Five takeaways from Colorado football's final spring media session

Colorado football held its final spring camp media availability on Thursday, when both coordinators and safety Ben Finneseth spoke.

It was a very eye-opening press conference with Chris Marve and Brennan Marion, revealing how their units have grown this spring and Finneseth shedding light on the off-field culture-building that he is heading up.

Here are five takeaways from today's presser, including what we found out about the 2026 team as spring camp wraps up this weekend.

Colorado's defensive identity

Linebacker Tyler Martinez drops back in pass coverage as the Aggies opened their season on Saturday night against the Bryant Bulldogs at Aggie Memorial Stadium.

One thing that became abundantly clear was defensive coordinator Chris Marve's philosophy for how he wants his Colorado defense to play.

"I think we really established an identity this spring," Marve said. "We've made it crystal clear who we want to be and how we want to do things. We have four metrics...we want to be violent and aggressive, play extremely fast, play smart and have relentless effort."

A clear identity was something last year's defense never found, and early on, the 2026 team seems to have, at the very least, something to strive for.

Marve noted that linebackers Tyler Martinez, Gideon Lampron and Liona Lefau have played well this spring.

Go-Go offense installation progress

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 30: Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Brennan Marion of the UNLV Rebels looks on during warmups before a game against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Allegiant Stadium on November 30, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Rebels defeated the Wolf Pack 38-14. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

An entirely new offensive system is being installed by offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, making each spring practice that much more significant. On Thursday, Marion seemed pleased with the implementation process.

"We have enough offense to get through an entire season right now," Marion said. "All our base plays are in with some special plays. We have a lot of our offense (installed) and the guys have grapsed it really well."

While Marion did reveal that the offense during Saturday's spring game will be "vanilla," the Buffs seem ready to reveal their new look offense come Week 1.

Colorado's coaching staff

Nov 1, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders on the sidelines in the second quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Brennan Marion joined Colorado's staff to lead a Power Four offense and work under Coach Prime, but the coaching staff around him has impressed him.

"I think this is the best coaching staff that I've been a part of that wants the plays to work," Marion said. "Coach Prime put together a great staff that is hungry for knowledge are great teachers and actally care about the guys."

The overall cohesion of the program, especially with the coaching staff, has drastically improved and is perhaps at its highest level since Deion Sanders took over in 2022.

The Buffs' offense will be explosive

Nov 22, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis (10) scrambles in the first quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Marion's offenses are known for being explosive, and he sees this Buffs offense as one of those units.

"I'm very excited about what we can do with the guys that we have here now," Marion said. "We will be a very explosive offense this year."

Colorado was far from explosive last year, but a new offensive system and a replenished group of skill players change the outlook heading into 2026.

A culture is being established

Nov 9, 2024; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffalos defensive safety Ben Finneseth (28) tackles Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Jordan Brown (4) in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

Safety Ben Finneseth talked at length about the 2026 Buffs, specifically pointing out how the Indiana Hoosiers built their national title-winning team.

"I think there is a lot to learn about how Indiana built their team last year," Finneseth said. "They had zero four and five-star recruits. You don't need those types of recruits to win. Thye had a player led team and a culture that players wnated to buy into."

"That's been our focus as a leadership group and as a team. Let's build a culture that everyne wants to buy into."

Finneseth added that he is planning several get-togethers this summer, including a camping trip, some barbecues and perhaps even a weekly weekend hangout. Player leadership was arguably the most glaring deficiency throughout the entire program last season. The fact that a clear emphasis is being put on fixing those issues is a telling sign.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football spring takeaways from Chris Marve, Brennan Marion