Colorado University Athletics
Colorado Wraps Spring Practice, Turns Attention To Black and Gold Game
April 09, 2026 | Football
BOULDER — With the annual AT&T Black and Gold Spring Game now just days away, the Colorado Buffaloes closed out their spring practice slate inside Folsom Field on Thursday with a clear sense of what has been built over the last 14 practices: identity, competition and chemistry.
As Colorado transitions from spring installation to spring game week, both offensive coordinator Brennan Marion and defensive coordinator Chris Marve said the Buffs made steady strides in establishing the standards, structure and togetherness needed to carry momentum into the summer and eventually the 2026 season.
For Coach Marve, the focus all spring was building a defensive foundation that players could believe in and play fast within.
"We had four big goals for spring ball, development, identity," Marve said. "I think we really established an identity this spring. I think the guys bought into what we were trying to preach and what we believe in."
That identity, he said, is rooted in four defining traits: violence, speed, intelligence and relentless effort.
"We want to be violent and aggressive," Marve said. "We want to play extremely fast. We have to play smart. Can't beat yourself. And then at the end of the day, you have to have relentless effort."
Marve said several defenders emerged as consistent performers once the pads came on, including Tyler Martinez, Gideon Lampron and Liona Lefau, while adding that the defensive front continues to make progress as the staff molds the unit into an aggressive, disciplined group.
"I think we have some good players up front," Marve said. "We still have some work to do naturally, but I feel pretty good about that."
Just as important as the on-field development, Marve emphasized, has been the process of bringing together a defense filled with new faces. With so many players learning a new system and playing alongside teammates they had only recently met, communication and intentional relationship building became a priority from day one.
"We took a lot of time to be really intentional in figuring each other out," Marve said. "That way, when the tension or the adversity of football does come, you know who you're standing next to."
Senior safety Ben Finneseth said that same spirit has become one of the biggest strengths of this year's team.
"That's been our focus as a leadership group and as a team," Finneseth said. "Let's build a culture that everyone wants to buy into. It's not about you, it's not about me, it's about the team and how can we make the team better."
Though sidelined this spring while recovering from injury, Finneseth said he has leaned into a leadership role by mastering the defense mentally and helping unite teammates off the field. He said the Buffaloes have spent time together at church, hosted a team barbecue on Easter and already started organizing offseason bonding activities for the summer.
"We're gonna start making that a weekend thing," Finneseth said. "Just trying to get everyone around each other has been the biggest thing."
Finneseth also praised the secondary for the way it has developed throughout camp, pointing to the depth, playmaking ability and buy in across the room.
"I think the secondary is going to be the best room on the whole team this year, to be honest with you," Finneseth said.
On the other side of the ball, Coach Marion said spring was about more than simply installing plays. It was also about discovering what this particular roster does best and shaping the offense around those strengths.
"It's been a little bit of both," Marion said. "You have to figure out exactly what the personnel is, what the guys feel really confident doing, teaching them the fundamentals that we want to see displayed on tape, but also maximizing who they are as players."
That process, he said, has put Colorado in a strong position exiting spring. Marion noted the Buffs now have enough installed offensively to function through an entire season, including situational packages, base concepts and special plays.
"We have enough offense in to go through an entire season right now," Marion said. "We have every situational football aspect that you could have in, and we have all our base plays in, then we have some special plays in as well."
Marion said the quarterbacks made important progress throughout camp, not just in understanding the system but in growing as leaders inside the huddle.
"They're just trying to not count the reps and make the reps count," Marion said. "All three quarterbacks have done that."
The next step, Marion said, is for those quarterbacks to deepen their command by learning teammates' tendencies, building trust across the offense and seeing the field faster before the snap.
"Now for them to really take that next step, it's about them getting with their guys and understanding where does he like the ball," Marion said. "And then the next part is opening your third eye and seeing the defense."
Marion also said the running back room found its rhythm as spring went on, becoming more physical and decisive, while the offense as a whole has the personnel to become explosive once the season arrives.
"We wanted to build a wall of big humans," Marion said. "And then we have everybody who can touch the ball on offense can score a touchdown on one play."
That combination of size up front and explosiveness at the skill positions has Marion eager to see what the Buffs can become after a summer of strength work, player led development and continued growth in the scheme.
Still, fans should not expect Colorado to show its full hand Saturday.
"It'll be vanilla," Marion said.
The Buffs will split into Black and Gold teams for the annual spring game, with select players drafting their teammates. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Saturday at Folsom Field.
Fans looking for a first glimpse of the 2026 Colorado Buffaloes can secure tickets now for AT&T Black and Gold Day and experience the team inside Folsom Field.
