If you walked into Folsom Field last year, you were probably looking for Travis Hunter’s latest highlight or waiting to see Shedeur Sanders launch a deep ball. That makes sense. They were the headliners. But if you watched the 2025 season closely, you might have noticed number 85 quietly moving the chains in ways the Buffaloes hadn't seen in years. Zach Atkins, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound tight end, has become one of the most fascinating case studies in Deion Sanders' ongoing roster experiment.
People often assume every player at Colorado is a blue-chip recruit who followed Coach Prime from Jackson State or a flashy five-star aiming for the Heisman. Honestly, Atkins is the opposite of that. He’s a blue-collar "late bloomer" who grinded his way through the Division II ranks at Northwest Missouri State before betting on himself in the transfer portal.
The Division II Gamble That Paid Off
You’ve gotta respect the hustle. Atkins wasn't some highly-touted recruit coming out of Blue Valley Southwest High School in Olathe, Kansas. Despite putting up massive numbers as a wide receiver—we're talking 79 catches for over 1,000 yards as a senior—he ended up at the D2 level. Most guys would have stayed there, had a nice career, and called it a day.
But Atkins? He grew. He bulked up. He transitioned from a skinny wideout to a "true weapon" at tight end. After three seasons with the Bearcats, including a 2024 campaign where he hauled in 18 receptions for 179 yards and three scores, he decided it was time to move up.
When he entered the portal, he wasn't just some roster filler. He was the No. 12 ranked tight end in the country per 247Sports. Schools like LSU and Arkansas were calling. Basically, everyone wanted a piece of the guy who could block like a tackle and run routes like a receiver. He chose Boulder, and that’s where things got interesting.
Why Zach Atkins Became the X-Factor in 2025
For a long time, the Colorado offense was basically "pass first, ask questions later." In 2024, their tight ends barely saw the ball—nine catches all year. That’s it. It made them predictable. Defenses could just pin their ears back and rush the quarterback because there was no threat in the middle of the field.
Zach Atkins changed that dynamic. He didn't just show up; he forced his way onto the field. He played in all 12 games in 2025 and started seven of them.
A Statistical Breakdown of the Junior Campaign
If you just look at the raw box score, you might miss the impact. He finished fourth on the team with 20 receptions for 149 yards. Those aren't "Bowers-esque" numbers, sure, but they were clutch. He became a safety valve for the quarterback.
One of the weirdest—and honestly most memorable—moments of his season happened against Houston. He didn't catch a touchdown pass. Instead, he scooped up a fumble from Ryan Staub and fell into the end zone for his first score as a Buff. It sort of perfectly encapsulates his game: being in the right place at the right time.
- Receptions: 20
- Yards: 149
- Rank: 16th among Big 12 tight ends in receptions.
- The "Sanders Stamp": Deion Sanders publicly called him a player with "pro potential" mid-season.
When Coach Prime says you have NFL ability, people listen. By late November, the coaching staff was actively trying to find ways to get him more involved. Against Arizona State, he was a primary focus of the game plan because the Buffs needed his size to handle a physical Sun Devils defense.
The Bridge Between Eras
What most people get wrong about Zach Atkins is thinking he’s just a stop-gap. In reality, he served as a crucial bridge during a massive transition period. With the 2024 superstars headed to the NFL, the 2025 squad had to be more balanced. They couldn't just live in "10 personnel" (four wide receivers) anymore.
Atkins brought that "11 personnel" versatility. He can line up on the line of scrimmage and move a defensive end, or he can flex out into the slot and beat a linebacker. That versatility is exactly what young quarterbacks like Julian "JuJu" Lewis need.
Honestly, it’s about leadership too. Atkins came in as an older guy with three years of college ball under his belt. He wasn't there to be a TikTok star; he was there to work. He’s been vocal about wanting to help the younger guys acclimate, which is a vibe that's sometimes missing in the portal era.
What’s Next for the Buffaloes' Tight End?
Looking ahead to 2026, the expectations are shifting. Atkins still has a year of eligibility left, and he’s made it clear his goal is the NFL. For him to get there, we need to see the "red zone threat" version of him more often.
He’s already proven he can block. He’s proven he can find the soft spots in a zone. Now, he needs to become the guy who demands a double team when the ball is inside the 20-yard line. If he can turn those 20-reception seasons into 40 or 50, he won't just be a "reliable target"—he’ll be a draft pick.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Scouts
If you’re tracking his progress, keep an eye on these three specific areas:
1. Watch the Personnel Grouping Notice how often Colorado stays in 11 personnel when Atkins is on the field. If they are running the ball effectively, it’s usually because he’s sealing the edge or creating a lane on the backside.
2. Third-Down Efficiency Atkins has a massive catch radius (6'4"). In 2026, his value will be measured by how many "third-and-six" situations he converts. He’s the ultimate "safety blanket" for a quarterback under pressure.
3. Red Zone Usage This is the final piece of the puzzle. He has the frame to box out defenders. Look for more "fade" routes or "seam" balls directed his way in scoring territory. If his touchdown count jumps, his draft stock will soar.
Zach Atkins might not be the loudest player in Boulder, but he’s quickly becoming the most indispensable one for a team trying to prove it can win with grit as much as glamour.
Keep an eye on the official Colorado Buffaloes roster and Big 12 stat leaders during the 2026 spring camp to see if his weight and speed metrics continue to trend toward the NFL standard.
