Athletics

CU Alum is the First American To Win the Tour de France

Anna Tolette — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:29:55 +0000

CU Alum is the First American To Win the Tour de France Anna Tolette Mon, 11/10/2025 - 11:29

Heather Mundt

Marianne Martin, second from left, in 1984.

Greg LeMond is credited as the first American winner of the Tour de France in 1986. But two years prior, 26-year-old Boulder cyclist Marianne Martin (Rec’80) claimed the coveted “le maillot jaune” — yellow jersey — as winner of the inaugural 1984 Tour de France Féminin. The race, which ran for five years before being discontinued, closely mirrored the men’s race: The women completed 18 stages in about 22 days along the same course as the men. (In modern equivalents, women bike racers now complete nine stages in about nine days.)

In October 2024, Martin suffered serious injuries in a road bike crash — but after extensive rehabilitation, is back riding.

How did you start racing?

I grew up dancing in Fenton, Michigan, but phased out of it during college. So I found other ways to stay fit, like trail running and cycling. I started riding with friends around 1980 who encouraged me to race. I finished fourth in my first one and started winning after that. Others asked me to join their team, and what I heard was ‘barbecues’ and ‘parties.’ I only cared about socializing.

What fueled your rapid rise to elite racing by 1983?

Once you win and feel that power in your body, it’s addictive. I never consciously said to myself, ‘I’m going to do this seriously.’ It just kind of came together. I was training consistently, and I had a solid network of friends and cyclists like Joy Yule, who took me under her wing. I didn’t do it all on my own.

Did your parents encourage your cycling career?

My dad didn’t at first. But my mom supported any crazy idea, even when I told her I wanted to be among the first women to ride in the Tour. She said, ‘Honey, that’s great!’

Any training secrets?

I met Tim Kelly, who helped boost my mental game with visualization, a new concept back then. And training with Andy Pruitt, a sports medicine pioneer whose philosophies were simple yet effective: Ride with a purpose — no wasted miles! — and rest, which I did way more than my competitors. That was also key to coming back from severe anemia throughout early 1984.

What got you on the U.S. team?

In June, just weeks before the Tour, I felt strong enough to race again. I knew one team spot was still open. When I told my friend Steve Tilford, a champion cyclist who knew cycling coach ‘Eddie B’ Borysewicz, he said, ‘We’re driving to Colorado Springs!’ He drove me to the Olympic Training Center the next day, and I managed to snag the spot. I promised Eddie, ‘You won’t be disappointed.’

How did you tune out critics (highlighted in the 2023 documentary Uphill Climb)?

Sure, we had people telling us we couldn’t finish the race. But I was just happy to be in France and compete. I didn’t care about going into debt to do it because I’d have my whole life to pay off my credit card. I just did it for the pure love of the sport.

What helped you win?

The French didn’t think we as women could finish, so that was my only goal. And when we reached the French Alps, my strength surprised me. I thought about riding with Steve back home while I recovered from anemia, how he’d teased me about my poor climbing skills. But they were my superpower, and I wanted that polka-dot jersey (awarded to the mountain-classifications leader). ‘I’ll show him!’ I joked to myself. After summiting 10 minutes ahead of the next riders, it finally registered that I could actually win this thing. It still reminds me that we can do so much more than we think.

What was it like to see your dad at the finish line?

As I came down the Champs-Élysées, I heard someone call my name. My father had flown over to surprise me! I grew up in a small town and was always known as ‘Dr. Martin’s daughter.’ After I won the Tour, he was suddenly ‘Marianne Martin’s dad!’

It’s been nearly a year since your bike accident in Sunshine Canyon, which included several days in the ICU. How are you?

Recovery has been both good and challenging. The surgeon did a remarkable job putting me back together. I don’t rebound as quickly as I used to, and can’t push myself too much yet, so it’s a great lesson in patience. At least I can get out and ride.

How did it feel to be inducted into the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame in 2021?

It was a huge honor, and I’m proud of my win. But it’s something I did — not who I am.

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Photo by Graham Watson

Marianne Martin became the first American woman to win the Tour de France Féminin, and still rides today.

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Honoring Outstanding Buffs

Anna Tolette — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:25:17 +0000

Honoring Outstanding Buffs Anna Tolette Mon, 11/10/2025 - 11:25

April Driver

��ɫ��Ƶ’s Alumni Awards celebrate the university’s most inspiring leaders and changemakers.

