The Colorado Buffaloes present incoming defenders who are already winning over their coaches. Cornerback Cree Thomas emerged as one of the newer prized transfer portal additions via coach Deion Sanders. The former Notre Dame Fighting Irish defender also is driving rave reviews from defensive coordinator Chris Marve. But Colorado fans will become energized in finding out which NFL star Thomas linked up with to become sharpened ahead of the 2026 campaign. Cree Thomas Linked up with Perennial Pro Bowl Cornerback Jul 7, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Colorado defensive back Cree Thomas speaks with reporters during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThomas didn't need to drift far in learning from one of the best defensive backs in the game. He went viral for linking up with Denver Broncos All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Colorado CB1 Cree Thomas has been working with the best corner in the NFL Pat Surtain II this summer👀🔥 Cree is going to dominate this year. pic.twitter.com/hwTkigZWNO— GUCCE (@gucceCU) August 2, 2026Surtain is fresh off appearing in his first career AFC title game, but fell to eventual conference champ the New England Patriots. The 26-year-old still delivered his fourth straight Pro Bowl appearance by breaking up 12 passes. Surtain is lauded across the league for his fundamentally sound and aggressive coverage skills. His sticky coverage allowed him to surrender only 33 passes his side for 305 yards and just one touchdown. He surrendered one touchdown his side against the Buffalo Bills, but his Broncos eliminated the AFC favorites 33-30 in round two of the playoffs (Denver had a bye by clinching the AFC's top seed). Offseason Work Shows Seriousness of Cree Thomas Nov 22, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Cree Thomas (20) breaks up a pass intended for Syracuse Orange wide receiver Jaylan Hornsby (3) during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectHere's why fans of the Buffaloes should feel energized to see Thomas honing his skills this offseason with Surtain. Thomas can enter Boulder having learned Surtain's dominance in press man coverage. The Broncos star is among the league's best at turning to precise hand placement to jam up an opposing wide receiver. Surtain additionally shows tremendous foot balance at the line of scrimmage to win the press battle and rattle a receiver's releases. The Broncos veteran brings a high football IQ too. He first became molded by his famed Pro Bowl father Patrick Surtain Sr. The younger Surtain later interacted with Coach Prime himself in later years. But he also soaked in learning how to play defense at a high level while getting coached by Nick Saban at Alabama. Lastly, Thomas can pick the brain of Surtain on how he plays without panic. Surtain is among the best at staying calm in the moment and still displays the perfect timing to go after the football. Thomas can now come back and give Marve a potential press man option for his 4-2-5 defensive scheme. The time spent with Surtain could give Marve his own new shutdown cornerback. When Cree Thomas will be Needed the Most Jul 7, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Colorado defensive back Cree Thomas speaks with reporters during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThomas no doubt can set the tone early in the season opener against Georgia Tech. But he's likely going to be needed in run support more, as the Yellow Jackets prefer to pound teams with the football. He'll then likely tangle with Coy Eakin of the reigning Big 12 champion Texas Tech Red Raiders, who's fresh off catching 48 passes for 637 yards and six touchdowns. Eakin leads a younger receiving core. But Nov. 7 against Arizona State brings forth a familiar face to Sanders and Colorado: Former wideout Omarion Miller, who's expected to lead coach Kenny Dillingham's air attack. Nevertheless, Thomas will face his share of Air Raid and run-based offenses. He could owe Surtain a thank you card or even dinner if Thomas breaks into an All-Big 12 performer this fall. Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook for the latest news. Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow