ESPN's latest SP+ rankings are out, and they aren't buying into the Deion Sanders hype in Boulder. The advanced metric, created by Bill Connelly, focuses on predictive efficiency based on returning production, recruiting, and recent history. While Coach Prime has brought a massive culture change and attention to Colorado, the numbers tell a different story. The Buffs are ranked low, suggesting the model believes their success last season was not sustainable. This statistical skepticism creates a clear narrative: can Coach Prime's dynamic approach and transfer portal mastery defy the analytics and prove the SP+ wrong? The season ahead will be a definitive test.

10:24 In a recent episode of Locked On Buffs, host Kevin Borba didn't mince words about his concerns surrounding new defensive lineman Jaheim Oatis. While Oatis is a massive former Alabama player with undeniable physical tools, Borba’s worry centers on the sustainability of his production. The former five-star recruit's time at Alabama was hampered by injuries and a lack of consistent playing time, leading him to the transfer portal. Borba’s core question is whether Oatis can maintain the discipline and health required to become a dominant force in the Big 12, or if his struggles are more indicative of a larger issue.

19:06 College football analyst Joel Klatt, a former Colorado quarterback, has a sobering take on the Buffaloes' CFP hopes. While acknowledging Coach Prime's impressive turnaround, Klatt argues that the team's reliance on skill position stars like Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders last season masked significant issues, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines. Klatt says that without their two superstars, the Buffaloes will be exposed in the trenches against the sport's elite. Can Coach Prime's revamped roster prove the Colorado legend wrong and show the world they're a complete team ready for the big stage?

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/locked-on-buffs Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege #Colorado #DeionSanders #ColoradoBuffs #collegefootballpodcast Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Wayfair Get organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Big 12 football shakeup: AP poll surprises and gambling scandal rock Oklahoma. Is a true freshman about to make BYU history?

Experts break down the unexpected AP poll rankings, questioning Utah's inclusion and Oklahoma State's absence. The John Matier controversy at Oklahoma takes center stage, sparking debate on gambling in college sports. Quarterback battles heat up across the conference, with BYU's Bear Bachmeyer potentially set to become the first true freshman to start a season opener. Jake Hatch provides insider analysis on BYU's QB situation, while other hosts weigh in on key matchups and roster moves.

Tune in for expert insights on the Big 12's most pressing issues and how they'll shape the upcoming season.

Could Deion Sanders use a two-quarterback system with Julian Lewis and Kaidon Salter? The Buffaloes are facing their first season without Shedeur Sanders under center, and Coach Prime has two very different, but incredibly talented, options. Julian Lewis is the five-star phenom with an elite arm and poise beyond his years. Kaidon Salter is the seasoned veteran, a dual-threat playmaker who brings experience and a running dynamic. Host Kevin Borba breaks down the pros and cons of this unconventional strategy, the potential impact on the offense, and what it could mean for the future of Colorado football. Could this be the secret weapon to an amazing season or a disaster waiting to happen?

09:07 BREAKING: Shedeur Sanders is sidelined with an oblique injury. The Cleveland Browns rookie QB, who had an impressive preseason debut, sustained the oblique strain during joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles. Sanders is considered day-to-day and is unlikely to play in the upcoming preseason game. This is a significant setback for the young QB, who was competing for a spot in a crowded quarterback room. We break down what this injury means for Sanders's development, his battle for a roster spot, and how the Browns' QB situation will now unfold. Could this open the door for another quarterback to shine?

14:41 Do Colorado fans trust Pat Shurmur? It's his first season calling plays without Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. Is he creative enough, will he adapt the offense to the players they have, and will he commit to be being more balanced?

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Wayfair Get organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/locked-on-buffs Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege #Colorado #DeionSanders #ColoradoBuffs #CollegeFootball