Colorado Basketball: Four Rookies Join Practice Squad

Colorado men's basketball has narrowed its active rotation to nine players for the 2026-27 season, leaving four freshmen on the practice squad. Head coach Tad Boyle confirmed the depth chart on Friday, one day before the 10-day mark prior to the season opener. The Buffaloes will host Abilene Christian on Nov. 2 to begin their 17th year under Boyle.

The primary rotation consists of guards Barrington Hargress, Alex Dickeson, Jalin Holland, Josiah Sanders, and Ian Inman. Forwards Justin Neely, Noah Feddersen, and Goc Malual round out the nine-player group. David Gomez is also included in the rotation, though his early minutes may be limited while he recovers from foot surgery performed a year ago. This structure contrasts sharply with the previous season, when 11 players appeared in at least 20 games and seven started at least 10 games.

The four players assigned to practice roles are forwards Chase Hill and Eric Jacobsen, along with guards Amir Jones and Rider Portela. Portela, a wing from Phoenix, signed with the program last November. The other three joined the roster as late additions last spring. Jacobsen, a 6-foot-1 post, played at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire after growing up in the Midwest. Hill comes from a coaching family; his father is the all-time winningest women's basketball coach at Trinity University, and his grandfather helped recruit Boyle to Kansas 45 years ago. Jones reopened his recruiting following a coaching change at Georgia State.

Hill described his goal for the season as simple development. He noted that he could have chosen a Division III program with the same intent and transferred later, but preferred to start at Colorado. He expects to spend four or five years on campus. Jacobsen acknowledged that accepting a limited role was initially difficult. He said he is now realizing he can go as hard as possible every day without having anything to lose, while trying to earn what he can.

Boyle emphasized that the current status is fluid. He noted that Jones had a strong practice on Friday, and Jacobsen and Hill have also performed well in recent sessions. The coach stated that the players have the capability but lack consistency due to their age. He indicated that their standing in December could differ significantly from their position in mid-to-late October. Boyle asked the group to prepare mentally for a potential call-up.

The team hopes these players contribute to a surprising season in the Big 12, where Colorado went 7-11 last year. The practice squad will work daily in practice, providing depth and competition for the nine-man rotation. The Buffs finished last season 17-16 overall.