WHICH CU TRUE FRESHMEN ARE MOST LIKELY TO START GAME 1?

My answer? Probably none.

But that’s a boring post, and there’s a chance that several true freshmen will crack the starting lineup August 28th against Georgia Tech. So, in order of likelihood of starting, we’ve ranked CU’s true freshmen 1 through 12 to see which players are most likely to start from day one. We’ll also dive into why each player could make an early impact in Boulder, even if we don’t believe that any true freshman start on opening day.

1. Julian Lewis – Quarterback (5★, Carrollton, GA)

Julian “JuJu” Lewis is the crown jewel of Colorado’s 2025 class – a 5-star quarterback ranked No. 2 overall in the 2025 ESPN 300. After reclassifying from 2026 to 2025, Lewis enrolled early in Boulder and immediately entered a QB battle with veteran transfer Kaidon Salter for the starting job. The 17-year-old phenom even took the first snaps in Colorado’s spring game. At Carrollton High, Lewis compiled a 39-4 record as a starter and amassed 11,010 passing yards with 144 TDs in just three seasons – seventh all-time in Georgia history for yardage. He’s a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in Georgia (only the second ever, after Trevor Lawrence) and was named MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year in 2023. In short, Lewis arrives with sky-high credentials and a winning pedigree.

Despite his talent, the odds are against a true freshman QB starting immediately. Salter, a former Liberty star with nearly 6,000 collegiate passing yards, is the favorite to win the job and succeed Shedeur Sanders as QB1. Deion Sanders has indicated he won’t rush a decision. Surprising to some, Lewis has made this a real competition – he flashed arm talent and leadership in spring practices. One source told me that while many players went home in late June, Lewis stayed in Boulder and worked out by himself feverishly. He’s gained nearly 20 pounds since starting in CU’s strength and conditioning program, and is significantly stronger than he was just 9 months ago.

If any freshman is going to start game one, it’s likely Lewis. His combination of football IQ, accuracy, and playmaking makes him wise beyond his years. More likely, Lewis begins as the QB2, but don’t be surprised if he sees the field early or even takes over later in the season.

For more on Lewis, check out the in-depth BuffsBlog profile highlighting why he is the most important recruit at CU in 25 years, only at: https://buffsblog.com/why-julian-juju-lewis-is-the-most-important-colorado-football-recruit-in-25-years/.

2. Chauncey Gooden – Offensive Guard (4★, Lipscomb Academy, TN)

At 6’4” and 365+ pounds, Chauncey Gooden looks the part of a Power-5 offensive lineman (or two). Gooden was a four-star recruit and top-10 offensive lineman nationally in 2025, choosing Colorado over a who’s-who of SEC and Big Ten programs. Dubbed a “cornerstone” of the class, he had 50+ scholarship offers and wowed scouts at the Under Armour Nashville camp (earning 247Sports “Alpha Dog” honors). Gooden’s massive frame and strength could fill an immediate need on the Buffs’ interior line.

The guard position is wide open on Colorado’s depth chart going into the season. There’s a crowd of 5-6 upperclassmen – including returning players and transfers – battling for the two starting guard spots. That experience level makes Gooden starting in Week 1 a long shot. However, he is firmly “in the mix” thanks to his talent. Offensive line is a position where true freshmen traditionally struggle to start, but Gooden’s advanced size and technique could give him a puncher’s chance. Coaches have praised his nastiness in run blocking and surprisingly nimble feet for a 360-pounder. In the Spring Game, he graded out well and showed surprising agility on several “pull and pin” plays.

He’ll need to prove himself in pass protection and conditioning at the college level. If some veterans underperform or injuries strike, Gooden could seize the opportunity. Most likely, he’ll be on the two-deep rotation and groomed as a future starter – but if any freshman lineman starts early, the smart money is on Gooden.

For more on Gooden, check out our recruting profile at https://buffsblog.com/hello-chauncey-gooden-welcome-to-the-black-and-gold/

3. London Merritt – Defensive End (4★, IMG Academy, FL)

London Merritt comes to Boulder as one of Deion Sanders’ highest-rated defensive recruits. He was ESPN’s No. 5 defensive end prospect in the nation for 2025 and flipped to Colorado after initially pledging to Ohio State. At 6’3” 255 lbs, Merritt is a powerful edge rusher who will eventually terrorize Big 12 quarterbacks. As a senior at IMG Academy, he flashed a high motor. By signing day, Merritt was Colorado’s second-highest rated commit (No. 52 in ESPN 300) behind only Julian Lewis – underscoring how big a get he was for the Buffs.

