Colorado Buffaloes Face Cornerback Depth Questions After Preston Hodge Signs NFL Deal

The Colorado Buffaloes are facing a significant question mark at the cornerback position after standout Preston Hodge signed an undrafted free agent deal following the 2026 NFL Draft.

Hodge's departure to the professional ranks leaves a notable void in Colorado's secondary. As one of the Buffaloes' most reliable defensive backs, his absence will force the coaching staff to reassess the depth chart and identify who can step into a starting role heading into fall camp.

The cornerback position is critical in modern college football, where spread offenses and high-powered passing attacks demand depth and versatility in the secondary. Losing a player of Hodge's caliber means Colorado will need younger or less experienced players to accelerate their development during the offseason.

The Buffaloes' coaching staff will likely use spring practices and fall camp to evaluate candidates for the open cornerback spots. Competition for playing time is expected to be fierce, as multiple players will have the opportunity to earn significant snaps.

For Colorado, the challenge is not just replacing Hodge's on-field production but also his experience and leadership in the defensive backfield. How quickly the Buffaloes can reload at the position will go a long way toward determining their defensive effectiveness in the upcoming season.

What This Means For You: If you follow Colorado football, the cornerback position is now one of the biggest storylines to watch heading into the season. The development of the Buffaloes' secondary could determine whether the defense takes a step forward or falls back in a competitive conference landscape.