For those who’ve watched a Well Off Media video during Colorado’s fall camp, getting to see a glimpse of practice is usually the highlight. However, at the start of every vlog is a small detail showing a unique piece of team culture for the Buffaloes.
With his entire team packed into the meeting room, head coach Deion ‘Coach Prime’ will call on a different player to lead the group in prayer. Although it's a brief part of a jam-packed day, the routine grounds his Buffs in something other than football.
Coach Prime is the leader of the Buffs, but he’s also surrounded himself with strong coaches, who he shares scripture with. Some of them, like Josh Niblett, will even share bible verses with their players too.
Although it's not something new for Coach Prime to be open and honest about his faith, or pray with the team, this year’s team seems to echo the same sentiment. For tight end Zach Atkins, he’s noticed the way his leaders are all on the same page.
“Every man on our coaching staff is rooted in faith, and that's super rare,” Atkins said. “There's probably not another college football team that could say that about their coaching staff.”
As the Buffs work through the grind and adversity of fall camp, remembering the coaches care for them as people is important.
Safety Ben Finneseth, who has a cross tattoo visible on his left bicep, has never stopped himself from speaking publicly about his faith either. He and Atkins, who each attended Big 12 Media Days, agreed they appreciate that aspect of their team.
“Both of us place our identity in the Lord; it's not about us, it's for him and his glory and his name,” Finneseth said. “He’s with us every step of the way through the ups and the downs, and you gotta lean on him.”
Finneseth, who’s been with the team since 2021, has witnessed many ups and downs throughout his time. As the bonds for the 2026 team continue to grow, the faith-based mindset will be something to watch in the team's chemistry.
It starts with the coaches, but now the players have created that same level of vulnerability in the locker room.
“It's nice having brothers that think the same and are like-minded because they're there to lift you up when your spirits are down and help you stay along the right path,” Finneseth.
Players Mentioned
Coaches Mentioned
