The Colorado Buffaloes fell to the Kansas State Wildcats 24-14 to put an end to a long and painful season of football.
Not only did the Buffaloes finish the season losing five straight games, but they also finished with a 3-9 record; the worst in the head coach Deion Sanders' era. And in a season of disappointment, the Buffaloes had another disappointing game. Colorado tried to play spoiler to K-State, which was on the verge of bowl eligibility, but fourth-quarter woes cost them an otherwise hard-fought battle.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Buffaloes were trailing by just a field goal before their defense ran out of gas, allowing the Wildcats to score the game and bowl eligibility clinching touchdown with two minutes left to play. The Buffaloes' defense struggled to stop the run in the final moments. Wildcats' running back Joe Jackson rushed for 60 yards on their final scoring drive, averaging 10 yards per carry, including the final rushing touchdown.
Here are five key takeaways from Colorado's season-ending loss.
Changes incoming
Nov 22, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders on the sidelines in the first quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesThis season should be answered with significant changes this offseason. Whether it's not missing on players in the transfer portal or bringing in the right staff, changes need to be made. Against Kansas State, the same things that plagued the Buffaloes all season led to yet another loss. The run defense continued to be an issue, allowing 206 yards on the ground. The Buffaloes' offense showed some promise before failing to execute in the clutch, resulting in the loss. There was a lot to be desired this season, but a lack of coaching and misses in the transfer portal led to Coach Prime's worst season.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKaidon Salter's final start
Nov 29, 2025; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) runs by Kansas State Wildcats defensive end Jordan Allen (91) during the first quarter at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn ImagesFifth-year quarterback Kaidon Salter got the start for Colorado after Julian Lewis sat out to maintain his redshirt. Salter continued to struggle, as Buff fans have seen all season. The Liberty transfer had a typical game of his, throwing an interception alongside 172 passing yards while rushing for 63 yards. Not everything this season was Salter's fault, but while his era with Colorado was short-lived, it will not be missed, as Coach Prime missed on the former Liberty quarterback this past offseason.
Defense wins games?
Nov 29, 2025; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats running back Joe Jackson (4) runs by Colorado Buffaloes cornerbacks Preston Hodge (4) and Teon Parks (3) during the first quarter at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn ImagesThrough three quarters, the Buffs' defense held the Wildcats to only 208 total yards, keeping Colorado in the game. However, they ran out of gas in the end and allowed 113 fourth-quarter yards and 10 points. The inconsistency of the Buffaloes' defense is a reflection of the season as a whole and led to the Buffaloes' downfall against Kansas State.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRe-recruit the stars
Nov 1, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Omarion Miller (4) pulls in a touchdown past Arizona Wildcats defensive back Michael Dansby (25) in the second half at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesWhether it's star blind-side tackle Jordan Seaton or breakout Omarion Miller, Colorado needs to keep their non-senior stars out of the transfer portal this offseason. Against Kansas State, Miller tallied 120 yards on seven receptions, which helped him be Colorado's leading receiver this season. In the transfer portal and NIL era of college football, teams will be looking to poach stars from Sanders' now 3-9 Buffaloes.
Recruit the run-stop
Nov 29, 2025; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats running back Joe Jackson (4) runs during the fourth against the Colorado Buffaloes at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn ImagesWhile the Buffaloes' defense was consistent for most of the game, they still struggled against the run. Notably, while Wildcats' Jackson clinched the game away, he tallied a total of 142 yards and three touchdowns on 5.5 yards per carry. The Buffaloes went heavy in the trenches this past offseason but will have to re-evaluate their run defense.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Five takeaways from Colorado's loss to Kansas State
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