The Colorado Buffaloes' 2025 campaign is officially over, and for many Buffs fans, it couldn't have ended soon enough. Nothing ever fully clicked on offense or defense this season in Boulder, mainly because so many offseason additions failed to pan out. Liberty transfer quarterback Kaidon Salter never found a rhythm in this system, and that significant swing and miss set the tone for a season that never got off the ground.
On Saturday, Colorado wrapped up its year with a 24–14 loss to the Kansas State Wildcats in Manhattan. Here are the key stats that tell the story behind the Buffs' ninth defeat of the season.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKansas State's rushing attack
Nov 29, 2025; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats running back Joe Jackson (4) runs during the fourth against the Colorado Buffaloes at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn ImagesColorado's run defense has been a problem from the start of the year, and once again, it was exposed. Kansas State ran the ball 43 times for 206 yards and three touchdowns, with Joe Jackson doing most of the damage. Jackson torched Colorado for 142 yards and all three scores as the Wildcats leaned heavily on the ground game. Avery Johnson completed only 10 passes for 115 yards, which shows just how effective Kansas State was running the ball. Colorado fans can only hope things improve next season because defensive coordinator Robert Livingston spent the entire year watching opposing running backs have career afternoons against his front.
Omarion Miller's legacy day
MANHATTAN, KS - NOVEMBER 29: Wide receiver Omarion Miller #4 of the Colorado Buffaloes runs up field past safety Vj Payne #7 of the Kansas State Wildcats the in the first half at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)Junior wide receiver Omarion Miller delivered another standout performance, catching seven passes for 120 yards. The next closest Colorado receiver had only 24 yards, a perfect snapshot of how much Miller carried this offense all season. He has NFL-level traits and was easily the Buffs' best offensive player in 2025. It is hard not to think about what he might have looked like with Shedeur Sanders throwing him the ball. Even so, Miller dominated from the opening snap in this game and accounted for nearly 70 percent of Salter's passing production.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKaidon Salter's stat line
Nov 29, 2025; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) waits for the snap during the first quarter against the Kansas State Wildcats at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn ImagesKaidon Salter struggled again, a recurring theme throughout his year in Boulder. The fit never felt right as Colorado tried to adapt to his RPO style without ever fully committing to it. He finished this game 14 for 25 for 172 yards with an interception and added 63 yards on 15 carries. The turnovers continued to be a problem, and today's interception was another costly mistake. It is tough not to feel for Salter, but it also highlights how badly Colorado misjudged the quarterback position this offseason. Freshman Julian Lewis should have been the starter from day one instead of the eight-week quarterback carousel that left the offense searching for answers.
Colorado's defense and the lack of pressure
MANHATTAN, KS - NOVEMBER 29: Quarterback Avery Johnson #2 of the Kansas State Wildcats throws a pass against defensive end London Merritt #44 of the Colorado Buffaloes in the first half at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)Last season, Colorado's defense thrived by creating pressure and forcing turnovers. This year, neither showed up. Against Kansas State, the Buffs failed to record a single sack and now sit near the bottom of the Big 12 in sacks for the season. Rebuilding the pass rush has to be a major priority for Colorado this offseason, because without it, the defense never stood a chance.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Key stats from Colorado's loss to Kansas State
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