Colorado’s 2025 season opener is less than four months away, and head coach Deion Sanders still has plenty of work to do in shaping the roster.

After a handful of transfer additions this week, CU is unofficially up to 71 scholarship players and 93 overall for the upcoming season. That’s well below the target of 85 scholarships and the proposed NCAA roster limit of 105.

After the spring game two weeks ago, Sanders said there were several spots the staff would like to fill before August camp, and they’ve already filled some. More will be added, but for now, here’s a look at how the roster stands at the beginning of May.

Quarterbacks (3 on scholarship)

Senior Kaidon Salter, sophomore Ryan Staub and true freshman Julian Lewis were with the Buffs all spring and remain the three competitors for the starting job in the fall. It’s unlikely the Buffs will add to this room, as they also have walk-ons Colton Allen and Dominiq Ponder, who were with the team last year.

Running backs (4)

Sanders said the Buffs would add two here, but that was before Brandon Hood recently entered the portal. Former Incarnate Word star Dekalon Taylor became the first addition of the entire offseason when he committed earlier this week. Expect one or two more. Senior Charlie Offerdahl, junior Dallan Hayden and sophomore Micah Welch all return.

Receivers (10)

Sanders wanted one receiver “that’s a grown man, that’s a dawg.” He got one this week when former 5-star recruit Hykeem Williams (6-foot-2, 215 pounds), who spent the past two years at Florida State, committed. Earlier this spring, the Buffs added former Campbell star Sincere Brown (6-5, 190), so they could be done at this spot. The room is loaded with talent, including returners Omarion Miller, Drelon Miller and Isaiah Hardge, as well as Joseph Williams, who transferred in from Tulsa in January, and freshmen.

Tight ends (4)

Sav’ell Smalls returns after being the top tight end last year, while Northwest Missouri State transfer Zach Atkins could be the all-around tight end the Buffs need. Freshmen Zayne DeSouza and Corbin Laisure hope to make an impact. Expect the Buffs to add one more.

Offensive linemen (13)

This group has gone through a few overhauls under Sanders, and it continues to evolve. Sanders mentioned after the spring game wanting to add four linemen, and they’ve added one since then in former Tennessee tackle Larry Johnson III. Former Memphis standout Xavier Hill committed earlier in April. Four players who started multiple games last year are back: tackles Jordan Seaton and Phillip Houston (recovering from a knee injury) and guards Tyler Brown and Kareem Harden. Overall, six transfers have been signed this offseason, including former Illinois starter Zy Crisler and Louisiana Tech center Zarian McGill. Expect two or three more additions.

Defensive linemen (9)

This is a solid group that was together this spring, although Sanders said he would like to add another one. There are six seniors in this group, including returners Anquin Barnes, Amari McNeill and Tawfiq Thomas. Transfers Tavian Coleman (Texas State), Gavriel Lightfoot (Fresno State) and Jehiem Oatis (Alabama) have bolstered the group this offseason.

Edge (7)

Sanders didn’t mention needing another pass rusher, but recently losing rising star Taje McCoy could change that. Still, the Buffs have a lot of talent here with Keaten Wade, Arden Walker and Samuel Okunlola. Quency Wiggins had a good spring, as well, and the Buffs like freshmen Alexander McPherson and London Merritt quite a bit.

Inside linebackers (5)

CU has lost three to the portal since the spring game, including Jaylen Wester, who was competing for a rotational spot. Sanders said the Buffs wanted to add one or two, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if they tried to get three. For now, the Buffs are leaning on returning senior Jeremiah Brown, who hasn’t played much in two seasons at CU, plus transfers Martavius French (UTSA), Reginald Hughes (Jacksonville State) and Kylan Walter (TCU), and true freshman Mantrez Walker.

Cornerbacks (7)

The Buffs were hit with a huge loss last weekend when Colton Hood, a projected starter, jumped into the portal (he committed to Tennessee on Friday). Still, CU has two potential stars in DJ McKinney and Preston Hodge. This is a position of need, though, and Sanders said there would be changes here. Three corners overall have left since the spring game and two have been added: Teon Parks from Illinois State, and Noah King, a true freshman who spent the spring at Kansas State. There could be a couple more additions.

Safeties (6)

Sanders said two safeties would be added, and they’ve already done that in landing John Slaughter (Tennessee) and Terrance Love (Auburn). This group is thin, though, with Carter Stoutmire and South Florida transfer Tawfiq Byard being the only players with much experience in college. Senior Ben Finneseth, who earned a scholarship this spring, will be in the mix, too, as will freshman TJ Branch Jr., but the Buffs could still add here.

Specialists (3)

This group is set with kicker Alejandro Mata, kickoff specialist Buck Buchanan and punter Damon Greaves. The Buffs also have depth among walk-ons, and a group of four walk-on snappers.