College Sports Established
1890
Location
Boulder, Colorado
College Name
University of Colorado Boulder
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1907 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
2024 - Present / Big 12 Conference
2011 – 2024 / PAC 12 Conference
1996 - 2011 / Big 12 Conference
1964 – 1996 / Big Eight Conference
1947 – 1964 / Big Seven Conference
Nickname
Buffaloes - The Colorado Buffaloes have been a staple of collegiate sports for many years. While the team has changed, one thing remains their nickname – the Buffaloes. But where did this nickname come from?
It all began in 1934 when University of Colorado football coach Fred Folsom sought a new mascot to represent his team. After considering several different animals, he eventually settled on buffalos due to their strength and courage - qualities he also wanted his players to embody. The name stuck and soon became integral to CU’s university and athletic program identity.
Over time, fans adopted various nicknames related to “the Buffalo,” such as “Ralphie” (a live buffalo who leads them onto the field during home games) or simply "Buffs" (shortened version). These names are often used interchangeably by supporters today!
As members of NCAA Division I-FBS, The University Of Colorado Boulder competes in numerous sports, including basketball, baseball/softball, soccer & more! In 2020 they won two conference championships in both men's basketball & women's cross country, respectively, making them one of only four schools nationwide with multiple titles that year - proving just how far they've come since first adopting their beloved moniker back in 1934!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 1
1990
Soccer 0
- 1889
- 1990
- 2010
- 2012
- 2020
- 2023
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University establishes its first football team
In 1889: The university establishes its football team and plays its first game against the Colorado School of Mines, resulting in a 4-0 victory for the Buffaloes. -
Buffaloes 1990 Football Champions
Colorado won its first national championship in 1990 under the direction of head coach Bill McCartney, who helmed the team from 1982 to 1994. The national title was split with Georgia Tech who won the United Press International Coaches Poll, whereas Colorado won the Associated Press and Football Writers Association of America polls. The largest arguments against Colorado were that ... -
Colorado leave the Big 12 Conference and join the Pac-12 Conference
In 2010: Colorado announces its decision to leave the Big 12 Conference and join the Pac-12 Conference, starting in the 2011 season. -
2012 Pac-12 Tournament champions
The Buffs won their first conference tournament championship in 2012, their first year in the Pac-12 conference. Led by tournament MVP Carlon Brown, the 6th-seeded Buffs won four games in four days to bring the championship back to Boulder and earn an invitation to the 2012 NCAA tournament where they would go on to beat UNLV in the second round ... -
Karl Dorrell is hired as the head football coach
In 2020: Karl Dorrell is hired as the head football coach, bringing stability to the program. The Buffaloes have a successful season, earning a berth in the Alamo Bowl. -
Coach Prime – Deion Sanders leads Colorado Buffaloes to a historic season
Deion Sanders, also known as Coach Prime, has made history in his first year as the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes. The former NFL star and Hall of Famer took over the struggling program in December 2022, after leading Jackson State University to two consecutive SWAC championships and an undefeated season in 2022. Sanders brought his charisma, passion and ...
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History of the Buffaloes
The University of Colorado first joined the NCAA as a charter member in 1948 and has become one of college football’s most successful programs over time. During its tenure with the conference, they've won two national championships (1990 & 1991) and four conference titles (1989-91 & 2001). The program also boasts three Heisman Trophy winners: Rashaan Salaam (1994), Chris Brown (1998), and Eric Crouch (2001).
In addition to their success on the field, CU also has had some great coaches throughout its history, including Bill McCartney, who led them to their two national championships; Rick Neuheisel, who took them to five bowl games during his tenure; Dan Hawkins who brought stability after years without postseason play; Mike MacIntyre whose rebuilding efforts resulted in three consecutive winning seasons from 2012-14; and current head coach Mel Tucker whose first season saw just enough improvement for him earn Coach Of The Year honors from several publications across America!
Overall, there is much excitement surrounding this program right now due to past successes and potential future ones under Tucker’s leadership - making now an ideal time for any fan looking to get involved with following or supporting CU athletics!
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