Colorado Football: Buffs Emerge as Dark Horse National Title Contenders

Despite a disappointing 2022 season, Colorado is generating significant buzz ahead of its Big 12 debut. Bettors are flocking to the Buffaloes, who now have the fourth-highest odds to win the College Football Playoff.

As the 2024 college football season approaches, the Colorado Buffaloes are making waves in the betting market. Despite finishing their first season under Deion Sanders with a 4-8 record, the Buffs have emerged as dark horse contenders for the College Football Playoff.

BetMGM has reported that Colorado is attracting 4.5% of the bets and 4.0% of the handle to win the National Championship. This is the fourth-highest of any team in the country, trailing only Ohio State, Georgia, and Texas. The Buffs' title odds have now moved to 125-1.

Colorado Football: Buffs Emerge as Dark Horse National Title Contenders

The surge in optimism surrounding Colorado stems from several factors. First and foremost, the team has undergone significant roster turnover, bringing in 42 new transfer commits. This includes a heavy emphasis on rebuilding the offensive line, which struggled last season.

However, the core of the team remains strong, led by projected top-five NFL Draft pick Shedeur Sanders at quarterback. Last season, Sanders threw for 3,230 yards and 27 touchdowns, with only three interceptions. He is now +4000 to win the Heisman Trophy and +470 to be the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Another key player for Colorado is two-way star Travis Hunter, who is featured on the cover of EA Sports' College Football 25. Hunter played both offense and defense last season, and his absence due to injury significantly impacted the team's success. He is now +6500 to win the Heisman and +3000 to be the first pick in the NFL draft.

FOX Sports analyst and former Colorado quarterback Joel Klatt is optimistic about his alma mater's upcoming season. "There's a chance that Colorado's competing to go to the Big 12 Championship Game," Klatt said. "If they were to get in that game, they would be 60 minutes from the College Football Playoff. It's not out of the realm of possibility."

Despite the enthusiasm from bettors, Colorado's win total has been set at only 5.5 for the 2024 season. They are also +4000 to win the Big 12. However, the Buffs have a proven coach in Deion Sanders and a talented roster with the potential to surprise many in their first season in the Big 12.

As the season approaches, it will be interesting to see if Colorado can live up to the hype and emerge as a legitimate contender for the College Football Playoff.