Dave Sheanin guides individuals with disabilities in triathlons.

Dave Sheanin (MBA’99), receiving the Alumni Recognition Award this spring, is among the next slate of standout Forever Buffs.

A longtime coach for the University of Colorado Triathlon Team, Sheanin helped lead the team to seven consecutive combined and 15 individual national championships. In 2021, he was named the USA Triathlon Community Impact Coach of the Year. Whether working with elite athletes or teaching beginners to swim, his inspiration comes from the students.

“I fell in love with the students’ spirit and enthusiasm,” said Sheanin. “I love seeing young people reach their potential.”

Outside of the university, he volunteers with Athletes in Tandem, guiding individuals with disabilities in triathlon competitions.

“Helping athletes with disabilities experience the same racecourse as the elite competitors has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey,” he said.

Even with his many contributions and successes, he remains humble.

“I feel like I get back more than I give,” he said. “I’m built to want to make an impact; that’s the kind of life I want to lead.”

Sheanin’s story joins the larger history of alumni impact across generations. Eight other outstanding alumni, faculty, staff and students will be recognized at the Alumni Awards Ceremony as part of Alumni Weekend, April 10–13, 2026. (The event previously was held during Homecoming Weekend.)

The winners include Susan Taylor Mayne (Chem’82) for the George Norlin Award, Russell L. Moore and David Martinez for the Robert L. Stearns Award, Dave Sheanin (MBA’99) for the Alumni Recognition Award, Stephen Kissler (ApMath’14; MA’14) for the Kalpana Chawla Outstanding Recent Graduate Award, Dale Farrand (AeroEngr’93) for the Leanne Skupa-Lee Award, and Camden Dempsey (Fin, Mktg’25) and Aaditya Pore (AeroEngr, CompSci’25) for the Forever Buffs Student Award.

Award honorees represent the breadth of Buffs excellence, and, for many, CU is at the heart of their stories.

Learn more at colorado.edu/alumni/awards.

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Photo courtesy Dave Sheanin

��ɫ��Ƶ’s 2026 Alumni Awards celebrated outstanding alumni, faculty, staff and students.

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JR Payne’s Standard of Excellence

Anna Tolette — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:16:35 +0000

JR Payne’s Standard of Excellence Anna Tolette Mon, 11/10/2025 - 11:16

Andrew Daigle

2025–26 marks JR Payne’s 10th season as Colorado women’s basketball head coach. Following NCAA Tournament appearances in three of the past four years, she reflects on high expectations, discipline, toughness and working together as a family.

How would you describe the identity of your team?

Everywhere my husband [associate head coach Toriano Towns] and I have been, we’ve taken over struggling programs and turned them into championship contenders. The foundation of everything is that we want to be the hardest working, toughest and most disciplined team in the country. If we play to those standards, we can compete on any night.

Last season was Colorado’s first back in the Big 12 after 13 years in the Pac-12. What did this conference change mean for your squad?

In the Pac-12, we had Friday and Sunday games. Then Monday off and back to practice on Tuesday. We got into a rhythm. The Big 12 is mostly Wednesday and Saturday games. When you don’t have that extra lead-up to the week’s first game, you need to go right into scouting your next opponent. The one thing I don’t like is that we only play three teams twice. It’s hard to build rivalries with just one game.

You’ve established a culture of excellence for CU women’s basketball. How does your team deal with elevated expectations and national attention?

There isn’t anyone in the country who can place higher expectations on us than we put on ourselves.

Who has had a lasting impact on your leadership style?

Kelly Graves, Oregon women’s basketball head coach, was my college coach at St. Mary’s. I played two years for him and was an assistant coach for him at Gonzaga for my first five years of coaching. A lot of what I know — both Xs and Os and leadership outside of basketball — comes from him. One of the greatest lessons I learned was when Kelly told me, ‘JR, you can be a great coach, a great mom, a great wife. Don’t let anybody tell you you have to sacrifice one for the other.’ I’ve always carried that with me.

Time and again, players say this team is a family. What does that mean to you?

Families are the best, but they take a lot of work. We take pride in being very authentic in what we do, how we recruit, how we operate when something’s wrong. These young women come to us as 17- or 18-year-old kids leaving home for the first time. That can mean a lot of discomfort, but also a lot of potential for growth. When they leave our program, we want them to be confident, capable, competent women who can take on the world.

