Colorado
The Stat Colorado’s Defense Needs To Fix
In the new age of college football it has become very clear how important defense is and how it changes games. Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders knows this from his time as a coach but also as a player when he was a lockdown corner in the NFL.
There is one stat that was clear and had success among several playoff teams and their defenses that defensive coordinator Robert Livingston may want to replicate in 2026.
The Importance of Third Down
In many ways entire games can come down to one play and who executes better on that play. Many teams can outplay their opponents for large portions of games, but if they fail to succeed on third down all that work can go to waste.
As a defense, it is very difficult to get off the field by forcing turnovers every drive, and in reality it is unrealistic to expect that. The next best thing is winning on third down to force a punt. All this means is putting three great defensive plays together to get a stop.
MORE: Breaking Down Colorado’s Updated Running Back Room
MORE: Projected Offensive Depth Chart for the Colorado Buffaloes Next Season
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2025 Playoff Teams Success on Third Down
One of the most important statistics in college football is opponent success rate on third down and many teams that qualified for the College Football Playoff in the 2025-2026 season exemplified that.
There were seven teams that made the Playoff which ranked in the top 11 of opponent third down conversion percentage. These teams were Texas A&M, Oklahoma, James Madison, Texas Tech, Indiana, Ohio State, and Miami.
All of these teams held their opponents to a conversion rate of 31.28 percent or less on third down. The two teams that played in the national championship were in this group.
The national champion Indiana Hoosier held their opponents to a 30.10 rate which ranks eighth in the country. The Miami Hurricanes held their opponents to a rate of 31.28 which put them at 11th in the country.
Having an elite third down defense definitely has its benefits and can lead to success at the top levels of college football.
Colorado’s 2025 Defense
During the 2025 campaign, the Buffaloes ranked 34th in the country in third down conversion rate allowed at 35.22 percent. This was with a defense that was near the bottom of the country in rushing defense allowing 222.5 rush yards per game which was 135th in the country
The pass defense for Colorado was much better as it ranked 41st in the nation in passing defense, allowing 203.2 pass yards per game. This was their strength in 2025, but due to how vulnerable the rush defense was at times the distance on third down was short enough to run it.
2026 Projection
The Buffaloes have looked at their weaknesses on defense, and as a result brought in players to fix them especially on the defensive front and in the linebacker corp. After these additions, the defense has enhanced its ability to create negative plays for offenses and allow the secondary to make plays on the ball in third down situations.
With the defensive front expected to improve, as well as adding depth and experienced players all over the defense, this could be a year where Colorado takes a step up to become one of the more elite third down defenses.
Stopping the run is one of the most important things when leading up to third down as well as on third down. If this issue truly has been addressed, the Buffaloes could land themselves into the top 30 in this stat and make a real push for the College Football Playoff.
Summer swimming safety tips for children, families
Swim more safely this summer following these tips from the American Red Cross.
Last year, the buzz around Elitch Gardens was that 2025 could have been its last year — or at least the last year at its current site near Ball Arena.
But a June property deal gave sole ownership of the park’s land to Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, the owner of the arena, the Denver Nuggets, the Colorado Avalanche and other assets. That deal seemed to save Elitch Gardens at its current location for the immediate future, although the specter of a wrecking ball still looms.
Here’s a look at what Colorado’s amusement parks, water parks, fun centers and other activities have to offer in 2026.
Elitch Gardens in Denver
Colorado’s oldest amusement park kicked off its 136th year April 18 and has new events and activities planned for 2026.
Where: Downtown Denver
When it’s open: It opened for the season on April 18. Hours can vary and the most up-to-date information can be found online at its website.
Can’t miss rides: The park boasts multiple roller coasters, including Twister III, a 4,640-foot wooden coaster featuring a 90-foot drop and a pitch black tunnel. The attraction was listed as temporarily unavailable as of April 20, but other roller coasters include the Mind Eraser, Boomerang and Sidewinder.
Tickets and season passes: A day pass can run as much as $72.99, although discounts can often be found. Season passes start at $84.99, with multiple tiers of perks, with discounts sometimes available. Kids age 2 and younger get in free. Get more season pass information online
More information: elitchgardens.com
Lakeside Amusement Park in Denver
The low-cost alternative to Elitch Gardens is still finalizing plans for the 2026 season, but will be up and running for its 119th year in the same location.
Where: Denver
When it’s open: Lakeside has yet to announce an opening day but typically opens for weekends starting in mid-May before moving to a six-day-a-week schedule (no Tuesdays) from early June through mid-August. It usually closes out the season with weekends-only admission into September. Hours can also vary, so call Lakeside at 303-477-1621 to confirm hours before going.
