Tad Boyle sets nine-man rotation as Colorado's four freshmen join practice squad

Colorado men's basketball will begin its 2026-27 season with a thinner active rotation than last year. Head coach Tad Boyle has identified nine players who will likely handle the bulk of the minutes, leaving four freshmen to serve primarily as practice squad members.

The Buffs host Abilene Christian on Nov. 2 to open the season, marking the 10-day mark before tip-off. Last season, Colorado finished 17-16 and relied on depth, with 11 players appearing in at least 20 games. This year, that constant shuffling is less likely unless injuries force changes.

Boyle’s projected rotation includes guards Barrington Hargress, Alex Dickeson, Jalin Holland, Josiah Sanders, and Ian Inman. The forward group features Justin Neely, Noah Feddersen, Goc Malual, and David Gomez. Gomez’s early playing time may be limited as he continues recovering from foot surgery.

The four freshmen assigned to practice roles are forwards Chase Hill and Eric Jacobsen, and guards Amir Jones and Rider Portela. Portela signed with the program last November, while the other three joined the roster as late additions last spring.

Forward Chase Hill, whose father is the all-time winningest women’s basketball coach at Division III Trinity University, accepted the role to develop over his first four or five years at Colorado. He noted that he could have gone to Division III to achieve similar goals but chose Boulder first.

Eric Jacobsen, a 6-foot-1 post from the Midwest who played at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, said accepting a limited role was difficult at first. He stated he is realizing he can go as hard as he can every day and does not have anything to lose while trying to earn playing time.

Boyle described the situation as fluid, noting that the freshmen lack consistency due to their youth. He said their standing in December could look very different from late October and asked them to prepare daily so they are mentally ready when called upon.