Zach Atkins using veteran presence to help CU’s offense flourish
Colorado tight end Zach Atkins runs after making a catch against Georgia Tech Friday August 29, 2025 at Folsom Field. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
FRISCO, Texas — Although the Buffaloes are operating under a young quarterback, and new Offensive Coordinator approaching the 2026 season, their senior tight end believes the offense will make some noise this fall.
Despite starting seven games last year, and finishing fourth on the team with 20 receptions, Zach Atkins feels he’s capable of more in Brennan Marion’s system. It’s no mystery that Colorado ranked 116th nationally in total offense under Pat Shurmur’s direction last season, and Atkins desperately wants those numbers to improve with Marion at the helms.
He’s willing to do whatever it takes, and understands his role in the new scheme, from blocking, to executing catches on third downs. Atkins takes pride in being the safety blanket, and continues to build chemistry with quarterback Julian Lewis. All eyes will be on Lewis, who started two games in 2025, and it helps that Atkins is familiar with the signal-caller. The two attended Big 12 Media Days earlier this month, and were even roommates for the trip.
“That’s my guy (Lewis), and I’m super proud of his growth,” Atkins said. “The dude has so much potential, just unreal talent, and I’m really excited to watch him continue to grow this season.”
Atkins is also the veteran of the tight end room, and considers himself the general. After all, Atkins spent three years at the MIAA level with Northwest Missouri State before he arrived at Colorado. The Kansas native is the one who holds his teammates accountable, push them to perform their best, and has a major voice in the locker room.
“I’m definitely the alpha, and I don’t take that role lightly,” he said. “I’ve earned that position, this is my fifth year in college, and I’m really excited to bring these young guys along, and eventually pass that torch to the next guy.”
Atkins is also pleased with the additions to the offense, including wideout Danny Scudero, who led the entire FBS in receiving yards per game last season at San Jose State. The goal is for everyone to glue together in fall camp, and make an immediate impact.
Colorado’s schedule is challenging early on, considering the road games at Georgia Tech and Northwestern through the first three weeks. So there’s no denying that the urgency is there. Atkins intends on staring fast out of the gates for his final campaign with the Buffaloes, and is eager to show tight ends can do it all.
“We’re the Swiss Army Knife of the offense, we do everything,” the 6-foot-4, 240-pounder said. “We’re asked to block the defensive ends, run routes on the safeties and defensive backs, and I absolutely love it, so it’s a lot of fun getting to do everything in the offense.”
Several media outlets are projecting Colorado to finish towards the bottom of the Big 12 in Coach Prime’s fourth year on the job. The pressure is there to win, and will give the Buffaloes extra motivation. Atkins see it all as an opportunity, and thinks the team is going to be more dangerous flying under the radar.
“I think we got a lot of guys that can make huge plays for us this year, our scheme is unbelievable, and I’m really excited for what’s coming.”
