During the recent offseason, Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders had a clear objective while interviewing candidates for the offensive coordinator role: to enhance the team”s offensive performance. After averaging a mere 20.9 points per game in 2025 under former coordinator Pat Shurmur, Sanders recognized the need for significant improvement.
“Everyone we interviewed averaged over 30 points per game,” Sanders stated. “Thirty points per game is our benchmark. When we score that much, we win; when we don”t, we lose.” Over his three seasons at Colorado, Sanders has a record of 16-21 and is correct about the team”s performance relative to this threshold. The Buffaloes have won 13 out of 16 games when scoring 30 or more points, contrasting with just 3 wins in 21 games when they fall short.
Under Sanders, the team managed to hit the 30-point mark 14 times in his initial two seasons, but last year they only reached that total twice and never during their ten matchups against Power Five conference teams. Enter Brennan Marion, whose “Go-Go” offense is characterized by its high tempo, strong rushing attack, and vertical passing game. “I needed toughness and the right mentality,” Sanders explained. “I wanted someone who could apply pressure and understand how we operate here. We not only found that in Marion, but he has exceeded our expectations.”
As the head coach at Sacramento State last season, Marion”s offense averaged an impressive 33.8 points per game. In his previous two years as offensive coordinator at UNLV, the teams averaged 35.4 points in 2024 and 34.4 in 2023. Throughout the offseason and heading into the first week of spring practice, the Buffaloes have begun to implement Marion”s Go-Go offense. Redshirt freshman quarterback JuJu Lewis expressed his excitement, stating he feels “blessed to run” the new system, which is supported by a strong cast of players.
Marion”s offense traditionally emphasizes a robust running game, and the Buffaloes have strengthened their backfield by adding three significant recruits this offseason. Junior Richard Young, a 5-foot-11, 210-pound talent, was a four-star recruit before his stint at Alabama, where playing time was limited. He joins Colorado eager to make an impact. Additionally, junior Damian Henderson II and sophomore Jaquail Smith both played under Marion at Sacramento State last year, with Henderson rushing for 565 yards and Smith for 511, contributing five touchdowns each. The running back lineup also includes last year”s leading rusher, Micah Welch, and speedy back DeKalon Taylor, who showed promise before an injury sidelined him.
At the wide receiver position, the Buffaloes boast a wealth of talent and anticipation, largely due to the presence of Danny Scudero, a transfer from San Jose State. Last season, Scudero led the nation with 1,297 receiving yards and was the only player to average over 100 yards per game. While Scudero may not replicate his 88 receptions or nearly 1,300 yards this year, he is eager to contribute to Marion”s Go-Go offense. “Coach Marion”s system is complex yet enjoyable,” said the 5-foot-9, 175-pound Scudero. “He”s a brilliant offensive strategist with numerous ways to get players involved. His track record at UNLV and Sacramento State shows he knows how to win.”
Scudero noted that Marion”s approach particularly suits smaller receivers, which influenced his decision to join Colorado. “He expressed considerable interest in me, and I appreciated that,” he added, making it an easy choice to transfer. Other receivers like DeAndre Moore, Kam Perry, Hykeem Williams, Joseph Williams, and Ernest Campbell are also vying for their share of targets this season. Perry, who transferred from Miami-Ohio, was drawn to Colorado due to the offensive scheme. He stood out last year as the only player to record at least 40 catches while averaging over 20 yards per reception, finishing with 43 receptions for 976 yards and six touchdowns.
“Marion expands my capabilities as a route runner,” Perry commented regarding his new coach. “He gives me the freedom to make real-time decisions on routes. Coming from a receiver background himself, having achieved a thousand yards and averaging 30 yards per catch, he inspires me and the rest of our receiving corps.” This level of enthusiasm aligns with Sanders” vision when hiring Marion, and with him at the helm, the Buffaloes are poised for a potentially explosive season. “We want to position ourselves for success, and Coach Marion excels in that area,” Scudero concluded.