What are CU’s biggest strengths in recruiting?

Our players truly get better. Mya Hollingshed (Comm’22), the highest draft pick in the history of our program at number eight, had one other offer. Jaylyn Sherrod (Soc’22, MSOL’23, MCJ’24), now in the WNBA, had just a couple other offers. I love my players on their best days, but also support and challenge them on their worst days. I don’t know how common that is at this level.

How have the transfer portal and name, image and likeness (NIL) affected your program?

College athletes should be able to profit off NIL. There are certainly opportunities to participate in NIL here, but if you’re only looking at Colorado women’s basketball because you think we have a lot of money, this isn’t the place for you. That’s not what we’re about.

What’s something surprising that fans might not know about you?

I did ballet all the way up until college. I had a solo in the Nutcracker my senior year of high school. My toe shoes were dyed red. I still have them! I would break my neck if I tried to do it again.

What excites you most about this season?

It’s going to be a fun team. Our staff worked so hard this spring and signed great new players. We went beyond filling positional needs — asking questions to find players who value comradery, authenticity, accountability. We’re electric and athletic, and we’re going to fly in transition.

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Photo by Casey A. Cass

JR Payne emphasizes toughness, discipline and a family-like culture as she leads CU women’s basketball in the Big 12.

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CU Athletics: Wins, Records and Milestones

Anna Tolette — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:15:29 +0000

CU Athletics: Wins, Records and Milestones Anna Tolette Mon, 11/10/2025 - 11:15

Andrew Daigle

Buff Bits

CU Athletics announced Ralphie VI’s retirement in August. Ember ultimately showed “an indifference to running” and retired to ranch life alongside Ralphie V, Blackout. Ralphie VII, Brandy, made her debut at the CU vs. Wyoming game.

In mid-October, the volleyball and soccer teams ranked in the top 25 nationally. Soccer surpassed its 300th win. Soccer’s Hope Leyba (IntPhys’27) was named co-Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week in August.

Cross country’s Isaiah Givens (EnvSt’26) (15:01.99) and Ella Hagen (MCDBio’29) (17:54.34) led the Buffs with the top men’s and women’s 5-kilometer times at the season-opening Wyoming Invite.

Bill Collins (Bus’70), CU’s first full-season Black football captain, died on July 31.

Men’s basketball completed a four-game exhibition tour of Australia in August. The Buffs went 2-2.

Coach Talk

Wins are fantastic, losses happen, but being a part of this program for as long as I have is really special.

— Volleyball head coach Jesse Mahoney (Psych’95; Law’99) after the Buffs defeated University of Denver in September, his 150th win at Colorado.

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Photo courtesy CU Athletics

Scores

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Men’s golf three-round third-place score at the Washington State Palouse Collegiate.

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Tackles by the Los Angeles Rams’ Nate Landman (Mktg’21) against the Houston Texans in week 1.

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Straight sets won by volleyball to open the 2025 season.

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��ɫ��Ƶ student-athletes named to the 2025 Big 12 Conference Spring Academic Team.

145k

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Pounds of CO2 kept out of the air by Folsom Field’s new turf made with pine pellets instead of traditional rubber pellets.

��ɫ��Ƶ Athletics celebrated multiple milestones this season.

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CU Athletes Share in NIL Revenue

Anna Tolette — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:14:02 +0000

CU Athletes Share in NIL Revenue Anna Tolette Mon, 11/10/2025 - 11:14

Andrew Daigle

Dre’Lon Miller

On June 6, 2025, the NCAA settled three federal antitrust lawsuits, agreeing to pay $2.8 billion in back damages to former athletes. The settlement also allows universities to share up to $20.5 million from athletics’ revenue annually with current student-athletes for their name, image and likeness (NIL) rights.

��ɫ��Ƶ chose to share revenue, which means that for the first time, student-athletes can enter into a licensing agreement with CU Athletics. Each sport’s revenue-share budget will be proportional to the revenue the sport generates, and the settlement also imposes roster limits for each team.

“I’m really proud that we didn’t cut any sports, and we’re going to provide the same benefits we’ve provided our student-athletes in the past,” said athletic director Rick George.

