## Overview The Colorado Buffaloes are the athletic teams representing the University of Colorado Boulder, competing in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as a member of the Big 12 Conference[1]. The organization fields 16 varsity sports teams—both men’s and women’s—and is best known for its football program, which has played a significant role in shaping the university’s national profile[1]. The Buffaloes (often called “Buffs”) adopted their nickname in 1934 following a campus newspaper contest, symbolizing strength and resilience, qualities embodied by the American bison[1][6]. ## History Colorado Buffaloes athletics date back to 1890, making them one of the oldest collegiate sports programs in the western United States[6]. The football team, in particular, has a storied history, having played over 1,100 games through 125 seasons[2]. The program has been a member of several prestigious conferences, including the Big Eight, Big 12, Pac-12, and, as of 2024, returned to the Big 12[6]. Home games are played at Folsom Field, a historic venue opened in 1924 with a capacity of over 50,000[2][7]. ## Key Achievements The Buffaloes have claimed 30 national championships, with 21 coming in skiing—the most recent in 2024—highlighting the program’s dominance in winter sports[1]. Football remains the flagship, with a claimed national championship in 1990, 28 conference titles, and a Heisman Trophy winner[2][7]. The program has produced 30 consensus All-Americans and maintains fierce rivalries with Nebraska, Colorado State, and others[7]. Off the field, the Buffaloes have been recognized for their academic and athletic balance, ranking #14 in a 2002 Sports Illustrated analysis of “America’s Best Sports Colleges”[1].