As the Colorado football team sputtered to a 3-9 record during the 2025 season, players and coaches talked about the lack of leadership within the locker room.
Zach Atkins was adamant that would change.
Through the first two weeks of spring practices, Atkins is doing his part to make sure there is stronger leadership as the Buffaloes prepare for the 2026 campaign.
“Yeah, I think that started in the weight room all January and February,” said Atkins, a senior tight end. “I think it started with everything, with all our transfers and stuff, just welcoming them in and making sure that they feel good and at home.
“I think that starts with me leading my room and being the alpha in my room and then spreading that to the whole offense and then the whole team. So, itap been a lot of fun, honestly.”
Atkins, who transferred to CU last year, is one of the most experienced players in a CU uniform, as there has been significant changes to the roster this offseason.
Head coach Deion Sanders and his staff, however, made a point of bringing in players with leadership qualities, and Atkins has seen that on display.
“Oh, I’m definitely seeing a lot more leadership,” he said. “I’m seeing a lot more hungry guys. I’m seeing just this whole team that just wants something and we’re going to go chase it.”
Atkins is determined to make this a great season for himself and the Buffs, and he’s looking for a big role not only as a leader, but within the new Go-Go offense installed by first-year coordinator Brennan Marion.
“Itap every pass-catching tight end’s dream,” Atkins said of the Go-Go, which relies on a strong run game and big passes. “I can do both (block and catch) and I’m working on doing both, but this offense has been unbelievable to learn and play in. … I can line up at number one, in the slot, or in the core. So just having that availability is awesome.”
Atkins made seven starts last year in his first season with the Buffs, finishing with 20 catches for 149 yards. His new position coach, Josh Niblett, sees even greater potential.
“I mean, he brings a whole different skill set to the table because he’s a guy that can play out on the perimeter, he’s a guy that can play the hybrid position,” Niblett said. “He’s a guy that continuously works, as we want to grow our room to where we can do them all.”
The tight end room saw the least amount of turnover this offseason, with five of the six players back from last year.
The room includes senior Brady Kopetz, a former walk-on awarded a scholarship this winter; redshirt freshmen Zayne DeSouza and Corbin Laisure; and walk-on junior Charlie Williams. Fisher Clements, a senior transfer from Northern Colorado, is the only newcomer.
Atkins has by far the most experience in the group, especially when it comes to catching passes, and the Go-Go could give him an even more expanded role.
“I’ve never really had that my whole college career,” he said. “So being in this offense is really just like a dream come true for me. And then my goal is also to bring these other guys along with me and I want to grow the whole room.”