According to George, CU Athletics plans to support its $20.5 million pledged revenue-share by consolidating expenses, offering programs like the Arch (which connects local businesses with student-athletes) and Buffs Premier (a fan loyalty program), adding a seventh home football game, and increasing events on Folsom Field’s new turf.

Private NIL agreements remain separate, although a national clearinghouse will review anything above $600.

Exemplifying the effect of direct compensation, football’s Dre’Lon Miller (Jour’28) has begun investing his earnings into his hometown of Silsbee, Texas.

He donated $1,000 each to four organizations that shaped him as a child, including his former school and church.

“I wanted to show them how much love I have for them,” said Miller.

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Photo courtesy CU Athletics

��ɫ��Ƶ will share up to $20.5 million in athletics revenue with student-athletes through NIL agreements.

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The Science Behind a Sub-Four-Minute Mile

Anna Tolette — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:12:17 +0000

The Science Behind a Sub-Four-Minute Mile Anna Tolette Mon, 11/10/2025 - 11:12

Julia MacLean

Professional runner Faith Kipyegon in her attempt to break the four-minute mile earlier this year.

In June 2025, during a Nike-sponsored event, world champion and Kenyan middle- and long-distance runner Faith Kipyegon attempted to become the first woman to break the four-minute mile barrier. She finished just over the goal with a time of 4:06.42.

But a ��ɫ��Ƶ lab calculated that it is possible to break the four-minute barrier. CU physiologist Rodger Kram, who focuses on biomechanics involved with human locomotion, was part of the team that helped Kenyan long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge historically break the two-hour marathon in 2019. While Kram was not directly involved in the Kipyegon attempt, his lab published a study earlier this year that found a champion runner like Kipyegon could clock a time of 3:59.37 under ideal conditions. Strategies include coordinated pacing and drafting, which involves a runner following closely behind pacers to reduce air resistance.

Kram and his team, Edson Soares da Silva, Wouter Hoogkamer and Shalaya Kipp (IntPhys’14; MS’17), also calculated that rotating pacers — runners who set a steady speed to help others reach a goaltime and block the wind — could have provided an elite racer with just enough of an edge to dip under the barrier.

Nike’s execution this year took a different approach.

“They used 13 pacers in a very unusual formation,” said Kram. “Our model involved only two pacers at a time.”

Still, Kram believes the four-minute mile barrier will fall.

“I still think it’s possible, with two teams of female pacers who trade out halfway,” he said.

Royal Society Open Science published Kram’s study in February 2025.

What’s next for Kram? “We’re cooking up some outrageous next experiments,” he said. “But they’re top secret for now.”

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Photo by Christophe Ena/The Associated Press

��ɫ��Ƶ researchers calculated that a female runner like Faith Kipyegon could break the four-minute mile with optimized pacing and drafting strategies, suggesting the historic barrier is within reach.

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Jordan Nytes Shares CU Soccer Journey

Anna Tolette — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 20:46:49 +0000

Jordan Nytes Shares CU Soccer Journey Anna Tolette Mon, 07/07/2025 - 14:46

Andrew Daigle

In 2024, Jordan Nytes (Soc’25, MOrgLead’26) of Aurora, Colorado, became the first All-American goalkeeper for CU. The two-time Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Year talks here about leadership, team communication and excitement for the next season.

What about Colorado soccer attracted you when you decided to transfer after a year at Oklahoma State?

I had a connection with [assistant coach and recruiting coordinator] Dave Morgan. That led to the initial conversation with CU. Being closer to my family was a huge part as well. The soccer program is in a great place! Colorado’s facilities are awesome, we got lights at Prentup [Field], and there’s excitement with everything going on with CU Athletics lately. After I visited in December 2022, I was like ‘Let’s do it,’ and it’s been awesome since.

What have been the greatest contributors to your success?

[Associate head coach] Jason Green and I have developed an incredible relationship. We’re comfortable bouncing ideas off each other. It’s not arguing, but if he says something I disagree with, I’ll tell him, and he’ll tell me, too. It’s acknowledging strengths, working on weaknesses, growing every day. CU is a very professional training environment. Our coaches have us mimic professional soccer programs. It also prepares us for when, hopefully, we get to that stage.

You put together 583:33 consecutive shutout minutes in goal in 2024. What’s it like when you’re in a zone like that?

