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The Colorado Buffaloes have a lot of question marks surrounding their mens basketball program ahead of the 2026 season.
They missed the mark in player retention from their promising 2025 campaign, bringing back just five players from that squad.
But after bringing in three players from the transfer portal, along with a deep freshman class, the Buffaloes appear to be back on track.
On Thursday, seniors Noah Feddersen and Barrington Hargress spoke about their March Madness goals in exclusive interviews.
Noah Feddersens plans to return to March Madness In 2025, Feddersen was a part of the North Dakota State Bisons frontcourt.
He helped them to a March Madness berth, and although they lost in the first round, the experience he gained was invaluable.
You cant really compare the experience to anything because its different from anything else out there, Feddersen said.
Its a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and hopefully we get to do it more than once.
But thats definitely a big driving factor for all of us, but definitely for me to get back there and help all the new guys get there for the first time.
Its a really big goal of ours for this year, and were using that every day to motivate us.
Feddersen is the only Buff with March Madness experience.
As a fifth-year senior, he can incorporate the retelling of his experiences there into his motivation of Colorados younger players.
Barrington Hargresss March Madness dream Another player who will be highly motivated to reach that grand stage is Hargress.
Like Feddersen, hes entering his final season of eligibility.
However, he doesnt have the March Madness experience to hang on his mantle.
Making the NCAA Tournament has been a lifes dream for Hargress, meaning its now or never for him and the Buffs.
Thats the goal every time I lace up my shoes every season, Hargress said.
This year, since its my last, its definitely a big dream, a big goal and its going to be heavy on my mind.
Hargess likely wouldve had plenty of opportunities in the transfer portal to jump ship to a top contender for a March Madness berth, but he elected to stay in Boulder.
He did so despite the Buffs being in the middle of a mass exodus to the transfer portal, which saw most of their promising players from the 2025 season find new homes.
Hargresss decision to stay speaks volumes about his commitment to the Buffaloes, but also his confidence in coach Tad Boyle and his abilities to rebuild the program into a March Madness contender.
How Colorado Buffaloes can make March Madness As the veteran returning leader of the Buffaloes, Hargress believes that their mentality is the biggest key to their making the NCAA Tournament.
I think what this team has to do is just play each game like it's our last, Hargress said.
[Weve got to] play everything like its the deciding factor of whether we get in the tournament [or not].
If we take that approach, and we treat every game like its our hardest, I think well find ourselves where we want to be.
The Buffaloes have a difficult path ahead of them to accomplish that goal, but if they can remain as consistent and determined as Hargress hopes, their chances will remain alive.
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Liam Howard is a Colorado Buffaloes On SI beat reporter and a mens basketball beat writer and sportscaster for Sko Buffs Sports.
A Longmont, Colorado native, he has built a diverse portfolio across sports media, with experience in broadcast production, graphic design, and documentary storytelling.
Known for his detailed coverage of college athletics, Howard is also the founder and host of SBS Football Live, where he provides thoughtful analysis and original reporting.