The challenge for Merritt isn’t talent; it’s depth at his position. Colorado’s defensive line, especially at defensive end, is loaded with experience. Both starting edge defenders return: Arden Walker and Sam Okunlola are back after strong 2024 seasons, and there are several upperclassmen in the two-deep. Simply put, Merritt will have to beat out proven college players to start immediately, which is a tall order. More likely, he’ll rotate in as a pass-rush specialist on obvious passing downs. Merritt has the burst to contribute in that role right away, even if he’s not an every-down player yet.

If Merritt blows up in fall camp, however, a surprise start isn’t impossible. But with so many experienced Buffs on the D-line, expect Merritt to make his presence felt as a backup initially, with an eye toward starting in the future once the logjam clears.

For more on Merritt, check out: HOLY SMOKES WE DIDN’T DO A HELLO! post for London. One will be incoming shortly.

4. Quentin Gibson – Slot Wide Receiver (4★, North Crowley, TX)

A few months ago, Quentin “Q” Gibson was busy rewriting Texas high school record books. The 5’9”, 155-pound receiver was named the 2024 MaxPreps National High School Football Player of the Year, only the second WR ever to earn that honor. And for good reason – as a senior at North Crowley, Gibson exploded for 2,009 receiving yards and 36 touchdown catches, one of the most productive seasons in Texas history. He totaled 40 TDs when including a couple rushing, passing, and return scores, carrying his team to a 16–0 record and the Texas 6A state championship.

Simply put, Gibson is a dynamic playmaker – a shifty slot receiver with video-game quickness, sharp routes, and a knack for the end zone.

Despite those jaw-dropping stats, Gibson flew somewhat under the recruiting radar (a three-star on the 247 composite), largely due to his undersized frame. At 5’9” and under 160 lbs, he’ll need to prove he can handle the physicality of college defenders. Still, his performance this spring turned heads.

He’s drawn comparisons to former Kansas State star Tyler Lockett for his ability to get open and make defenders miss in space. The Buffs’ receiving corps is stacked with talent, including established targets such as Dre’lon Miller, who is projected to start in the slot. However, there is a scenario where Miller plays more outside, potentially opening reps in the slot. If so, Gibson could make a starting push – his quick chemistry with both Lewis and Salter was evident in spring drills. It’s unlikely he starts Week 1 given the depth (Colorado might go 7-8 deep at WR), but Gibson will almost certainly see the field early in certain packages. Keep an eye on gadget plays and special teams – his speed and elusiveness make him a threat to house a punt return at any time.

For more on Gibson, check out: https://buffsblog.com/hello-maxpreps-national-player-of-the-year-quentin-gibson-welcome-to-the-black-and-gold/

5. Quanell “X” Farrakhan Jr. – Wide Receiver (4★, North Shore, TX)

Another Texas-bred receiver making noise in Boulder is Quanell “X” Farrakhan Jr.. At 6’2” 170, Farrakhan has a different profile than Gibson – he’s longer, with a smooth stride and polished route-running skills beyond his years. A consensus four-star recruit, he turned down Alabama, Texas A&M and others to join Deion Sanders’ program. Farrakhan was a top-50 player in Texas and one of the state’s most coveted wideouts. In his senior season at Houston’s North Shore High, he tallied 51 receptions for 958 yards and 13 touchdowns, plus three punt return TDs. He also impressed scouts with his refined technique: 247Sports praised him as an “advanced route runner” with reliable hands and savvy body control in traffic.

Despite a strong spring, Farrakhan faces the same obstacle as Gibson – a deep Colorado WR room. The Buffs are loaded at receiver; it might be the team’s deepest position. Farrakhan probably starts his college career lower on the depth chart simply due to the number of established players. However, “X” made a name for himself in spring ball. Coaches were pleasantly surprised by how college-ready he looked. He showcased precise routes and consistently got open against veteran defensive backs, even earning some first-team reps by the end of camp. His work ethic and grasp of the playbook drew praise as well.

