The Colorado Buffaloes had their sights set on making a statement against the Kansas Jayhawks, a pivotal matchup that could have catapulted them into contention for the Big 12 Championship. Since Deion Sanders took the reins following a dismal 1-11 season, the Buffs have aimed to prove their mettle, and this game was seen as a defining moment. A victory would have positioned them as frontrunners for the conference title, solidifying their status as one of college football’s most compelling turnaround stories.

However, the Buffs seemed unsettled at times, struggling on both sides of the ball against a relentless Kansas team. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders led Colorado’s resurgence and found himself under constant pressure. His frustration boiled over after a controversial late hit below the knees went unpenalized, a play that many, including Sanders himself, believed warranted a flag. The lack of officiating consistency added to the Buffs’ struggles, impacting their rhythm and momentum.

Despite the adversity, Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter showcased his undeniable talent. Down 17-0 in the second quarter, Hunter’s determination shone through as he scored his first touchdown of the game on a screen pass from Sanders, igniting a comeback attempt. Hunter’s performance was historic, setting his fifth 100-yard receiving game of the season. He finished the contest with eight receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns, further cementing his place as one of the nation’s premier playmakers. Yet, even Hunter’s heroics weren’t enough to secure a win, as the Buffs fell short against the Jayhawks.

The loss caused Colorado to slide seven spots to No. 23 in the AP Top 25 rankings, leaving their Big 12 Championship hopes hanging by a thread. They now find themselves in a four-way tie in conference play, needing favorable outcomes from games involving Arizona State, Iowa State, and BYU to keep their championship aspirations alive.

As the Buffs prepare for their final regular-season game against Oklahoma State, they remain bowl eligible and eager to showcase their resilience. Coach Prime and his squad are determined to end the season on a high note, with eyes on securing a marquee bowl game. Senior Day at Folsom Field promises to be a spectacle, as the Buffs aim to prove that their journey under Coach Prime is far from over (Noon ET/TV: ABC).

Associated Press

Longwood Lancers (6-1) vs. Kansas State Wildcats (4-2)

Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands; Monday, 5:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Wildcats -9.5; over/under is 141.5

BOTTOM LINE: Longwood and Kansas State square off in Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands.

The Wildcats have a 4-2 record against non-conference oppponents. Kansas State is ninth in the Big 12 with 16.3 assists per game led by Dug McDaniel averaging 5.0.

The Lancers have a 6-1 record in non-conference games. Longwood has a 1-0 record in games decided by 3 points or fewer.

Kansas State is shooting 45.1% from the field this season, 0.4 percentage points higher than the 44.7% Longwood allows to opponents. Longwood averages 5.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.6 fewer made shots on average than the 8.0 per game Kansas State allows.

TOP PERFORMERS: David N’Guessan is shooting 68.6% and averaging 14.3 points for the Wildcats.

K.J. McClurg is averaging 14.3 points for the Lancers.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Kansas State has struck twice after a busy weekend on the recruiting trail. After adding junior college defensive tackle Patrick Tackie just an hour and a half before, high school wideout Arrion Concepcion has also committed to K-State.

Like Tackie and a few others before him, the recruitment of the wide receiver was a major sprint. The senior wide receiver de-committed from NC State November 17. Kansas State offered him November 18 and worked quickly to schedule an official visit.

The Charlotte natives official visit was this weekend. He was joined by Tackie and two other high school receivers Quinten Gibson and Larry Porter. Could another commitment be on the way? It is possible as we rapidly approach the Early Signing Period. A major tip of the hat goes to K-State wide receivers coach Matthew Middleton and the Wildcats recruiting staff for making Concepcion feel at home in a short period of time to commit to Kansas State.

In total, the senior held offers from Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Georgia Southern, Indiana, Liberty, Louisville, Marshall, Memphis, Miami, NC State, Temple, Troy and Virginia Tech. Over the summer he took official visits to NC State and Virginia Tech.

If the last name sounds familiar, his older brother KC Concepcion is a wide receiver at NC State and played against K-State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Last season the older Concepcion was voted ACC Rookie of the Year after totaling 839 yards and 10 touchdowns. This season he has 59 catches for 479 yards and five touchdowns for the Wolfpack.

In total Arrion Concepcion is commitment No. 22 for Kansas State in the 2025 recruiting class. He joins illon Duff, Weston Polk, Will Kemna, Martel Jackson, Adonis Moise, Dalton Knapp, Sawyer Schilke, JoJo Scott, Maguire Richman, Dominic Mitchell, Brock Heath, Linkon Cure,  RJ Collins, Monterrio Elston, Ashton Moore, Noah King, Logan Bartley, Brad Stanyer and Darien Whitaker and Tackie.