When you have five or six straight shutouts, you’re on a high with your defense. A record like that reflects how we’re defending together. That streak was early in the season, and we knew we’d run into adversity. It’s how the game goes — you will get scored on again. We need to be able to overcome that when it happens.

What communication goes on between you and the defenders?

We’ve been dialing in on being super specific with what we say and how we say it. In a high-intensity game, we have to be okay with being critical, telling teammates what needs to be better. But there are also moments to focus on a positive thing and tell someone: ‘Do that again.’ In terms of strategy, it’s telling people where to shift or where to stand to cover a player. Our coaches help with keeping the backline high and tracking marks. There’s also off-the-field communication in film sessions or when something gets brought up at halftime.

Who are the teammates who have helped support you?

Jamie Campbell (Psych’28) is another goalkeeper and my roommate. We have a positive training environment where we push each other. And Lindsey Smith (Edu’24) was the other goalkeeper who graduated last December. The three of us were a little family. We knew when to joke around and have fun, but also when to focus in practice. We’re really good friends, and that helps off the field. They’ve helped me reach my potential as a player and person.

How is practice different for the goalkeepers?

We do our own warmup and then work through a goalkeeper session. Stretch, ball handling, footwork. Then it depends — shots from distance, reaction saves, breakaways, crosses. We’ll often focus on something specific and then build off it throughout the entire week.

Can you share something you’ve learned from your CU coaches?

They’ve helped to develop me as a leader. The coaching staff has instilled that not everybody’s going to be happy all the time. When you’re in a leadership position, it’s normal for someone to be upset with a decision or something you say. You have to be confident that your decision is in the best interest of the team and keep everybody on the same page.

How do you balance playing aggressively with also being the last line of defense?

It’s situational. Some games, there are a lot of balls to attack out of the air, and with other games you’re more of a calm presence in the back. You need to scout your opponent and prepare. That way, you can let your defense know your anticipated in-game tendencies.

What are you most looking forward to this season?

This year’s team has more new players than returners. It’s exciting to have something new. We can set our own standards. The goal starts with winning the Big 12 championship.

Do you have plans for after CU?

I want to play in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). My coaches will help me go through an agency. I’ll see which teams are interested and hopefully receive a contract. Overseas is another option. I’m looking forward to playing professionally for as long as I can.

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Photos courtesy CU Athletics

Jordan Nytes, CU’s first All-American goalkeeper, reflects on her record-setting shutout streak, leadership growth and her ambitions to play professional soccer after college.

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Sports Briefs and Stats

Anna Tolette — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 20:15:30 +0000

Sports Briefs and Stats Anna Tolette Mon, 07/07/2025 - 14:15

Andrew Daigle

Hunter Drafted No. 2

Defensive and offensive football star Travis Hunter (Psych’25) was drafted second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars on April 24 at the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Jacksonville traded four picks, including two first-rounders, to the Cleveland Browns to move up three spots and select the 2024 Heisman winner.

Sporting a hot pink suit and spotted dancing onto the stage after his name was announced, Hunter became the highest drafted cornerback and second-highest drafted wide receiver in NFL history.

Hunter had 153 receptions, 21 touchdowns, 67 tackles and seven interceptions in two seasons at Colorado. He was named Academic All-American of the Year in 2024.

Three Buffaloes were drafted on day three: quarterback Shedeur Sanders (Soc’25) to Cleveland in the fifth round, and receivers LaJohntay Wester (EthnSt’25) to the Baltimore Ravens and Jimmy Horn Jr. (Comm’25) to the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round.

Buffs Bits

The CU ski team finished second at the 2025 NCAA Ski Championships in March. CU finished with five first-team All-Americans and 12 total All-America honors. … Women’s basketball (21-13, 9-9 Big 12) reached the second round of the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament before being eliminated 64-55 by Gonzaga. Guard Frida Formann (EnvSt’24, MBus’25) and forward Jade Masogayo (IntPhys’26) earned All-Big 12 honorable mentions. … Julian Hammond III (Comm’25) of men’s basketball (14-21, 3-17 Big 12) earned honorable mention to the 2024–25 All-Big 12 Team. ... Men’s golf advanced to the NCAA Championship Finals in May. … Tennis reached the second round of the Big 12 Champion-ship before losing 4-1 to Arizona State. Mila Stanojevic (BioChem’25) had 133 total wins, the four-teenth most in Colorado history. … Isaiah Givens (EnvSt’26) ran the 1500 meters in 3:37.52, a CU record for men’s outdoor track in April.