If Colorado wasn’t so stocked at receiver, Farrakhan might very well be a day-one starter. The reality is he will likely rotate in and see situational snaps (particularly if the Buffs go four or five wide). Barring an injury to a starter, Farrakhan is unlikely to hear his name with the first team on September 5. But as the season progresses, don’t be shocked if “X” forces his way into a significant role. He’s simply too talented and technically sound to keep on the sidelines for long.

For more on Farrakhan Jr, check out: https://buffsblog.com/hello-quanell-farrakhan-jr-welcome-to-the-black-and-gold/

6. Carde Smith – Offensive Tackle (4★, Williamson, AL)

It’s notoriously hard for true freshmen offensive tackles to start, especially in Game 1 (Jordan Seaton notwithstanding). Yet, if there’s one freshman big man who could fast-track into the lineup, it’s Carde Smith. Nicknamed “Smitty,” the 6’6”, 290-pound tackle was a coveted recruit (top-15 OT nationally by the major services) with offers from Auburn, USC, and many others. In fact, Smith originally committed to Auburn, then USC, before flipping to Colorado – illustrating how prized his potential is. Scouts drool over his length (35.5″ arms) and athletic upside. At the Alabama-Mississippi HS All-Star Game, Smith was named MVP among 25+ D1 prospects after dominating pass rush drills. His senior tape shows an explosive first step and raw power that could translate to early playing time.

However, even wunderkinds need development on the O-line. Smith is relatively lean for a tackle – “only” 290 lbs on a 6’6” frame, he could easily pack on 20+ more pounds. College strength training will be crucial, as will refining his pass protection technique. According to 247Sports analyst Cooper Petagna, Smith “will likely need a year or two of coaching to develop as a pass protector… but size and above-average athleticism suggest he can eventually grow into a multi-year starter”. In other words, the tools are there but he may need more bulk.

The most probable path for Smith is to serve as a backup swing tackle this year while learning from the upperclassmen. He took second-team reps in spring and held his own, particularly in run blocking where his natural power shined. If an injury occurs or if the right tackle spot underwhelms, the coaching staff might consider throwing Smith into the fire early. Deion Sanders won’t hesitate to play young talent if they’re the best option. Smith’s chances of starting Week 1 are slim – but his name is one to remember. Once he fills out and hones his technique, don’t be surprised if Smith is anchoring Colorado’s O-line for years to come.

For more on Smith, see https://buffsblog.com/hello-carde-smith-welcome-to-the-black-and-gold/.

7. Zayne DeSouza – Tight End (3★, Loveland, CO)

Tight end might be the single thinnest position on the Buffs’ roster, and local product Zayne DeSouza hopes to take advantage of that. DeSouza is a 6’6”, 255-pound target from Loveland, Colorado – a homegrown talent who earned a Colorado offer by dominating one of Deion Sanders’ summer camps. DeSouza impressed the CU staff so much that Sanders offered him a scholarship on the field during drills. He later went to a national Under Armour camp and was named one of the top 5 offensive players there, with 247Sports noting he was “probably the best tight end at the camp” thanks to his body control, strong hands, and ability to separate from linebackers. Those camp performances signaled that DeSouza was underrated (all recruiting sites pegged him a 3-star). ESPN, for one, saw his potential, rating him the #26 TE in the country.

Despite limited high school stats in a run-heavy offense (51 catches for 446 yards as a senior), DeSouza’s blend of size and athleticism intrigues coaches. Tight end is a spot where Colorado has been looking for playmakers – and with last year’s starter gone, the competition is relatively open. That said, the likely No.1 tight end to start the season is grad transfer Zach Atkins, a more seasoned player (and a strong spring performer once he was healthy). Behind Atkins, there is Sav’ell Smalls — and that’s it. DeSouza will battle those older guys in fall camp. If he can prove reliable as a blocker (often the hardest part for young TEs) and continue to showcase his hands, he could leapfrog into the two-deep immediately.

Starting game one might be a stretch – the staff will trust the veteran Atkins initially. But given Atkins is new to FBS level himself and Smalls isn’t a receiving threat, there’s an opportunity for DeSouza to carve out a role. At minimum, he should see action in multi-TE sets and could be a red-zone weapon. Coaches love his upside — CU coach Brett Bartalone went so far as to say Zayne “will outperform his recruiting ranking by a mile.”

