Colorado University Athletics
Campbell Emerging As Dual Sport Threat For Buffs
April 21, 2026 | Football, Track and Field
BOULDER — It did not take long for Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Ernest Campbell to leave a mark in Boulder.
The dual sport athlete, in his first indoor track meet for the Black and Gold, wasted no time showcasing the elite speed that has already made him one of the most intriguing playmakers on the roster. At the Colorado Classic, Campbell turned heads with a 6.76 in the 60 meters, the ninth fastest time in program history, immediately placing himself among the program's top performers.
He carried that momentum into the outdoor season, opening at the Dr. Dan Caprioglio Early Bird Invitational with a 10.35 in the 100 meters, a mark that puts him in rare company alongside some of football's fastest names. Players like Tyreek Hill (10.10), DK Metcalf (10.36), and Olympic gold medalist Jim Hines (9.95) have all posted blazing times on the track, reinforcing the level of speed Campbell brings to Boulder.
Campbell currently ranks 16th in the Big 12 Conference and 66th in the NCAA West Region in the 100 meters, further establishing himself as a rising name on the conference and regional stage.
That same burst, the one that earned him the nickname "Flash," is what Campbell believes separates him every time he steps on the field.
"I've always been one of the fastest," Campbell said. "When I step on the field, I feel like nobody can run with me. That's how I play."
Campbell's success on the oval now looks to translate to the gridiron, where he arrives in Boulder following a breakout freshman campaign under offensive coordinator Brennan Marion at Sacramento State. In Marion's system, Campbell thrived as a vertical threat, averaging over 20-yards per reception and consistently taking the top off opposing defenses.
That familiarity with Marion's offense has allowed for a seamless transition at Colorado.
"I already understand the system," Campbell said. "Being with Coach Marion, it just made the adjustment easy. I know what he expects."
But Campbell's journey to Boulder has been anything but conventional.
A native of Refugio, Texas, he began his collegiate career at Texas A&M before transferring to Sacramento State and now Colorado, navigating multiple stops in a short period of time. Through it all, he has embraced the process.
"As an athlete, you've got to do what it takes," Campbell said. "If you want to be where you want to be, you've got to get it done."
That mindset was shaped long before college, rooted in a small Texas town where football was everything and reinforced by the sacrifices of his family, especially his mother.
From long drives to training sessions to unwavering support, those moments continue to fuel him daily.
"Every time I don't feel like doing it, I think about what she did for me," Campbell said. "That's who I play for."
Despite not having prototypical size, Campbell carries himself with a different mentality, one built on confidence and belief.
"I might not be the biggest receiver, but in my mind I am," he said. "I'm going to go up and get it."
That combination of speed, confidence and production has already made an impression within Colorado's wide receiver room, a group defined by versatility and explosiveness.
"We're all different, but we all play big," Campbell said. "We've got speed, we've got size, and we compete."
While balancing football and track presents its challenges, Campbell has embraced the opportunity to excel in both, leaning on communication and preparation to manage the workload.
"Once you have a plan, it becomes easy," he said. "You just have to stay locked in."
For Campbell, track is not just a complement to football, it is an extension of it. A way to sharpen the very tool that defines his game.
"Football comes first," he said. "Track just helps me use my speed."
Now, as he prepares for his first season in Boulder, Campbell's goals are simple and direct.
"A whole lot of touchdowns and deep balls," he said with a smile.
Fans can catch Campbell and the Buffaloes as they open the 2026 season in Atlanta against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Thursday, Sept. 3.
Colorado Athletics has also unveiled its themes for the 2026 season, with two game mini plans and season tickets now on sale. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the football ticket page.
The dual sport athlete, in his first indoor track meet for the Black and Gold, wasted no time showcasing the elite speed that has already made him one of the most intriguing playmakers on the roster. At the Colorado Classic, Campbell turned heads with a 6.76 in the 60 meters, the ninth fastest time in program history, immediately placing himself among the program's top performers.
He carried that momentum into the outdoor season, opening at the Dr. Dan Caprioglio Early Bird Invitational with a 10.35 in the 100 meters, a mark that puts him in rare company alongside some of football's fastest names. Players like Tyreek Hill (10.10), DK Metcalf (10.36), and Olympic gold medalist Jim Hines (9.95) have all posted blazing times on the track, reinforcing the level of speed Campbell brings to Boulder.
Campbell currently ranks 16th in the Big 12 Conference and 66th in the NCAA West Region in the 100 meters, further establishing himself as a rising name on the conference and regional stage.
That same burst, the one that earned him the nickname "Flash," is what Campbell believes separates him every time he steps on the field.
"I've always been one of the fastest," Campbell said. "When I step on the field, I feel like nobody can run with me. That's how I play."
Campbell's success on the oval now looks to translate to the gridiron, where he arrives in Boulder following a breakout freshman campaign under offensive coordinator Brennan Marion at Sacramento State. In Marion's system, Campbell thrived as a vertical threat, averaging over 20-yards per reception and consistently taking the top off opposing defenses.
That familiarity with Marion's offense has allowed for a seamless transition at Colorado.
"I already understand the system," Campbell said. "Being with Coach Marion, it just made the adjustment easy. I know what he expects."
But Campbell's journey to Boulder has been anything but conventional.
A native of Refugio, Texas, he began his collegiate career at Texas A&M before transferring to Sacramento State and now Colorado, navigating multiple stops in a short period of time. Through it all, he has embraced the process.
"As an athlete, you've got to do what it takes," Campbell said. "If you want to be where you want to be, you've got to get it done."
That mindset was shaped long before college, rooted in a small Texas town where football was everything and reinforced by the sacrifices of his family, especially his mother.
From long drives to training sessions to unwavering support, those moments continue to fuel him daily.
"Every time I don't feel like doing it, I think about what she did for me," Campbell said. "That's who I play for."
Despite not having prototypical size, Campbell carries himself with a different mentality, one built on confidence and belief.
"I might not be the biggest receiver, but in my mind I am," he said. "I'm going to go up and get it."
That combination of speed, confidence and production has already made an impression within Colorado's wide receiver room, a group defined by versatility and explosiveness.
"We're all different, but we all play big," Campbell said. "We've got speed, we've got size, and we compete."
While balancing football and track presents its challenges, Campbell has embraced the opportunity to excel in both, leaning on communication and preparation to manage the workload.
"Once you have a plan, it becomes easy," he said. "You just have to stay locked in."
For Campbell, track is not just a complement to football, it is an extension of it. A way to sharpen the very tool that defines his game.
"Football comes first," he said. "Track just helps me use my speed."
Now, as he prepares for his first season in Boulder, Campbell's goals are simple and direct.
"A whole lot of touchdowns and deep balls," he said with a smile.
Fans can catch Campbell and the Buffaloes as they open the 2026 season in Atlanta against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Thursday, Sept. 3.
Colorado Athletics has also unveiled its themes for the 2026 season, with two game mini plans and season tickets now on sale. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the football ticket page.
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