Season tickets for the 2026 campaign are also on sale. Fans are encouraged to lock in their seats for six home games this fall and be part of the pageantry and energy that define one of college football's most unique game day environments.
As Colorado transitions from spring installation to spring game week, both offensive coordinator Brennan Marion and defensive coordinator Chris Marve said the Buffs made steady strides in establishing the standards, structure and togetherness needed to carry momentum into the summer and eventually the 2026 season.
For Coach Marve, the focus all spring was building a defensive foundation that players could believe in and play fast within.
"We had four big goals for spring ball, development, identity," Marve said. "I think we really established an identity this spring. I think the guys bought into what we were trying to preach and what we believe in."
That identity, he said, is rooted in four defining traits: violence, speed, intelligence and relentless effort.
"We want to be violent and aggressive," Marve said. "We want to play extremely fast. We have to play smart. Can't beat yourself. And then at the end of the day, you have to have relentless effort."
Marve said several defenders emerged as consistent performers once the pads came on, including Tyler Martinez, Gideon Lampron and Liona Lefau, while adding that the defensive front continues to make progress as the staff molds the unit into an aggressive, disciplined group.
"I think we have some good players up front," Marve said. "We still have some work to do naturally, but I feel pretty good about that."
Just as important as the on-field development, Marve emphasized, has been the process of bringing together a defense filled with new faces. With so many players learning a new system and playing alongside teammates they had only recently met, communication and intentional relationship building became a priority from day one.
"We took a lot of time to be really intentional in figuring each other out," Marve said. "That way, when the tension or the adversity of football does come, you know who you're standing next to."
Senior safety Ben Finneseth said that same spirit has become one of the biggest strengths of this year's team.
"That's been our focus as a leadership group and as a team," Finneseth said. "Let's build a culture that everyone wants to buy into. It's not about you, it's not about me, it's about the team and how can we make the team better."
Though sidelined this spring while recovering from injury, Finneseth said he has leaned into a leadership role by mastering the defense mentally and helping unite teammates off the field. He said the Buffaloes have spent time together at church, hosted a team barbecue on Easter and already started organizing offseason bonding activities for the summer.
"We're gonna start making that a weekend thing," Finneseth said. "Just trying to get everyone around each other has been the biggest thing."
Finneseth also praised the secondary for the way it has developed throughout camp, pointing to the depth, playmaking ability and buy in across the room.
"I think the secondary is going to be the best room on the whole team this year, to be honest with you," Finneseth said.
On the other side of the ball, Coach Marion said spring was about more than simply installing plays. It was also about discovering what this particular roster does best and shaping the offense around those strengths.
"It's been a little bit of both," Marion said. "You have to figure out exactly what the personnel is, what the guys feel really confident doing, teaching them the fundamentals that we want to see displayed on tape, but also maximizing who they are as players."
That process, he said, has put Colorado in a strong position exiting spring. Marion noted the Buffs now have enough installed offensively to function through an entire season, including situational packages, base concepts and special plays.
"We have enough offense in to go through an entire season right now," Marion said. "We have every situational football aspect that you could have in, and we have all our base plays in, then we have some special plays in as well."
Marion said the quarterbacks made important progress throughout camp, not just in understanding the system but in growing as leaders inside the huddle.
"They're just trying to not count the reps and make the reps count," Marion said. "All three quarterbacks have done that."
The next step, Marion said, is for those quarterbacks to deepen their command by learning teammates' tendencies, building trust across the offense and seeing the field faster before the snap.
"Now for them to really take that next step, it's about them getting with their guys and understanding where does he like the ball," Marion said. "And then the next part is opening your third eye and seeing the defense."
Marion also said the running back room found its rhythm as spring went on, becoming more physical and decisive, while the offense as a whole has the personnel to become explosive once the season arrives.
"We wanted to build a wall of big humans," Marion said. "And then we have everybody who can touch the ball on offense can score a touchdown on one play."
That combination of size up front and explosiveness at the skill positions has Marion eager to see what the Buffs can become after a summer of strength work, player led development and continued growth in the scheme.
Still, fans should not expect Colorado to show its full hand Saturday.
"It'll be vanilla," Marion said.
The Buffs will split into Black and Gold teams for the annual spring game, with select players drafting their teammates. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Saturday at Folsom Field.
Fans looking for a first glimpse of the 2026 Colorado Buffaloes can secure tickets now for AT&T Black and Gold Day and experience the team inside Folsom Field.
Season tickets for the 2026 campaign are also on sale. Fans are encouraged to lock in their seats for six home games this fall and be part of the pageantry and energy that define one of college football's most unique game day environments.
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