For more on DeSouza, check out a profile at: https://buffsblog.com/hello-zayne-desouza-welcome-to-the-black-and-gold/

8. TJ “Antonio” Branch Jr. – Safety (3★, Miami, FL)

If the spring game was any indication, TJ Branch Jr. might be the most underrated true freshman on the roster. The 6’3” safety from Miami (Booker T. Washington High) arrived in Boulder as a composite three-star, but he quickly showed he can hang with more experienced players. During the Buffs’ Spring Game, Branch was a standout in the secondary – he made the game’s only interception, a diving pick off a tipped pass from Salter, and broke up another pass just a few plays prior. He was flying around in coverage and delivering hits. Deion Sanders took notice, saying “Branch, I’m on his butt all day long… I want to see him successful,”a sign that Sanders is pushing the young Floridian to reach his high ceiling.

Branch was actually once a Penn State commit and a borderline four-star prospect, so his talent is real. At 6’3” but only ~175 lbs, his main needs are adding muscle and learning the complexities of college defenses. The Buffs’ defensive backfield has plenty of bodies – multiple safeties with starting experience and some veteran transfers are in the mix. Thus, a freshman starting at safety in week one would be surprising. However, Branch has already inserted himself into the conversation. BuffsBlog’s staff graded him out as the second-best defensive back in the Spring Game, which speaks volumes for a newcomer. His instincts and range were evident; he always seemed to be around the ball.

The likely scenario is Branch contributes on special teams and as a backup safety initially. If an injury or two hits the safety unit, Branch could find himself starting sooner than expected.

For more on Branch, check out: https://buffsblog.com/hello-tj-branch-jr-welcome-to-the-black-and-gold/

9. (Tie) Alexander McPherson – Defensive End (3★, IMG Academy, FL) and Christian Hudson – Defensive Tackle (3★, Mainland, FL)

We’ll call it a tie between two freshman defensive linemen who have impressed early: Alex McPherson and Christian “CJ” Hudson. Both are Florida natives and both enrolled early for spring. Each made positive impressions, albeit at positions where Colorado is deep.

McPherson is a 6’6”, 240-lb defensive end from IMG Academy. He was a late flip to CU (decommitting from Oklahoma State) and only a three-star by rankings, but he might end up as a steal. McPherson led the powerhouse IMG squad in sacks (9) and tackles for loss (14) in his senior year, showcasing a quick first step and great length off the edge. In spring practices, he showed a relentless motor in pass-rush drills, earning occasional mentions from coaches for his effort.

Physically, McPherson still needs to fill out his lanky frame to battle college offensive tackles, but you can’t teach his frame. He’s 2nd/3rd on the depth chart right now – the Buffs simply have a lot of experienced edge rushers (including fellow freshman star London Merritt, as well as upperclassmen). Still, McPherson’s trajectory is promising. He’s likely to redshirt or play sparingly in rotation this year while adding weight. If he does see action, it will be as a situational rusher. Regardless, file his name for the future; at 6’6” with a high motor, McPherson has the tools to be a force down the line.

Meanwhile, Christian Hudson mans the interior. At 6’1” 300 lbs, Hudson is a stout defensive tackle from Mainland High in Daytona Beach. He was a three-star who flipped to Colorado from UCF, and like McPherson, he was a 2025 early enrollee. Hudson put up eye-popping numbers for a D-lineman – he had 27 tackles for loss in both his junior and senior seasons, consistently blowing up run plays in the backfield. He’s strong at the point of attack and, thanks to a strong high school wrestling background, plays with good leverage. But, the defensive tackle spot may be the deepest on the team.

Coaches love his work ethic and how coachable he’s been. Like McPherson, Hudson’s a name for the future – an interior disruptor who could blossom into a multi-year starter once the veterans graduate.

For more on Christian Hudson, check out: https://buffsblog.com/hello-christian-hudson/

For more on Alexander McPherson, check out: https://buffsblog.com/hello-alexander-mcpherson/

11. Mantrez Walker – Linebacker (3★, Buford, GA)

Linebacker is often one of the toughest positions for a true freshman to adjust to – the speed of the college game, the play-calling responsibilities, the physical development needed to shed blocks – it’s a lot to handle right out of high school. Mantrez Walker is learning that curve now. The 6’1”, 230-pound inside linebacker from Georgia powerhouse Buford was one of Deion Sanders’ earliest 2025 commits (he even decommitted from Michigan to join CU). His commitment video to Michigan is an all-time commitment video as he commits while getting his haircut.

