University of Colorado Boulder Athletics

The Buffaloes compete in NCAA Division I, meaning big-time college sports with full scholarships and serious competition. CU Boulder awards over $12.7 million in athletic scholarships across 13 varsity sports. With 408 total athletes among 31,578 students, just 1.3% of the campus participates in varsity athletics. The school recently joined the Big 12 Conference after decades in the Pac-12, bringing renewed energy to their football program. The Buffaloes have a historic rivalry with Colorado State in the Rocky Mountain Showdown. Football games at Folsom Field, nestled against the stunning Flatirons, create one of the most scenic game-day experiences in college sports. The basketball teams also draw solid crowds, though football remains the primary athletic passion on campus.