Deion Sanders is known for his bold approach and unwavering resilience in the face of skepticism. The head coach, often referred to as Coach Prime, has transformed doubt into determination, evidenced by his extraordinary impact in 2023, which soared to $343 million in media exposure, a dramatic increase from $87 million just a year earlier. While his coaching strategies revamp team performance, his charisma has also turned him into a cultural phenomenon, making significant strides both on and off the field.
Under his leadership, the Colorado Buffaloes have experienced a remarkable resurgence. Merchandise sales have skyrocketed by 2,500%, as fans eagerly embrace the team’s revival. The excitement surrounding Coach Prime’s influence is palpable; every social media update reflects the unmistakable “Prime Time” allure. Colorado isn’t just racking up wins; the fans are engaged in a celebratory wave.
The buzz around Folsom Field reached new heights on May 31 when Colorado sports writer Brian Howell reported that season tickets sold out for a third consecutive year, a feat that hadn’t been accomplished in over 25 years. The last time tickets disappeared this quickly was during the team’s glory years from 1990 to 1996. The energy surrounding the Buffs is unmistakable, with this being only the 11th time in school history that tickets have sold out in such a short timeframe, highlighting the enthusiasm spurred by Sanders.
Sanders began his coaching journey at Jackson State in 2020, swiftly achieving a 27-6 record while transforming the roster through strategic player acquisitions. Noteworthy talent, including his son Shedeur and star recruit Travis Hunter, made headlines during his time there. By 2022, he became the head coach at Colorado, guiding the team from a dismal 1-11 season to 4-8 in his first year and culminating in a strong 9-4 finish, including a trip to the Alamo Bowl, in 2024. To secure his talent, Colorado extended his contract through 2029, now aligning him with a $10 million salary, making him a prominent figure in the Big 12 conference.
The excitement continues to build. Sports analyst Joel Klatt recently appeared on “The Herd” with Colin Cowherd, sharing an optimistic outlook for the Buffs. “I don’t see them taking a step back, maybe a small one,” Klatt commented, noting the team’s solid recruitment and the addition of two new quarterbacks: Kaidon Salter from Liberty and Julian Lewis who decommitted from USC. Klatt added, “Could Colorado be a four-win team? Maybe. Could they be a nine-win team? Maybe. This conference is just so deep.”
In a further sign of progress, former North Alabama linebacker Shaun Myers has joined the Buffs. This development, confirmed by CU insider NoSkoZone, adds depth to the team. Myers, known for his leadership and tenacity, boasts impressive stats, including 105 tackles and two interceptions in his time as a two-time captain. At 6’1” and 220 pounds, he embodies the kind of player Coach Prime values—ready to make a significant impact both on the field and within the team dynamics.
In the midst of these exciting developments, Deion Sanders celebrated another remarkable achievement away from game day. The Buffs recently reported their highest team GPA in history, reaching an impressive 2.957 this spring—an indication that academic excellence is just as vital as athletic prowess under his guidance. The team’s mantra emphasizes a commitment to being “SMART. TOUGH. FAST. DISCIPLINED. WITH CHARACTER,” showcasing Sanders’ dedication not just to fostering athletes, but also future leaders.
Despite some high-profile departures, Colorado remains a hot topic in college football. With four nationally televised games lined up for the 2025 season, including a matchup against Delaware and a primetime game against BYU, the Buffs are set to capture the nation’s attention once more. The Big 12 recently released the schedule, underscoring the increasing popularity of the program which featured a record 13 nationally televised games in 2024, far surpassing previous records.
As the excitement builds, the anticipation for the upcoming season grows. Coach Prime’s leadership has propelled the Buffs into the spotlight, but now the challenge is to convert that momentum into a legitimate run for a Big 12 title. With talent on the roster and high expectations, the stage is set for an electrifying season ahead.