Can’t miss rides: A smaller park, Lakeside has classic rides such as the Scrambler and the Tilt-A-Whirl. Its roller coasters include the Pinfari and Chipmunk. There’s no update on if its landmark coaster, the Cyclone, will reopen after nearly four years of sitting idle.
Tickets: 2026 pricing has not been announced yet.
More information: www.lakesideamusementpark.com
Glennwood Caverns Adventure Park near Glenwood Springs
The highest amusement park in the land, Glenwood Caverns sits at more than 7,100 feet elevation and offers both rides and chances to explore.
Where: On top of Iron Mountain
When it’s open: It has year-round operations, with all rides slated to open on May 1. The schedule is lighter outside of the summer. Its online schedule shows the park open every day from May 13 through Sept. 7, with hours stretching from 9 am. to 7 p.m. for much of that time before it starts mixing in off-days again.
Can’t miss rides: A gondola ride to the top of Iron Mountain has been a staple of the park dating to its founding, and its alpine coaster back down and cave tours all plays to its unique location. Not all rides are open every day and the harsh weather common on Colorado mountaintops can shut some attractions down, so check the weather and the website before going.
Tickets: Single-day advance tickets start at $32.99 for just gondola rides up Iron Mountain, ranging up to $62.99 for a Fun Day ticket that includes access to two cave tours, alpine coaster and other attractions on the mountaintop. Through April 30, local residents can get free annual gondola passes and a $63 discount on annual thrill passes. Annual passes without the discount are $157 for adults and $147 for children.
More information: www.glenwoodcaverns.com
North Pole – Santa’s Workshop near Colorado Springs
Experience the magic of Santa and the North Pole as early as the spring at this park on Pikes Peak.
Where: Cascade
When it’s open: May 16 marks the return of Santa and the reopening of the shops and rides. The park will be open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. into the fall, according to its website. From Oct. 28 through Dec. 24, it is slated to typically be open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Holiday week schedules can be different and weather could cause the park to close.
Can’t miss rides: The park was built for little kids, with some rides gentle enough to bring an infant on. The Candy Cane Coaster is a right-sized first coaster for preschooler, while the 60-foot high Ferris wheel gives great views of the park.
Tickets: During the summer and fall, admission to the park is free. To ride rides, purchase an all-access wristband at the park for $38 for those ages 3 to 59. Military family members and seniors can receive discounts in the spring and summer. From Oct. 28 through Dec. 24, all visitors age 3 and up entering must pay a yet-to-be-announced admission fee, which includes unlimited rides, and reservations will be required on peak days for individuals. Season passes are available, with some blackout dates.
More information: northpolecolorado.com
Water World near Denver
One of the nation’s top-rated water parks, Water World’s updates in the off-season includes its new Summit Canyon area with new waterslides and a toddler splash area.
Where: Federal Heights
When it’s open: Season starts May 23. Park hours are typically 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., although Summit Canyon will be open to 6 p.m. and special events could alter hours.
Can’t miss rides: The park has more than 50 attractions across 70 acres, including the Mile High Flyer water coaster, the Voyage to the Center of the Earth waterslide and Water World’s lazy river. All were recognized in 2025 in the USA TODAY 10BEST Reader’s Choice Awards in their respective categories.
Tickets: Advance single-day tickets for any day the park is open are $53.99 for people 48 inches and taller and $48.99 for those shorter, with discounts for tickets bought for specific days. A full season Splash Pass starts at $144.99 for people under 48 inches and $154.99 for people 48 inches and taller, with prices going up to add perks like discounts and meal plans. Guests under 40 inches always receive free admission.
More information: waterworldcolorado.com
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Cañon City
There is no shortage of ways to experience the beauty of one of Colorado’s most famous landmarks. Some are tame and one gives a unique thrill.
Where: Cañon City
When it’s open: Weather permitting, the park is open year round. The visitor’s center is typically open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and rides typically open at 10 a.m.
Can’t miss rides: The world’s highest suspension bridge is awe-inspiring on its own, and the aerial gondola gives stunning views, but the Royal Rush Skycoaster — which dangles riders 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River — can really get the heart pumping.
Tickets: General admission purchased in advance online is $34.95 for ages 12 and up and $29.95 for kids ages 3 to 11. There are additional fees for the Zipline, Skycoaster or Via Ferrata. A one-year pass is $80 for kids 3 to 11, $90 for ages 12 and up and $260 for a family of four. Discounts on season passes are available for Colorado residents through April 30.
More information: royalgorgebridge.com
Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs
The chain of hotels with their own indoor waterparks has one location in Colorado, offering guests access to waterslides and other entertainment under the same roof as their hotel.
