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(9-4, 7-2 Big 12) claimed its highest number of victories since 2016 and made the 2024 Valero Alamo Bowl. And while Heisman Trophy winner��Travis Hunter (Psych’26) and potential No. 1 2025 NFL Draft pick��Shedeur Sanders (Soc’25) received much public acclaim this season, first-year defensive coordinator (DC) Robert Livingston singularly shaped the Buffs’ turnaround.��

CU’s defense struggled mightily in 2023, giving up 34.8 points and 453.3 yards per game. With then-DC Charles Kelly out, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders had to find a new coordinator to call the defense.��

Sanders hired Livingston, a defensive assistant coach with the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals and former safety at William & Mary, on Feb. 9, 2024. Instead of fitting the defense to his system, Livingston assessed the Buffs’ unique strengths.��

“Coach Livingston built the defense of us. He listens to us. It makes it easier,” said leading tackler��Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig (Comm’25). “We’re not really thinking out there, we’re just playing.”��

Livingston worked throughout 2024 to connect with his squad. He even ran sprints with the defense after a Hunter interception against Colorado State led to an excessive celebration penalty.��

“It’s not me versus you. It’s us. That’s the big thing,” Livingston said. “I want everyone to know they have skin in the game.”��

On-field results were dramatic. The Buffs shut out Oklahoma State, frequently played dominant second-half defense and sealed wins over Baylor and Texas Tech with turnovers. In 2024, CU allowed 351.9 yards per game — over 100 yards fewer per game than in 2023.��

Even more impressive were the big plays. The Buffs’ defense created 27 turnovers, ranking 7th nationally, and tallied 39 sacks and three defensive touchdowns, both 11th in the nation.��

“We’ll strive to be aggressive. I want people to feel us when we play,” said Livingston.

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Photo courtesy CU Athletics