Coach Talk

“Every single person, every staff member, everyone that touched our program did more than they needed to at different times.”

– JR Payne, women’s basketball head coach, on the Buffs’ season-long resiliency after their postseason defeat on March 23. They endured team-altering player injuries for much of the season.

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Photo courtesy of CU Athletics

STATS

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Women’s golf’s Francesca Sumcad’s (IntPhys’27) and Ellen O’Shaughnessy’s (Acct’28) finishing ranks at the 2025 Southern Colorado Open in March.

3:38.81

Women’s track’s season-best 4x400-meter relay time was set in April at the Mt. SAC Relays.

Years Kris Livingston, who retired in May, served Colorado Athletics, with the last 18 as director of academic student support services.

7,655

Total points in the decathlon at the Bryan Clay Invitational by track’s Nick Bianco (EPO-Bio’23; MEdu’25), breaking a 51-year-old CU record.

99,499

Pounds of material diverted from landfills during 2024 football games, earning CU 2024 GameDay Football Zero Waste Touchdown Challenge honors.

Highlights of standout achievements across ��ɫ��Ƶ’s athletic community.

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CU Hosts First Big 12 Women’s Lacrosse Championship

Anna Tolette — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 20:14:31 +0000

CU Hosts First Big 12 Women’s Lacrosse Championship Anna Tolette Mon, 07/07/2025 - 14:14

Andrew Daigle

Jess Peluso was part of CU’s first Big-12 lacrosse team.

On July 27, 2023, Colorado announced it would leave the Pac-12 Conference and return to the Big 12 Conference. The benefits were significant: increased national exposure, renewed conference rivalries and stability in the turbulent world of college athletics.

But the Big 12 did not have women’s lacrosse as a conference-sponsored sport. If that didn’t change, Colorado would play 2024–25 as an affiliate to another conference.

“It was unknown if the Big 12 would take on sponsoring another sport,” said head coach Ann Elliott Whidden. “The administrations for Colorado, Arizona State and Cincinnati were all strong supporters of lacrosse being added and advocated for us through the process.”

The Big 12 revealed on Nov. 9, 2023, that it would add women’s lacrosse in 2024–25 and CU was joined by ASU, Cincinnati and three affiliates — Florida, UC Davis and San Diego State.

The Buffs went 13-6 in 2024, their final Pac-12 season.

When Colorado released its 2025 schedule, it declared Prentup Field would host the inaugural Big 12 Championship, a four-team tournament for an automatic bid to the NCAAs.

“When we moved to the Big 12, everything changed,” said Jess Peluso (Engl’26). “We helped set the tone for this conference. The change pushed me to grow as a player and teammate.”

Colorado’s 2025 season (8-8, 4-1 Big 12) included wins over No. 25 Army and No. 18 Stony Brook and a two-seed in the Big 12 Championship. Madeline Pisani (Comm’24; MSOL’25) pictured above, was named Big 12 Attack Player of the Year, and Peluso earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

Despite an 18-12 semifinal loss to ASU on May 1 at Prentup Field, the historic season was remarkable.

“It was very special to be a part of the inaugural season, seeing it all unfold right in front of us,” said Pisani.

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Photos courtesy CU Athletics

Colorado’s move to the Big 12 sparked the addition of women’s lacrosse to the conference.

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CU's Big 12 Neighbors

Anna Tolette — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 20:09:37 +0000

CU's Big 12 Neighbors Anna Tolette Mon, 07/07/2025 - 14:09

The Buffs are back in the Big 12 — and it's a whole new ballgame! From mountain showdowns to desert duels and heartland rivalries, CU’s return to the conference brings bold energy and fresh matchups across four time zones.

This colorful, mascot-packed map is your ultimate guide to CU’s new Big 12 neighbors. Download the PDF (it looks great on tabloid-size 11" x 17" or letter-size 8.5" x 11" paper), hang it on your wall or office bulletin board and get ready to cheer the Buffs on as they take the conference by storm!

Download and Print Infographic

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Illustration by Peter Arkle

Fun facts about the Big 12 schools.

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