When it’s open: Year-round. Hours vary.
Can’t miss rides: You can spin through the six-story funnel of the Howlin’ Tornado, stand up to the lapping waves of the Slap Tail Pond and race your family in the Mountain Edge Raceway.
Tickets: Rates for day passes and rooms vary greatly, so interested vacationers should look online. Deep discounts are easy to find.
More information: greatwolf.com/colorado-springs
Ski towns
With ski season largely over, many of Colorado’s ski towns are getting ready to start their summer activities. While they do not have full-fledged amusement parks, many of the ski resorts offer mountain coasters, alpine slides and other attractions to keep people entertained in the summer. Check out the options at Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Crested Butte, Keystone, Purgatory, Steamboat, Vail and Winter Park long after the snow has melted.
Fun centers and community water parks
If a day trip or road trip is more than you want to take on, many communities have fun centers or public water parks for people to enjoy. Check out:
Nate Trela covers trending news in Colorado and Utah for the USA TODAY Network.
UPDATE: SUNDAY 4/19/2026 7:12 p.m.
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Northbound Powers Boulevards is back open at Palmer Park Boulevard, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD). However, the center and right northbound lanes as well as the right turn lane remain closed south of Constitution Avenue. Law enforcement asked the community to avoid the area if possible, and drive carefully.
ORIGINAL STORY: CSPD: Major crash closes northbound Powers
The northbound lanes of Powers Boulevard are closed at Palmer Park Boulevard for a major crash at Powers and Constitution as of 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD). Drivers are asked to avoid the area.
According to FOX21 News crew who spoke to an officer at the scene, the crash involved at least two cars and two motorcycles, and multiple people have been taken to the hospital.
Multiple agencies are responding, according to the FOX21 News crew, and the Major Crash Unit may be called in. Reports indicate that no one has died as of 5:30 p.m.
Former Colorado Buffaloes stars Sebastian Rancik and Bangot Dak announced their transfer portal decisions on Sunday with Rancik committing to Florida State and Dak committing to Vanderbilt, per On3’s Joe Tipton. They join former Buffs guard Isaiah Johnson (now at Texas) as the third former Colorado player to leave the Big 12 conference as Rancik opts for the ACC and Dak heads to the SEC.
The trio of Johnson, Rancik, and Dak make up three of Colorado’s four most productive players with rising senior guard Barrington Hargress, and the Buffs are now tasked with replacing such production with Hargress as the only returner.
Rancik’s season ended prematurely with an injury, but he averaged 12.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game for the Buffs. Dak was Colorado’s leading rebounder with 6.5 boards per game, scoring 11.5 points per contest as well.
While each player has his respective reasons for transferring, the most expected ones are for seeking better NIL deals or more development on a better team in a better league. The Buffs finished 12th in the Big 12, and the allure of the SEC was too strong for the program to hold onto key talent like Johnson and Dak.
Still, Colorado coach Tad Boyle proved his ability to recruit and build up a solid core, one that saw its headliners of Johnson, Dak, and Rancik all depart in the portal. Can he do it again?
Colorado Buffaloes Roster Outlook
Boyle and the Buffaloes did retain Hargress as well as three freshmen guards: Jalin Holland, Ian Inman, and Josiah Sanders.
As a freshman, Holland averaged 4.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game as one of Colorado’s key pieces coming off of the bench. Meanwhile, Sanders appeared in 33 games as a constant presence in the Buffs backcourt, averaging 4.4 points and 1.7 assists per game.
Inman played the fewest minutes of the returning trio, but he flashed with a couple of double-digit scoring performances as a true freshman.
“When I think of those three together, I think of toughness. I think of the improvement they made over the course of the season and the togetherness they have. They’re great friends and have formed a bond during their freshman year. Their toughness, energy and work ethic, when you have those attributes to go along with talent, which they all have, you get a chance to have three really good sophomores next year that will take the next step,” Boyle said in a release announcing the return of the three freshmen.
With eight outgoing transfers to replace, the Buffaloes will certainly have a new look to them for the 2026-27 season.
Colorado has landed one transfer portal prospect so far in former North Dakota State foward Noah Feddersen. On the recruiting trail, Boyle and company are bringing in four-star forward Rider Portela as well as two prospects from the NBL in Australia: forward Goc Malual and guard Alex Dickeson.
The transfer portal for men’s college basketball closes on Tuesday, April 21, meaning players have to enter their names by then. Transfer athletes do not have to commit before the portal closes, though, so Colorado is expected to continue hosting prospects on visits while building out the roster.
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