The Colorado Buffaloes have a rich tradition of athletic success that spans decades. From the powerful performances of the Colorado Buffaloes football team to the exciting achievements of Colorado Buffaloes basketball, the university has consistently stood out in NCAA competition. This enduring legacy reflects the hard work, passion, and loyalty of athletes, coaches, and fans who proudly represent Colorado.
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?
Colorado Buffaloes Origin
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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* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Colorado Buffaloes History
The Colorado Buffaloes have a proud and storied tradition in NCAA athletics, frequently competing against top programs such as the Iowa State Cyclones. After leaving the Big 12 Conference following the 2010 season, the university officially joined the Pac-12 Conference in 2011, where the Colorado Buffaloes football team continues to face elite competition. Their long record of bowl appearances and memorable wins makes them one of the nation’s most respected programs.
The University of Colorado first entered NCAA competition in 1948 and quickly became a powerhouse. Over the decades, the Colorado Buffaloes football team has captured one national championship in 1990 and 27 conference titles across different leagues, producing dozens of All-Americans. The program also celebrated a Heisman Trophy winner in Rashaan Salaam (1994), a symbol of the excellence that has long defined the team.
Legendary coaches have shaped the Colorado Buffaloes. Bill McCartney guided the football team to its 1990 national title and multiple top-10 finishes. Later coaches, including Rick Neuheisel, Dan Hawkins, and Mike MacIntyre, built on that tradition with bowl appearances and winning seasons. Under current head coach Deion Sanders, excitement has surged again around the Colorado Buffaloes football team, drawing national attention and renewed fan support.
The Colorado Buffaloes basketball program also plays a major role in the university’s athletic reputation. The team has earned multiple NCAA Tournament berths, including several appearances in the Round of 32 and Sweet Sixteen. Under coaches like Tad Boyle, Colorado Buffaloes basketball has consistently developed NBA talent while competing at a high level within the Pac-12 Conference.
Buffaloes Achievements
Beyond football and basketball, the Colorado Buffaloes excel in skiing, track and field, cross country, and other sports, with numerous national championships and Olympians representing the university. This wide-ranging success showcases the strength of CU’s entire athletic department and its ability to attract and develop elite student-athletes.
Today, the Colorado Buffaloes, the Colorado Buffaloes football team, and Colorado Buffaloes basketball continue to inspire fans with their competitive spirit, historic accomplishments, and vision for the future. With a passionate fan base, strong coaching leadership, and a proud tradition of excellence, CU remains one of the most iconic programs in collegiate sports.
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