BOULDER — As soon as he heard the news, Preston Hodge celebrated with his family.

Late last year, the NCAA granted a waiver to former junior college players for an extra year of eligibility for the 2025 season. Hodge, a cornerback from Texas who came to Colorado from Liberty prior to the 2024 season thinking he had only a year of college football left, now had a decision to make.

The decision, actually, had been made for him.

After beginning the season with some excellent play for the Buffaloes at the nickel cornerback spot, including two interceptions in the first five games, an injury caused Hodge to miss the final four games.

The landmark NCAA ruling gave him a chance to leave college on his own terms.

“Ecstatic, excited,” Hodge said of his reaction. “It was a blessing from God. I

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