Deion Sanders addresses Colorado’s struggles amid tough season and transfer portal misses originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
There is arguably no college football program that has been under a brighter spotlight over the past three seasons than Colorado under head coach Deion Sanders. When Sanders took over in 2023, the Buffaloes struggled with a 4-8 overall record, but his arrival marked the start of a major cultural shift. In 2024, Colorado showed significant improvement, finishing 9-4 and raising expectations for the future. However, the 2025 season has been a different story, as the Buffaloes are currently struggling with a 3-7 record, marking their worst performance yet under Sanders. To make matters tougher, Colorado has been relying on a freshman quarterback, which adds to the growing pains this season.
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At a recent press conference, Sanders openly addressed the team’s struggles compared to their performance last year. His honesty was refreshing as he admitted that Colorado missed on some key additions this season. Sanders did not shy away from responsibility but also defended himself by saying he hadn’t suddenly forgotten how to coach. Rather, he acknowledged that some pieces simply have not fit together well this year.
Speaking candidly about mistakes in player evaluation, Sanders said, “I haven’t forgotten how to coach in a year, we did some things we shouldn’t have done.” His willingness to take responsibility while also pointing to missed opportunities in the transfer portal showed a level of self-awareness not always seen in college coaches.
That said, while some blame can be placed on recruitment misses, ultimately the responsibility starts and ends with Sanders as head coach. This season feels like a major step back after last year’s nine-win campaign, which had many believing the Buffaloes were on an upward trajectory.
Sanders has been vocal about needing more time to build the program the right way in Boulder. Complicating matters is the fact that Rick George, the athletic director who hired Sanders, is set to leave his post at the end of this academic year. Still, Sanders remains confident about his future and the program’s direction.
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“You’ve got the right man,” Sanders told reporters. “I promise you, you do. And I’m going to prove that to you. Just give me an opportunity and a little more time, and I’m going to prove that to you.”
Questions about Sanders’ future have also emerged amid his recent health challenges, including a bladder cancer diagnosis. However, athletic director George dismissed any rumors that Sanders might be on the hot seat, stating, “The seat is not hot. We believe in what is ahead for this program.” That statement seems to settle any speculation about Sanders’ job security and shows Colorado’s commitment to the coach who has already made a significant impact on their football program.
