With what seems to be a successful offseason, coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes have an opportunity to have a much better showing in the Big 12 in 2026. Throughout the offseason, it became clear that Coach Prime made a change to the way he was building his roster, with a new emphasis on experienced transfers.With that new approach in mind, it seems that coach Sanders could be setting up Colorado for some improvement next season, as two new Buffaloes were included on ESPN’s top 100 newcomers list heading into the 2026 season. The two Colorado players that made the cut were wide receiver Danny Scudero at No. 35 and linebacker Gideon Lampron at No. 92. Nov 1, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose State Spartans wide receiver Danny Scudero (10) catches a pass for the first down against the Hawaii Rainbow Wahine during the second quarter at CEFCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images | Neville E. Guard-Imagn ImagesWide Receiver Danny ScuderoWithout question, one of the best additions Colorado made through the transfer portal was wide receiver Danny Scudero from San Jose State. On the newcomers list, Scudero slotted in as the No. 8 receiver and seems to be in a position to build on what was a very impressive 2025 campaign.Last season, Scudero was one of the most productive receivers in the country as he recorded 88 receptions for 1,247 yards and 10 touchdowns. Scudero’s 1,247 receiving yards led the country, which was quite impressive as most of his production comes from the slot. Standing at 5-9, Scudero functions mostly as a slot receiver and has been able to refine his technical skills, which have helped him to become a dangerous receiver. Sep 27, 2025; Stanford, California, USA; San Jose State Spartans wide receiver Danny Scudero (10) catches the ball for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images | Stan Szeto-Imagn ImagesFrom the slot, Scudero has been able to use his precise route running and reliable hands to his advantage, which has created major problems for opposing defenses to match up with. In Colorado’s new offense under offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, Scudero could find a major role with his ability to use his speed, route running, and consistent hands in space against opposing defenses.At quarterback, the Buffaloes are expected to start redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Lewis, who is still adapting to the college game, but with a weapon like Scudero on the perimeter, Lewis could find great success. As a quarterback, Lewis functions best as a point guard type, where he gets the ball out quickly to his playmakers. Based on Lewis’ skill set in addition to Marion’s offensive scheme, it seems that Scudero could be a seamless fit into the Colorado offense and become one of the most dangerous receivers in the Big 12 and potentially in the entire country. CU football head coach Deion Sanders, or Coach Prime, watches his team warm up before the game against CSU in the Rocky Mountain Showdown at Canvas Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Fort Collins, Colo. | Cris Tiller/For the Coloradoan / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesLinebacker Gideon LampronDuring the 2025 season, Colorado struggled significantly against the run as the Buffaloes allowed 222.5 rushing yards per game, ranking 135th in the country, which constantly put the Buffaloes in tough positions all season long against opponents' rushing attacks.Based on the struggles that Colorado had against the run, coach Sanders made one of the best additions for the Buffaloes this offseason, as Colorado was able to bring in Bowling Green transfer linebacker Gideon Lampron. Last season, Lampron was very disruptive and could be one of the keys to Colorado becoming a much better defense overall.In Lampron’s 2025 campaign, he recorded 119 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one pass breakup. Regardless of how opposing teams tried to limit Lampron’s impact, he was able to not only affect the game but, at times, take over and completely shut down opposing offenses.MSU defensive run game coordinator Chris Marve speaks to reporters at Media Day on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at the Leo Seal Complex. Photo by Keith Warren