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

As the Buffaloes look to cement their 2025 Big 12 title hopes, three critical matchups stand out to host Kevin Borba. Georgia Tech provides the primetime season opener—an early test under a renewed roster and new leadership. BYU, returning to Boulder in late September, brings discipline, tempo control, and veteran firepower that could expose Colorado’s growing pains. Meanwhile, TCU represents a midseason conference gauntlet—beat the Frogs and the path to the Big 12 Championship stays clear. These games aren’t just on the schedule—they define whether the Buffs emerge as contenders or get left behind.

11:31 In today’s breakdown, Borba dives into why Kaidon Salter looks locked in as Colorado’s starting quarterback. From elite mobility to improved decision-making, Salter has separated himself in fall camp. His command of the offense, leadership presence, and big-play ability have made a strong impression on coaches and teammates alike. With consistency in passing and growth in reading defenses, Salter’s rise feels earned—not gifted. We examine his camp performances, competition with the other QBs, and what this decision means for the Buffs' 2025 season outlook. The Salter era in Boulder may be officially underway.

18:03 Colorado vs Nebraska rivalry...Is it dead?

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 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)

The Preseason AP Poll was released on Monday, and the Colorado Buffaloes were nowhere to be found. Host Kevin Borba breaks down why this is, and why the Big 12 as a whole was disrespected and cannot prove the doubters right.

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 faces an uphill battle for respect. Can the conference overcome media bias and scheduling challenges to earn a spot among college football's elite?

Drake and the squad dissect the USA Today coaches poll, questioning Big 12 team rankings and omissions. The panel debates SEC quarterback talent, analyzes Big 12 perception problems, and proposes strategies for boosting the conference's national profile. Key topics include aggressive non-conference scheduling, playoff success, and the power of media narratives in shaping public opinion.

Tune in for insider perspectives on the Big 12's path to prominence and how teams like BYU, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech can change the narrative this season.

Host Kevin Borba is joined by Locked on Browns' Spencer German to discuss if the Browns are setting Shedeur Sanders up for failure. Despite not giving him a ton of reps, the Browns have decided to start Sanders in their first preseason game. Spencer breaks down whether or not he sees validity in the thought of the Browns trying to ruin Sanders and more!

14:34 With Shedeur Sanders getting the starting nod, there has to be something that he can show/prove. Spencer dives into what is at stake in terms of Sanders' positioning on the depth chart, and also his trade value depending on how well he performs.

24:27 Crootin

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 Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGY Time to fuel up and turn it up with 5-hour ENERGY®️ Transfusion! Go to https://5hourenergy.com today and use my promo code LOCKEDONGOLF to receive 20% off your order. This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders. 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 Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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)

Former Colorado defensive lineman Jordan Domineck joins the show to offer a unique perspective on the Buffs' defensive evolution under Robert Livingston. Domineck, who played under Coach Prime, highlights the shift to a more NFL-style system. This change emphasizes fitting the scheme to the players' strengths, rather than forcing players into a rigid system. Domineck's insight suggests this is a departure from last season's approach, with a renewed focus on communication, gap discipline, and creating pressure. He believes the new system will put players in a better position to succeed by allowing them to play to their natural abilities, which is a key tenet of many professional defensive schemes.'

14:05 Former Colorado defensive lineman Jordan Domineck has a positive outlook on the Buffs' run game for the 2025 season. He points to the significant overhaul of the offensive line as the primary reason for this optimism, believing Coach Prime has assembled a formidable unit. Domineck suggests that this "beefed-up" offensive line, a far cry from the struggles of past seasons, will be the bedrock for an improved running attack. He highlights that with better protection and more talented backs, Colorado will no longer have to rely solely on the passing game, allowing for a more balanced and effective offense. This change, in his view, is a direct result of a dedicated effort to strengthen the team in the trenches.

24:20 Jordan and Kevin Borba dive into Colorado's quarterback battle. They each break down who think will start, making the case for one quarterback and explaining why the other may not get the nod just yet. Jordan also breaks down what goes into picking a quarterback.

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 Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGY Time to fuel up and turn it up with 5-hour ENERGY®️ Transfusion! Go to https://5hourenergy.com today and use my promo code LOCKEDONGOLF to receive 20% off your order. This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders. 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 Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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)