Latest news with #ColoradoFootball
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Has Colorado Football Lost Its Hype? Can Coach Prime Reignite in 2025?
Has Colorado Football Lost Its Hype? Can Coach Prime Reignite in 2025? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Colorado football off‑season hype reached a fever pitch in April 2023 when the Buffaloes' spring game drew 47,277 fans. Sports Business Journal reported that the crowd was the largest in school history, eclipsing every previous Colorado scrimmage. Roughly twenty-four months later, the vibe feels noticeably different, and the reasons run deeper than a couple of high‑profile departures. Advertisement LAST YEAR: EVERYTHING WAS PRIME‑TIME Even cold rain could not douse the excitement even a year ago. NBC Sports noted that 28,424 fans braved the weather to watch the 2024 scrimmage, the second‑largest spring turnout college football saw that weekend. Colorado announced a full season‑ticket sell‑out before June, something the program had accomplished only twice since 2000, according to a CU Buffs press release. Two‑way sensation Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders landed on every major preseason Heisman watch list, a point ESPN emphasized in its July preview. Social feeds buzzed with 'We Comin' ' and recruits hurried to schedule visits. Jason Jones/Athlon Sports THIS YEAR: REALITY BITES Hunter's No. 2 overall selection by Jacksonville removed Colorado's most electric player from the roster. Five rounds later, the Cleveland Browns scooped up Sanders at No. 144. Meanwhile, head coach Deion Sanders spent parts of spring handling an undisclosed health issue; ESPN says he expects to be back in time for camp but has not detailed a timetable. Attendance followed the star power out the door. Sports Illustrated counted 20,430 fans at the 2025 spring game, a respectable crowd yet less than half of the 2023 figure. Advertisement THE RECRUITING DIP Colorado's 2025 high‑school class currently sits outside the national top 35 and squarely in Big 12 middle ground, according to the composite rankings at 247Sports. The staff is still active in the transfer portal, though none of the newest additions has generated Hunter‑level buzz. After two winters of roster churn, prospects and donors seem ready for concrete proof of line‑of‑scrimmage improvement before they buy in again. WHO TAKES THE SNAP? Replacing a multi‑year starter is never simple, and replacing the coach's son adds extra scrutiny. The quarterback derby features Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter, who totaled 66 touchdowns in Conference USA. Five‑star freshman Julian 'JuJu' Lewis reclassified from 2026; Sports Illustrated calls him the most celebrated high‑school signal‑caller ever to sign with Colorado. Sophomore Ryan Staub owns the advantage of system knowledge. None has taken a Saturday snap in Boulder, and Yahoo Sports reports that Deion Sanders will not name a leader until deep into August. Advertisement WHY BUZZ MATTERS Off‑season excitement drives television slots, NIL cash, and portal momentum. Last year's frenzy helped Colorado land a prime Friday opener on ESPN and sent team merchandise sales surging. With the volume turned down, those revenue streams risk leveling off. Ticket demand remains healthy — Colorado logged a third straight sell‑out, according to the same CU Buffs release but renewal surveys indicate that many buyers want visible progress in the trenches before committing for 2026. BIG OPENING TEST Georgia Tech visits Folsom Field on Friday, Aug. 29, in national prime time. FBSchedules lists the Yellow Jackets as returning nine defensive starters from a bowl squad that rarely beats itself. A sluggish Buffaloes start will validate every off‑season worry; a crisp performance could rekindle part of the 2024 buzz and keep Colorado in the Big 12 conversation. Advertisement BOTTOM LINE The Colorado football off‑season hype has shifted from roaring bass to a measured hum. Ticket sales still look good, but the automatic spotlight is gone. Year Three of the Prime experiment must generate new excitement on the field. If the rebuilt roster gels and Coach Prime stays healthy, September could feel like a fresh beginning. If key questions linger, last summer may stand as the program's peak hype moment and the retooled Big 12 will show no mercy. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Fox News
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Deion Talks Health, QBs, NIL: Coach Prime's Top Moments From Big 12 Media Days
