The Colorado Buffaloes will honor their seniors on March 2, 2024, as they face the Arizona State Sun Devils in their last home game at Folsom Field in Boulder. The matchup, scheduled for a 6 p.m. MT kickoff, marks a significant milestone for the players, many of whom have experienced unique paths to this moment.
Senior day is typically a bittersweet occasion, and this year is no different for the Buffs. With 37 seniors on the roster, the emotions are palpable as players reflect on their journeys. Head coach Deion Sanders expressed his feelings about the event, stating, “Emotional. I don’t know how I’m going to act.” Last year, he witnessed the senior day ceremonies for his sons, Shedeur and Shilo, which were filled with heartfelt moments.
Among the seniors is Arden Walker, a defensive end who initially chose to play at Missouri before returning to his home state. Walker’s journey illustrates the modern landscape of college sports, where the transfer portal has significantly altered the traditional senior day narrative. Reflecting on his experience, he said, “Honestly, I’m grateful. It’s definitely kind of crazy to see how fast college went by.” He is particularly proud to represent a legacy, as his father, Arthur Walker, played for the Buffs from 1986 to 1989.
As the team prepares for Arizona State, players are also grappling with their futures. Some seniors, like Gavriel Lightfoot and DeKalon Taylor, have played four games or fewer and could opt for a redshirt year. Others, including safety Ben Finneseth, are hoping to receive medical redshirts to extend their college careers.
For many, senior day serves as a culmination of hard work and perseverance. Notably, backup long snapper Camden Dempsey is one player who has spent his entire career with the Buffs, having walked on in 2021. Running back Charlie Offerdahl, who medically retired earlier this year, also plans to participate in the ceremonies.
Senior Class Dynamics
The senior class is a diverse group, encompassing players who have spent varying amounts of time at the university. Walker, for instance, represents one of eight seniors who have been with the program for three years. He remarked, “I didn’t feel any pressure, to be honest. At the end of the day, it’s your life, and you’re the one driving the ship.”
Linebacker Jeremiah Brown, who transferred from Jackson State along with several teammates, also shared his thoughts. He described the upcoming day as “bittersweet” but acknowledged the growing emotional weight as the event approaches. This reflects the broader experience of many players who have navigated different colleges before arriving at CU.
The Buffs’ roster also includes seven second-year seniors and 15 first-year seniors, highlighting the varied experiences within the team. Players such as cornerback Ivan Yates, who played at Furman before transferring, have embraced their time in Boulder, stating, “It’s been nothing but tremendous. Everything I came here for, honestly.”
As the team gears up for the game against Arizona State, the emotional significance of senior day resonates deeply among the players. Each individual’s journey contributes to a collective narrative that showcases resilience, growth, and the pursuit of excellence.
As kickoff approaches, the excitement at Folsom Field will likely be matched by an outpouring of support from family and friends in attendance. Walker summed up the sentiment shared by many, saying, “It’s been nothing but a blessing, for sure.” The celebration of their contributions to the program will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the players and fans alike.
