Tad Boyle narrows Colorado rotation to nine players

Nine players will likely start every game for the Colorado men’s basketball team this season. Head coach Tad Boyle has narrowed his rotation to that group as the program prepares for its first game of the year.

The Buffs host Abilene Christian on Nov. 2 to open the 2026-27 season. This is the 17th year Boyle has led the team. The roster has shifted dramatically from last season, when Colorado finished 17-16. That group featured 11 players who appeared in at least 20 games.

Four freshmen have settled into practice roles for the upcoming campaign. The group includes forward Chase Hill, guards Amir Jones and Rider Portela, and forward Eric Jacobsen. These players joined the roster through different routes, with most arriving as late additions last spring.

Hill described his goal for the season simply. "Just develop," he said. He noted that he could have attended a Division III school with the same aim. He chose Colorado instead, planning to stay for four or five years. His father is the all-time winningest women’s basketball coach at Trinity University in San Antonio. His grandfather, Bob, was a longtime NBA coach who helped recruit Boyle to Kansas 45 years ago.

Jacobsen admitted the limited role was difficult at first. "I'm realizing I can go as hard as I can every single day and I don't really have anything to lose," he said. He added that he is trying to earn what he can. Jones reopened his recruiting process after a coaching change at Georgia State, where he had originally signed. Portela is a wing from Phoenix who committed to the Buffs last November.

Boyle said the situation remains fluid. He does not want the players to feel permanently shut out. He pointed to a strong practice performance by Jones on Friday. He also noted that Jacobsen and Hill have done good things. The coach said the group has the capability but lacks consistency because they are young.

Boyle stated that their standing in December could look very different from mid-to-late October. He asked the four players to prepare every day so they are mentally ready when called upon. The team will face Abilene Christian on Nov. 2. Gomez’s early playing time may be limited as he recovers from foot surgery.