Colorado football's culture shift evident early in fall camp

Perhaps the most visible traits lacking in the 2025 Colorado Buffaloes were leadership and team chemistry. The team just never seemed to find a groove off the field. That is all changing with the 2026 team.

Both DeAndre Moore and DeKalon Taylor spoke at length about a variety of topics, but the most notable theme was the complete culture shift. Leaders are emerging, and the revamped coaching staff is emphasizing that the little things matter.

“The culture itself has changed,” Taylor said. “We’re a lot more disciplined than we were last year.”

Taylor added that the team is laser-focused on the details, whether it’s your socks, pants, or even making sure to get your foot behind the line before the snap.

None of those things seemed to be emphasized last season, at least not publicly. Moore and Taylor came off as two standout offensive leaders who are helping the coaching staff complement the new culture. Moore, a Texas transfer, says he sees similarities in this Buffaloes team with his very successful Texas teams. He believes it starts with the little things.

“It’s the little things,” Moore said when asked about the similarities to Texas. “The socks being pulled up, the right underwear, putting your foot behind the line, making sure you finish through the line. This team has grown in maturity and in discipline over the past six months…Those little things are what cost you games.”

Put simply, those types of comments were absent last year from both players and coaches. While the team will ultimately be judged on wins and losses, a few days into fall camp, you can clearly tell there is a shift in the approach.

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Moore specifically was highlighted by offensive coordinator Brennan Marion as a leader and a winning player.

“I’m glad he’s on our team cause he knows how to win and lead…every team he’s been on has benn a winner.”

Marion added that Moore does everything right and is a vocal leader who is not afraid to get after someone if it is executed wrong. Accountability from a player perspective was another intangible trait that was missing last year.

Positive energy and a renewed sense of direction are evident early in camp, which is a welcome sight for Buffaloes fans who witnessed a 3-9 football team lacking chemistry both on and off the field. Player leadership is probably the biggest bright spot and a clear improvement from a year ago. Deion Sanders’ team is focused on achieving success in year four, and while it ultimately comes down to wins, there are clear signs that a winning culture is being established.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football’s culture shift evident early in fall camp