Coach Prime admitted this week that the offensive line has been hit by injuries during fall camp. He called it “the one unit you cannot afford to lose bodies in.” When protection breaks down the entire offense feels it.

Colorado’s line has depth, but much of it comes from seniority rather than proven dominance. That puts Jordan Seaton at the center of attention. He was expected to anchor this group and now the pressure is even greater with veterans sidelined.

Last season the Buffaloes struggled with protection and a run game that rarely found rhythm. If Colorado wants to rise in 2025 it starts in the trenches. Prime’s program is built on flash and fight. The flash is obvious with the cameras and the stars. The fight is here in August when linemen battle for cohesion and consistency.

For fans there may be a temptation to panic. In reality this may be more noise than signal. The players in that room know the expectations. They are being responsible about getting treatment and staying ready. There are still eleven days until kickoff and the real grind of the schedule does not arrive until week four. Early games provide a chance for younger players and transfers to gain valuable reps.

The opener against Georgia Tech will be no warm up. The Yellow Jackets play a physical style and they will test Colorado’s protection on the edges. It is a difficult challenge for a line still working through injuries, but also the perfect chance to show resilience. Friday night lights in Boulder on national television will demand an answer.

Line instability has been a theme in Boulder for several years. The room is set to change that narrative. Health is certain to be key. Prime summed it up best: “You can have stars everywhere else, but if the line crumbles the whole house does.”

This season the foundation is being tested before the first snap. By the time the Buffaloes line up on August 29 against Georgia Tech, we will know whether this group is ready to deliver the kind of fight that wins games.