College Football’s Top 50 Fanbases

35. Colorado

The good

The list of national championship-winning programs in the modern era is short. Colorado is part of that exclusive club, clinching their own title in 1990.

The bad

Stuck in the middle of the country between the natural territory of the Big Ten, Big 12 and Pac-12, Colorado seemingly operates as a one-man ship, tending to disconnected from national attention.

The bottom line

Ralphie the Buffalo remains one of the most iconic mascots in all of college sports. Folsom Field serves as an intimate outpost for football in the west. One of the few prominent programs in the region, Colorado has maintained its special charm throughout decades of play — many of which have seen great success.

The Buffs aren’t the only program struggling to juggle all the requirements of competing in the new world dominated by recruiting rankings and facilities battles. They’ve taken a step back since leaving the Pac-12, but there’s room for a renewed zeal if new coach Mel Tucker can turn things around.