iStockphoto / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
YouTube footage captured Colorado practicing a unique formation.
The Colorado football team accidentally leaked its offensive gameplan to Texas Tech last week before a 29-7 loss. Social media believes the team provided key intel to another Big 12 opponent for a second week in a row.
A YouTube personality captured practice footage that was unintentionally posted online. Did it reveal the Buffs’ secrets?
Given the drama surrounding the program, it’s a fun narrative. In reality, the video is probably useless for Colorado’s upcoming foe.
Colorado leaked its playbook.
Last weekend, the Buffs hosted Texas Tech in Boulder. A Red Raiders fan got their hands on the Colorado scheme and posted his/her findings on a message board before kickoff.
Apparently, a playbook was left behind at the team hotel.
“OK I’m not posting pics of it but a bunch of us are in the Colorado team hotel at the bar and we found a 25 page or so playbook that I would bet large amounts of money on is the actual CU playbook. It’s got opening plays, red zone info, our tendencies, etc. etc. Seriously, how can we get this to the Texas Tech team? Does anybody know what hotel they’re staying at?”
After a review of the game footage, it appears the play calling synced up with the script. The playbook was real.
Update: It was real. 1st six plays of the first half and 1st two of the second half (then picked off) https://t.co/BkNt6Ov475
— Jody S. Laughter∴ (@Lubbockist) October 4, 2026
It doesn’t appear the Red Raiders received the playbook, which showed the first six plays of each half. The Buffs scored their only touchdown of the game on the opening drive. Tech did, however, pick off a pass to start the second half, so who knows?
Still, the leaked playbook showed what a mess the Buffs are in the 2026 season. They simply cannot escape drama. Gameplans are being forgotten at hotels, players are being kicked off the team for laughing after blowout losses, and the former starting quarterback refuses to play.
The noise was expected to quiet with a bye upcoming. Instead, the drama continued into the off-week. Did Colorado accidentally leak its gameplan again?
YouTube video creates speculation.
If you ignore Dion’s mouthpiece and look at the bottom corner, it looks like they’re installing an option package 👀 https://t.co/QxnSlOUiQN
— The CU Insider (@givealilmore) October 8, 2026
“Uncle Neely” of Thee Pregame Network podcast provided a recap of the Texas Tech loss from inside Folsom Field this week. He did so during a practice session.
In the background, you can see the Buffs’ offense running the option. It is not a typical plan of attack. Was a secret weapon leaked?
Social media ran with the theory. Check out the initial online reaction below:
“Please delete… It would be nice if once in the Prime era we could have an advantage over an opponent.”
“Haven’t we shared enough plays?”
“Beyond parody.”
“He figured teams already can find the playbook… Why not just show ’em the plays too?”
It’s funny to envision the Colorado football team accidentally leaking its gameplan to a Big 12 opponent two weeks in a row. In reality, it’s probably not the case.
If you look closely, it appears reserve quarterback Kaneal Sweetwyne is operating the offense. He is the team’s third-string quarterback behind Julian Lewis and Isaac Wilson.
While it’s possible the Buffs want to give him a look as they search for answers under center, there is a more likely reason for his presence on the field.
Utah likes to run the option.
In fact, they’ve done so with two quarterbacks in the backfield at times this year.
Colorado will face the Utes in two weeks. They will have 14 days to prep for the unique alignment. Deion Sanders has wasted no time getting the defense familiar.
Brandon Marcello of CBS Sports broke down the Utah design earlier this season. It was an idea brought to the coaching staff by QB Devon Dampier. The Utes kept it hidden from the public throughout the offseason.
Its two-quarterback system is built on the triple option. It’s been used in both the run and pass games.
Above you see a handoff to speed option. Below is a lateral and go-route. Thus far, the formation has been unstoppable.
The versatility of a lineup that includes two passers with dynamic rushing abilities on the field at the same time makes Utah difficult to defend. They’ve scored 43 points a game so far this season.
Colorado will have two weeks to prepare. It expects the option to be in the gameplan.
The Buffs did not have more intel leaked unintentionally. This is the scout team emulating the Utes. It is useless to the opponent.
Judging by the video posted, there is work to be done. The option play “leaked” to the public appeared to go for an 80-yard touchdown! We’ll see if Colorado shores things up before kickoff.