Deion Sanders was in his usual form when he met with reporters at Big 12 Media Days on Wednesday, exuding his typical charisma while at the podium. However, the Colorado coach didn't provide updates on his health. Sanders said he wanted to keep the focus on his football team when he was asked about the challenges he's faced as he's been away from the program for the last couple of months due to an unknown health issue. "Average day, I'm looking good. I'm living lovely," Sanders told reporters. "God has truly blessed me. Not a care in the world. Not a want or desire in the world." While he was coy about his health status, Sanders thanked Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark and the rest of the conference's coaches for checking up on him during his recent struggles. "I love them, they've been calling and checking on me, making sure I'm straight," Sanders said. Sanders, who'll turn 58 in early August, missed Colorado's annual summer camps in June due to the undisclosed health issue and has been spending time at his home in Texas. Big 12 Media Days were held in Frisco, which is roughly 90 minutes away from Sanders' residence in Canton, Texas. The only information Sanders has shared about the illness came when he appeared on former NFL player Asante Samuel's podcast in late May. As Samuel wished Sanders well, the Colorado coach said what he was "dealing with right now is at a whole 'nother level" and that he had lost 14 pounds. Still, Sanders said he planned to return to coaching whenever the illness subsided. Sanders certainly spoke like someone who would be back on the sideline for the upcoming season on Wednesday, fielding numerous questions over his near-20-minute-long press conference. In terms on-field matters, the biggest question surrounding Colorado is its quarterback situation. Colorado brought both Kaidon Salter and Julian "JuJu" Lewis to Big 12 Media Days this week, with Sanders saying he hasn't decided which one of the two will replace his son yet. "We brought both of them because we don't know which one is going to start," Sanders said. In a follow-up, Sanders said there would be situations where he would feel comfortable playing both quarterbacks. "As long as they're doing their jobs and winning," Sanders said. "We definitely want to continue to develop JuJu. But Kaidon is unbelievable. Kaidon is off the chain. He's been there, done that and he can get the job done. I wouldn't have brought him here if I didn't trust him. But JuJu is coming around the mountain when he comes. I love him. I love what he brings to the table. "I don't know how it's going to play out, as long as it plays out. We can't lose either way, with either of those two." Salter was one of the top quarterbacks to transfer this past offseason. The former Liberty quarterback is 20-4 all-time as a starter, winning Conference USA's Most Valuable Player in 2023 as he helped the Flames go 13-0 before losing in the Fiesta Bowl. He threw for 1,886 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions to go with 587 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns in 11 games last season. Lewis, meanwhile, was widely viewed as one of the best quarterback prospects in the 2025 recruiting class. The incoming freshman was ranked as the 10th-best quarterback in the class by 247 Sports. Sanders also weighed in on larger matters throughout the college football landscape on Wednesday. When he was asked about his relationship with Texas Tech head Joey McGuire, Sanders ribbed his counterpart for the recent spending the program has done to land top transfers and recruits. "Joey got some money! Joey, where you at, baby? Spending that money! I love it," Sanders said with a wide grin. "Once upon a time, you guys was talking junk about me going in that portal. Now, when everyone go in the portal, it's OK. It's cool when they do it. It's a problem when I do it." Sanders later said "I love me some Joey McGuire," praising him for how he handled Texas Tech fans when they threw tortillas during Colorado's game against the Red Raiders in Lubbock last season. Still, Texas Tech has formed a squad that will likely threaten to try and take Colorado down from one of the top spots in the Big 12 in 2025 and beyond. The Red Raiders landed the No. 2 class in the transfer portal this offseason, via 247 Sports, reportedly spending more than $10 million to do so. Texas Tech also agreed to a lucrative revenue-sharing deal with 2026 five-star recruit Felix Ojo earlier in July. Texas Tech's deal with Ojo was made possible after the approval of the House v. NCAA settlement in June, which allowed schools and student-athletes to agree to revenue-sharing deals starting on July 1. The approval of the lawsuit brought