Deion Sanders didn’t just come to Boulder to win games; he came to make Colorado a destination. And that vision got a boost with Taco Bell’s new “Buffs Box” NIL deal. The campaign stars four Colorado players: QB Julian Lewis, OT Jordan Seaton, and WRs Quentin Gibson and Dre’lon Miller. But the most intriguing part? True freshmen Lewis and Gibson are receiving national exposure right out of the gate, demonstrating to recruits that Colorado markets talent from day one. Because in today’s NIL-driven world, visibility is everything. And with this move, Coach Prime is proving Colorado’s brand can shine as brightly as its players on the field. However, the call is now out for the Colorado community to rally behind the Buffs’ NIL push.
Colorado Athletics is turning up the excitement with Alvarado Restaurant Nation as an official Buffs partner. But the spotlight? The first-ever $7 Buffs Box is available at select Taco Bell locations across the state. More interestingly, each box serves up four Taco Bell favorites, a large fountain drink, and a collectible Buffs cup. Now, fans can chase all four designs this season and show their Buffs pride anywhere. Because the partnership also backs an exciting scholarship donation initiative for 2025, proving it’s a win-win for fans and the Colorado community. But what makes it a tasty deal?
On September 25, Colorado insider Adam Munsterteiger shared the tasty update for fans, which comes with some fan-favorite Taco Bell classics. Yes, the meal includes a Cheesy Gordita Crunch, a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, Doritos Locos Tacos, Cinnamon Twists, and a large fountain drink. That’s why Munsterteiger’s caption asked fans a simple question: “Do you have dinner plans? If not, may I suggest Taco Bell?” So, for Colorado residents, the $7 Buffs Box is more than just a meal; it’s a delicious way to support the CU Buffs. But the deal also has a meaningful purpose.
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Alvarado isn’t just serving up the $7 Buffs Box; they’re giving back. For every CU TD this season, $1,000 will go to the Golden Buffalo Scholarship Fund, directly supporting student-athletes on and off the field. Following that, Colorado AD Rick George said, “CU fans are always hungry for ways to show support, and the Buffs Box satisfies that hunger in more ways than one. This program shows their commitment to student-athlete success.” And Alvarado CEO Rob Alvarado added, “We’re proud to be associated with the University of Colorado football team and the Golden Buffalo Scholarship Fund.” So, where do the freshmen stand in NIL valuations?
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Seaton is projected to earn $1.3M this season, while Lewis could bring in $1.1 M, according to On3. Lewis also has NIL deals with Jaxxon, Gym Weed, and Leaf Trading Cards. But the impact goes beyond the paycheck. As we already know, every TD helps CU student-athletes chase their goals. That’s why Andrew Popchock, GM of Buffalo Sports Properties, called it “an exciting partnership that pairs fan-favorite Taco Bell classics with Buffs football and standout players to fuel fans all season.” Now with fans enjoying game-day snacks, Colorado’s WR declares he’s back and ready for the Buffs’ biggest test.
Colorado gets a confidence-boosting update
Colorado finally turned the corner in Week 4, breaking a 3-game funk with a 37-20 victory over Wyoming. And the win lifted Deion Sanders’ offense, which had been struggling to find consistency. Yet the bigger headline belonged to WR Omarion Miller, who shook off a rough start and reclaimed the spotlight just when the Buffs needed it most. Here, the WR opened up about his early-season struggles.
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Buffs insider Scott Proctor shared Miller’s words on X on Tuesday, writing, “That (Wyoming) game gave me confidence and swagger back. I was in a bad mental space, but I’m back to myself.” To be honest, after a slow start, just one catch for 39 yards against Georgia Tech and only decent performances in the next 2 games, now Miller’s message signals a turning point. And the breakout against Wyoming showed why the spotlight had fallen on him.
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