Exclusive: Buffs' Mata, Finneseth share their perspectives on the Prime Era

Colorado is on a bye this week. So why not get to know a little more about some of your favorite CU Buffs, on and off the field?

Alejandro Mata: From the soccer field to Jackson State to Boulder

Any time you watch a CU football game, you can tell that Deion Sanders has a special relationship with Alejandro Mata. He was Coach Prime’s kicker at Jackson State and has been the Buffaloes’ primary field goal and PAT kicker for the past two seasons.

“Plan A is making the NFL, and I know that if I want to make it, he’s my best shot,” the Buffs’ kicker replied when Payton Craft asked about his decision to come to Colorado with Coach Prime.

Alejandro and Payton talk about his journey to CU Boulder, adapting his soccer skills to football, some fun takes on Blenders sunglasses, and pregame rituals. Mata also shared his interesting family connection to Peyton Manning and the Broncos.

Ben Finneseth: An original Buff that matches the energy and personality of the Coach Prime era

A couple weeks ago, Payton sat down with Colorado safety Ben Finneseth. Ben played receiver, running back, and safety in high school for Durango and has been a Buff since 2021. He has seen the program evolve under Coach Prime and stayed at CU despite all the roster turnover in recent years.

“The way that everyone’s embraced who I am, and has accepted me for who I am. As crazy and weird as I can be, everyone just accepts it and loves on me – and I appreciate that. No one has tried to change me and make me into a different person that I’m not… I appreciate that part about being a CU Buff.”

Ben shares his story; from earning a scholarship, to adding cowboy hats to his style, and some of his favorite memories at Folsom Field. This isn’t just football — it’s about personality, and what makes Ben one of the most exciting Buffs to watch this season.