-4.
As the senior day approaches, players like Arden Walker reflect on their journeys. Walker, a senior defensive end, initially began his college career at Missouri. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return home and finish his collegiate career with the Buffaloes, stating, “Honestly, I’m grateful. It’s definitely kind of crazy to see how fast college went by.”
The landscape of college sports is evolving, particularly with the introduction of the transfer portal. Many players do not complete their careers with the same team, which adds a unique element to the senior day celebrations. Deion Sanders, head coach of the Buffaloes, acknowledged the emotional weight of the day, remarking, “Emotional. I don’t know how I’m going to act.”
Among the 102 players on the roster, 37 are classified as seniors. It remains uncertain how many will participate in the senior day festivities, as some may opt for redshirt years or transfer. Notably, four seniors—Gavriel Lightfoot, DeKalon Taylor, Tawfiq Thomas, and Terrell Timmons Jr.—have played in four games or fewer. This has led to speculation about their eligibility for a redshirt season, allowing them to return next year.
Complicating matters further, several fourth-year juniors, including cornerback DJ McKinney, were recognized as seniors by the program on social media, highlighting the fluidity of player classifications. Others, such as safety Ben Finneseth, are pursuing medical redshirts, while players like Simeon Price and Phillip Houston may also have similar opportunities.
The only player exhausting his eligibility after completing his entire career with the Buffaloes is backup long snapper Camden Dempsey, who joined the team as a walk-on in 2021. Another walk-on, running back Charlie Offerdahl, who medically retired earlier this season, is also expected to participate in senior day.
Walker stands out as one of the most experienced players on the team, being one of eight seniors in their third year with the Buffaloes. He has deep ties to the program, as his father, Arthur Walker, played for Colorado from 1986 to 1989, a key member of the team that completed an undefeated regular season in 1989. Walker shared, “I didn’t feel any pressure, to be honest. At the end of the day, it’s your life, and you’re the one driving the ship.”
The emotional significance of senior day is palpable for many players. Jeremiah Brown, a linebacker, described his feelings as “bittersweet,” noting that the emotions have intensified as the day approaches. He, along with offensive lineman Tyler Brown and kicker Alejandro Mata, are also seniors who have spent considerable time with Sanders, having followed him from Jackson State to Colorado.
The group of seniors includes a mix of players who have spent varying amounts of time with the program, including seven second-year players, such as defensive lineman Anquin Barnes Jr. and cornerbacks Preston Hodge and Ivan Yates. Yates, who transferred from Furman after four years, has stepped up to fill a significant role in the team due to injuries, making three consecutive starts.
The largest contingent of seniors consists of 15 players who are in their first year with the Buffaloes. This group includes quarterback Kaidon Salter, receiver Sincere Brown, and offensive linemen Zy Crisler, Xavier Hill, and Zarian McGill. McGill, the starting center, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play at Colorado, saying, “Coach gave me the opportunity, and I feel like I’m taking advantage of it really well.”
Regardless of where they began their college careers, all seniors will share the experience of concluding their seasons in Boulder. As Walker said, “It’s been nothing but a blessing, for sure.” The emotions surrounding senior day will undoubtedly resonate as these athletes reflect on their journeys and the impact they have made on the Buffaloes program.
