Deion Sanders' arrival in Boulder was never going to be quiet - and it hasn’t been. From the moment he stepped on campus, Coach Prime brought a jolt of energy, national attention, and a recruiting buzz Colorado hadn’t seen in years.
But three seasons in, the results on the field haven’t quite matched the sizzle off it. As the Buffaloes gear up for the 2026 campaign, the program finds itself at a crossroads, with Sanders receiving a C+ in a recent three-year performance review.
Let’s break that down.
Game Management: A Clear Area for Growth
One of the biggest knocks on Sanders’ tenure so far has been in-game decision-making - especially when it comes to clock management and timeout usage. These aren’t just minor tactical issues; they’ve had real consequences in close games.
Whether it was holding onto timeouts too long or burning them too early, the Buffs often found themselves out of rhythm late in contests. Drives stalled, momentum shifted, and winnable games slipped away.
If Colorado wants to take the next step in 2026, this is a must-fix. Sanders has never lacked charisma or leadership, but the finer points of game-day operations - the ones that separate good coaches from great ones - need to tighten up.
Roster Building: Hit or Miss So Far
Sanders’ approach to rebuilding Colorado has leaned heavily on the transfer portal - and to his credit, that strategy paid off in 2024 with a nine-win season. But the portal can be a double-edged sword. This past offseason, the additions didn’t quite land the way the program needed them to.
The Buffs missed out on Liberty quarterback Kaidon Salter, a target who could’ve provided a stabilizing presence under center. Meanwhile, key position groups - offensive line, running back, and defensive line - remained thin and underwhelming.
When you rely on rapid roster turnover, talent evaluation and staff alignment have to be sharp. This cycle, they weren’t.
Staff Decisions and Player Development: Still a Work in Progress
There’s also growing scrutiny around the coaching staff and how well it’s developing the talent Sanders has brought in. Elite recruits have come to Boulder, but the pipeline to consistent production hasn’t materialized the way fans hoped.
Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur was demoted and eventually let go, a move that reflects the offensive inconsistency that plagued the team. On the other side of the ball, the defense took a step back after a promising 2024 under Robert Livingston. Player development at multiple positions has lagged, and that’s a red flag in a program trying to build staying power.
Changes appear to be on the horizon - and they need to be. The staff must evolve if Colorado wants to turn flashes of potential into sustained success.
Prime Time Accountability
Sanders has remained adamant that he’s staying at Colorado, even as speculation swirls about his long-term plans and the toll the job has taken on his health. Former athletic director Rick George has publicly backed him, stating that his job is safe. But as any coach will tell you, staying and succeeding are two very different things.
Sanders’ fourth season at the helm kicks off Sept. 5 at Georgia Tech. It’s a pivotal year - not just for Coach Prime, but for a program trying to prove it’s more than a moment.
The Buffaloes have shown they can generate headlines. Now it’s time to show they can win consistently.
The spotlight isn’t going anywhere. And neither, it seems, is Coach Prime. But the margin for error is shrinking.