The Colorado football program, along with Arizona State, Arizona, and Utah, is set to join the Big 12 next season, expanding the conference to a 16-team league. This move aims to offset the departure of Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC. Commissioner Brett Yormark and the Big 12 actively pursued several Pac-12 teams to switch conferences. Colorado became the first team to officially transition to the Big 12, securing a significant signing bonus upon leaving the Pac-12, which currently consists of only two teams.
According to Sports Business Journal, the Big 12 provided the Colorado Buffaloes with a $2.5 million “signing bonus” to encourage their departure from the Pac-12. Interestingly, the other three Pac-12 teams moving to the Big 12 did not receive a similar bonus offer. Colorado, which posted a 4-8 record last season and suffered a 1-11 season in 2022, has extended their losing streak to seven consecutive years.
After 13 seasons in the Pac-12, the Colorado football program will rejoin the Big 12 in 2024. Previously, from 1948 to 2010, the Buffaloes were part of the Big 12 (formerly known as the Big 8 and Big 7), during which they achieved notable success, including a national championship in 1990.
Reports indicate that the University of Colorado was offered a $2.5 million signing bonus by the Big 12 as an incentive to switch from the Pac-12.
Other Pac-12 teams that subsequently joined the Big 12 did not receive a similar bonus offer.
Last season, Colorado received a $2.5 million signing bonus offer to return to the Big 12. Colorado made the move to the Big 12 in late summer, with Utah, Arizona, and Arizona State following shortly afterward. However, according to several reports, only Colorado was offered a multi-million dollar signing bonus to depart from the Pac-12.
During this week’s conference media days, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark commented on the conference additions, stating, “I won’t delve into my negotiation strategies, but we were delighted that Colorado was the first to make the move. Ultimately, one team led to four, if you think about it. Whatever we did in those negotiations appeared to be quite successful for us.”
The Colorado football program, amidst a seven-season losing streak, will transition to the Big 12 in 2024. Last season, under head coach Deion Sanders, the Buffaloes recorded a 4-8 record. They started strong with a 4-2 record, including a notable road victory against a ranked TCU Horned Frogs team, but faltered in the final six games, ending the season winless.
Coach Prime and the Buffs heavily relied on the transfer portal to build their roster last year, a strategy they continue to employ this season. According to Ourlads, Colorado is set to introduce 12 new starters next season, with 11 acquired via the transfer portal.
Offensively, Colorado will once again feature the pass-catching duo of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. Despite the team’s late-season struggles, quarterback Shedeur Sanders concluded the year with 3,230 yards, 27 touchdowns, and only three interceptions, completing nearly 70% of his passes. Additionally, Travis Hunter earned All-American recognition in 2023 for his performance, tallying 57 receptions and three interceptions. Hunter remains one of college football’s top talents heading into the upcoming fall season.