© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Colorado football team fell to 3-8 on the season after a 42-17 loss to conference rival Arizona State. The Buffs are clearly missing Shedeur Sanders.
Not only is that evidenced by the offense’s step drop-off in production, but it’s a sentiment echoed by fans continuing to live in the past.
It’s been a season of transition in Boulder following last year’s nine-win campaign. Gone are the starting quarterback and his Heisman winning receiver. In are unproven replacements at the Power 4 level.
One side of the ball is being impacted more than the other.
Colorado football has no offense.
The Buffs have scored 24 points or less in each of their Big 12 matchups. They currently rank 112th in the NCAA in points per game while working under their second play caller of the season.
Quarterback play is a big reason for the struggles. The team has had little consistency under center with three players combining to throw for 17 scores and 10 interceptions.
Freshman Julian Lewis led the charge against Arizona State on Saturday. He was largely unimpressive in that start.
The former five-star recruit passed for 161 yards on 50% passing. He was outdueled by Sun Devils reserve Jeff Sims.
The lacking production offers a stark contrast to last season when Colorado boasted one of the top offenses in the Big 12. Shedeur Sanders led the league in passing, touchdowns, and completion percentage.
Sanders was one of the most polarizing figures in college football over the last two seasons. He was loved by those that appreciated his confidence and swagger. He was criticized by those that despised the cockiness.
What can’t be argued is his impact on the program.
Sanders helped bring a spotlight to Boulder, alongside his father. His off-the-field persona was as important as his incredible production
Hate him or love him, you watched. And more times than not, you watched him win as a senior.
The Colorado offense is missing its football star in 2025. His mark remains despite his absence.
Shedeur Sanders imitator leveled by security.
Fan ran on the field. Did the Shedeur. Got WRECKED by security pic.twitter.com/EZudZBbqDY
— Romi Bean (@Romi_Bean) November 23, 2025
On Saturday, a Colorado football fan imitated Sanders to provide an entertaining break from the Buffs’ poor quarterback play.
This fan rushed the field, performed the passer’s signature celebration, and was clobbered by a security guard.
The moment came in the fourth quarter of action. The field stormer had no interest in watching the rest of the game given Colorado’s inability to score.
He chose to be ejected rather than see the Buffs lose for a seventh time in eight conference tries.
The Buffs miss the production and success seen under Shedeur Sanders’ leadership in 2024. They’ll hope for better quarterback play in ’26.