further questions about the future of college sports as schools will be allowed to spend roughly $20.5 million in revenue-sharing deals with student athletes for the 2025-26 academic year. In his first comments since the approval of the lawsuit, Sanders iterated that he'd like to see a salary cap be implemented in college football moving forward. "That's what the NFL does," Sanders said. "The problem is, you've got a guy that's not that darn school and you could give him a half-million dollars and you can't compete with that. That don't make sense. "All you have to do is look at the playoffs and see what those teams spent, and you understand darn near well why they're in the playoffs. It's kind of hard to compete with somebody that's giving $25, $30 million to a freshman class. It's crazy. We're not complaining. … But what's going on right now don't make sense." Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? 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Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fresh Intel Reveals Deion Sanders Missed 'Official Duties' as Health Improves, Per Report
Fresh Intel Reveals Deion Sanders Missed 'Official Duties' as Health Improves, Per Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Deion Sanders Is Off the Sidelines for Now and Buffaloes Fans Are Watching Closely It's the heart of summer, and Colorado football's biggest star isn't on the recruiting trail, in the film room, or at the team's youth camps. Instead, Coach Prime is quietly recovering away from Boulder, leaving fans wondering just how close he is to returning. Advertisement In a video posted Saturday by his son, Deion Sanders Jr., the legendary coach was seen fishing in Texas with Colorado standout Travis Hunter. While encouraging Hunter to reel in a fish, Sanders appeared upbeat but far from full throttle. 'It's a beautiful thing,' Sanders Jr. said. 'Coach Prime back active, moving around. God is great. Not back active moving around, but it's progress.' Yet even that bit of movement comes amid mounting concern. According to USA Today's Brent Schrotenboer, Sanders has been away from his coaching duties since April and missed Colorado's annual youth and high school football camps in June, events clearly outlined in his employment contract. His absence has fueled speculation and stirred unease among fans and insiders alike. Contractual Duties Unfulfilled Coach Prime's contract requires him to run summer football camps, key events that develop local talent and keep the program front-of-mind for young athletes across Colorado. His no-show in June didn't go unnoticed. Advertisement Brent Schrotenboer reported that Sanders 'did not attend Colorado's annual youth and high school camps,' even though organizing and appearing at them is officially listed in his job description. Health Still a Major Hurdle Sanders, 57, has long battled serious health issues, most notably blood clots in his legs. The complications led to the amputation of two toes and over 10 surgeries. He previously missed the 2023 Pac-12 media event due to these challenges. This time, Sanders admitted on a podcast with Asante Samuel that his current condition is 'at a whole nother level.' He revealed he's lost about 14 pounds during this recent health scare. Advertisement Despite an optimistic tone in a June 11 post, 'everything is OKAY', his timeline for a full return remains a mystery. Coach Prime, Deion SandersCU Buffs A Team Waiting for Its Leader While this is considered a quieter time in the college football calendar, Sanders is expected to headline Colorado's presence at the Big 12 media days on July 9 in Frisco, Texas. Whether he appears is still uncertain. His absence has created a leadership vacuum, albeit temporary in a program that has seen seismic growth under his watch. He's helped land a top-20 transfer class and significantly boosted the salaries of his assistants. Still, as the spotlight dims slightly in his absence, the Buffaloes faithful are left wondering: Can the magic of Coach Prime continue if he's only half present? Advertisement Fans should brace for a cautious timeline. Colorado athletic director Rick George has supported Sanders through his health battles, and with good reason. Without Prime, Colorado's national relevance would drop off a cliff. But support comes with accountability. As fall camp looms, all eyes will be on whether Sanders shows up, not just in body, but in full command. Because when Coach Prime speaks, the nation listens. And right now, Boulder is waiting. Related: Colorado's Defense Sends Strong Message Without Travis Hunter and Others Related: Shedeur Sanders Gets Roasted by Brother After Second Speeding Ticket This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Reuters