Walker enrolled early for spring and got a head start. He is a thumper who was first-team all-region three years in a row at Buford and helped lead his team to the state semifinals (where they lost to Julian Lewis’s Carrollton squad). In limited spring game action, Walker flashed a glimpse of his ability with a nice open-field tackle in 7-on-7 drills, showing he can track sideline to sideline. Linebackers coach Andre’ Hart noted that Mantrez has been working hard and “the speed of the game” is the main thing he’s adjusting to.

The reason Walker sits down at No. 11 on this list has nothing to do with his long-term potential – it’s more about the learning curve for the QB of a defense. Even though the Buffs weren’t very deep at ILB in spring, they have since added veteran help. UTSA transfer Martavius French and JSU transfer Reginald Hughes are favored to start at the two inside linebacker spots. Additionally, TCU transfer Kylan Salter (younger brother of QB Kaidon) is in the mix, and just this summer CU brought in North Alabama grad transfer Shaun “Deuce” Myers to bolster the unit. Jeremiah Brown also returns.

In short, Walker might suddenly be sixth or seventh in line for two spots. The plan could very well be to redshirt Walker in 2025, allowing him to develop physically and mentally. If injuries pile up among the linebackers, Walker could be forced into action (and the staff does believe he’ll be ready when called upon).

For now, he’s a future defensive cornerstone who likely won’t start immediately – and that’s perfectly fine for his development.

For more on Walker, see https://buffsblog.com/hello-mantrez-walker-welcome-to-the-black-and-gold/

12. Corbin Laisure – Tight End (3★, Sullivan East, TN)

Rounding out our list is Corbin Laisure, a 6’5” tight end from Bluff City, Tennessee. Laisure was actually one of the earliest members of the 2025 class, committing back in April 2024. A two-way high school star, he did a bit of everything: as a senior he caught 64 passes for 774 yards and 10 TDs at tight end and recorded 110 tackles (with an INT) playing defensive end. That speaks to his athleticism and versatility.

He has a basketball background as well, which often bodes well for tight ends when it comes to body control, strong footwork and high-pointing passes. Laisure has a solid frame at around 6’5” 230–235 lbs coming in, though he’ll want to add more muscle mass to be an effective blocker. He prides himself on being a well-rounded TE. He’s quoted saying he loves that Coach Pat Shurmur will use him “as an extra blocker” and that “he isn’t afraid to be physical”. The staff also liked that he came from a smaller program but held his own against bigger-school competition.

Despite those positives, Laisure is likely to need some seasoning before he’s ready to compete for a starting role. Unlike Zayne DeSouza, who’s a local product with a bit more weight on him, Laisure arrives needing to bulk up and refine his technique. At ~235 lbs, he’s a bit light for an every-down tight end, and adding 15-20 lbs of good weight over the next year will be key. Additionally, coming from a smaller high school, the jump in competition level is steep. During spring practices, Laisure had some nice moments (he’s got soft hands and runs clean routes for a big man), but also showed the expected growing pains in in-line blocking drills against college edge rushers.

As Laisure gets stronger and more polished, don’t be surprised if he emerges as a contributor in a year or two. For now, though, he lands at the bottom of our list simply because others are ahead of him in line and he has a bit more developing to do.

For more on Leisure, check out: https://buffsblog.com/hello-corbin-laisure-welcome-to-the-black-and-gold/

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Bottom Line: The Colorado Buffaloes’ 2025 freshman class looks strong after their spring performance– possibly the most talented influx of true freshmen in recent program history. Yet, thanks to Deion Sanders’ transfer portal infusions and returning veterans, the team won’t need to start many (or any) of these youngsters right away. Our prediction remains that no true freshman will start in the season opener versus Georgia Tech. And that’s okay. These players will still be critical to Colorado’s success, whether as backups pushing the starters, special teams aces, or mid-season reinforcements. If a first-year player does break through on Day 1, Julian Lewis at quarterback is the name to watch most closely, followed by the others on this list in descending order of likelihood.