The Colorado Buffaloes will celebrate senior day this Saturday as they host the Arizona State Sun Devils at Folsom Field in Boulder. The game is set for 6 p.m. MT and marks the final home appearance for many players, each with unique experiences throughout their college careers.
Among the seniors is Arden Walker, a defensive end who initially began his college journey at Missouri. “Honestly, I’m grateful,” Walker stated, reflecting on his time at CU. “It’s definitely kind of crazy to see how fast college went by, obviously starting at Missouri and coming back home.” Walker’s return to CU is emblematic of the shifting landscape of college athletics, where the transfer portal has changed how players conclude their careers.
The atmosphere at Folsom Field will be charged with emotion, particularly for head coach Deion Sanders, who previously experienced the significance of senior day with his sons. “Emotional,” Sanders commented, expressing uncertainty about how he would react during the festivities. This year, the Buffaloes have a diverse group of seniors, with 37 of the 102 players on the roster identified as seniors, though the exact number participating in the ceremony remains uncertain.
Mixed Experiences Among Seniors
Several seniors, such as Gavriel Lightfoot and DeKalon Taylor, have played in four games or fewer and may opt for a redshirt year. In contrast, others, including cornerback DJ McKinney, are classified as seniors despite being fourth-year juniors. Safety Ben Finneseth, meanwhile, hopes to receive a medical redshirt and return next season.
Only one player, long snapper Camden Dempsey, is exhausting his eligibility after spending his entire college career with the Buffaloes. Dempsey, who walked on to the team in 2021, encapsulates the journey of a player committed to one program. Running back Charlie Offerdahl, who medically retired earlier this season, also plans to participate in the senior day activities.
Walker stands out as one of the most experienced players, now in his third year with the program. His connection to CU runs deep, as his father, Arthur Walker, played for the Buffaloes from 1986 to 1989. “I didn’t feel any pressure, to be honest,” Walker said about returning to CU. “If anything, something my dad honestly told me was just like, at the end of the day, it’s your life, and you’re the one driving the ship.”
A Collective Journey
The senior class includes a mix of players who have spent varying amounts of time with the program. Linebacker Jeremiah Brown, offensive lineman Tyler Brown, and kicker Alejandro Mata all previously played under Sanders at Jackson State before transferring to CU. Brown described his emotions as “bittersweet,” adding that the intensity of feelings has increased as the day approaches.
Among the seniors, a significant number are in their first year with the Buffaloes. This group features quarterback Kaidon Salter and receiver Sincere Brown, both of whom have begun to make their mark on the team. “It’s been a long journey,” said Zarian McGill, the starting center who has played at multiple colleges before arriving at CU. “I’m blessed to be able to come here to Colorado.”
As the Buffaloes prepare for their final home game, the players will undoubtedly feel a blend of pride and nostalgia. Whatever their individual paths may have been, they will all come together to celebrate their time at Folsom Field. “It’s been nothing but a blessing, for sure,” Walker concluded, embodying the sentiments of many seniors as they prepare to close this chapter of their lives.