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Son: Deion Sanders making 'progress' amid health issue
June 22 - Colorado football coach Deion Sanders is improving in his battle with an unspecified health condition, his eldest son said. Deion Sanders Jr. posted a video of his father fishing at his Texas estate to YouTube on Saturday. "It's a beautiful thing," Deion Sanders Jr. says in the video. "Coach Prime back active, moving around. God is great. Not back active moving around, but it's progress." In the video, the elder Sanders, 57, is shown driving the fishing boat, which also counts former Colorado star and Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter among the passengers. Neither Sanders nor Colorado officials have given specifics about the nature of the health issue the coach is facing. He has been away from Boulder, missing annual youth camps he normally would have attended. He is scheduled to attend a Big 12 preseason media event on July 9 in Frisco, Texas. Sanders addressed his health in a social media post on June 11. "I can assure you all that everything is OK and will continue to be so," he posted to X. .".. I'm excited to get back to Colorado to be at home with my staff, team & all associated to our program. When we arrive back to Boulder you will be updated on everything." It is unclear when Sanders will return to the Buffaloes. A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Sanders required multiple surgeries for persistent blood clots in recent years. He had two toes amputated in 2021 to address clotting issues. --Field Level Media
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Deion Sanders 'feeling well' but timing of return to Colorado campus unclear
Colorado football coach Deion Sanders has been away at his estate in Texas dealing with an unspecified health issue even as CU's annual slate of summer football camps got underway last week in Boulder. Sanders appeared at his CU summer camps in 2023 and 2024. Operating them is listed as one of the official duties in his employment contract with CU. His picture also is used by the university to advertise them. Advertisement But it's unclear when Sanders is returning to Boulder. On Sunday, his eldest son Deion Jr. appeared on a YouTube livestream from the family estate in Canyon, Texas, where he said his father was in his room and 'feeling well.' 'He'll tell y'all soon enough what he going through, what he went through,' Deion Jr. said on the livestream. He suggested that when they return to Boulder was open-ended. 'When we get back in Boulder, I don't know,' Deion Jr. said June 8. 'I'm waiting until my dad leaves. When he leaves, then I'll go. Until then, I'm gonna sit here with him.' News on and off season: Sign up for USA TODAY's Sports newsletter. Sanders, 57, also canceled a scheduled speaking engagement scheduled for June 8 in Florida. He canceled because of an "unavoidable last-minute scheduling change," according to The Foundation for Sickle Cell Research, whose symposium had advertised Sanders as its keynote speaker. The foundation instead replaced him with NBA legend Magic Johnson. Advertisement In 2023, issues related to blood clots in Deion Sanders' legs led him to miss a Pac-12 Conference media event in Las Vegas. He has been accompanied in Texas by CU athletic trainer Lauren Askevold, who has helped him with his legs since the issue got serious in 2021, including the amputation of two of his toes and the removal of the sides of his left calf. Sanders has been out of the media spotlight since the NFL draft in April and suggested it was related to a health issue but didn't say what exactly. He mentioned it on a podcast with former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel in late May. 'I hope you're feeling better,' Samuel said to Sanders. Samuel then asked him if he ever tried fasting. Sanders responded by saying 'what I'm dealing with right now is at whole nother level' but said he's coming back after losing about 14 pounds. Advertisement Last week, CU hosted separate camps for high school football players and eligible high school graduates. CU also is scheduled to host a youth football camp this week before a women's football clinic on Thursday. The university didn't immediately respond to a message asking if Sanders would be appearing at this week's camp activities. His Buffaloes team opens the season on Aug. 29 at home against Georgia Tech. Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Deion Sanders' health issue raising questions at Colorado
