Deion Sanders Leads Colorado to Academic Milestone Following Impressive $34.8 Million Conference Payout
Deion Sanders and his coaching staff are demonstrating that the Colorado Buffaloes are excelling both on the field and in the classroom. This spring, Colorado’s 342 student-athletes achieved an average GPA of 3.264, marking a new school record. This achievement has elevated the Buffs’ all-time cumulative GPA to an impressive 3.294, showcasing that they are not only focused on athletic performance but also on academic excellence.
Among the standout performances, the women’s ski team achieved a historic GPA of 3.825, the first time a CU team has reached above a 3.8. The tennis team and the lacrosse team also performed admirably, posting GPAs of 3.761 and 3.733, respectively. In total, six teams now boast GPAs over 3.7, doubling the program’s previous record from 1996.
Adding to the momentum, Brett Yormark, commissioner of the Big 12 Conference, recently announced a substantial payout of $558 million, with Colorado’s share amounting to $34.8 million. Concurrently, the football team recorded their best-ever spring GPA at 2.957, just shy of the 3.011 they achieved last fall. Clearly, the Buffs are balancing their athletic endeavors with a commitment to academics.
Athletic Director Rick George expressed his pride in the student-athletes’ accomplishments, stating, “I am very proud of our student athletes, coaches, and Herbst academic staff for this great accomplishment. We have created a great culture around our academic program and we are seeing the results of that effort year after year.” Notably, nine out of 15 programs reached either a record high in GPA for fall or spring semester in 2024-25, with four—football, lacrosse, tennis, and men’s track and field—setting records in both semesters.
The women’s teams made history as well, with every squad exceeding a 3.3 GPA for the first time. Twelve teams surpassed a 3.2 GPA this spring, and nearly 70% of student-athletes maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Remarkably, close to half achieved GPAs above 3.5, with 39 earning a perfect 4.0. Kris Livingston remarked, “These are big-time results. For the most part, the student-athletes are dialed-in and strive for excellence in their sport, the classroom, and in the community. The staff in the Herbst Academic Center and the coaches partner to provide expectations, support, and accountability.”
Deion Sanders has consistently emphasized that success in football should go hand in hand with academic achievement: “We can’t just win at football, we have to win at everything.” Sanders is transforming the Buffaloes not only into competitive athletes but also into scholars. He is actively engaged in fostering an environment where his players prioritize academics alongside sports.
To ensure accountability and academic success, Sanders regularly meets with coaches to review player performance in the classroom and address any issues promptly. He once responded to a professor’s concerns about player behavior by sharing the email with the whole team, emphasizing the reality that only a select few will advance to professional sports.
Beyond academics, Sanders advocates for providing players with life skills beyond the football field. He promotes mandatory courses in financial literacy and communication, aiming to develop well-rounded individuals prepared for success in all aspects of life. Under Sanders’ leadership, the focus is on cultivating future leaders, rather than solely enhancing athletic prowess.
While Sanders has faced criticism, he responds by highlighting his achievements and contributions. Addressing accusations of being a “sellout,” he has stated, “They keep saying I sold out,” while crediting his successful merchandise collaboration with Nike that sold out rapidly. His decision to move from Jackson State to Colorado has been portrayed not as abandoning a mission, but as broadening its impact.
Sanders has drastically increased Colorado’s media visibility, boosting the school’s media value from $87 million in 2022 to an astonishing $343 million in 2023. Online sales have risen by 2,500% and social media engagement has surged. The university’s enrollment and tourism have also experienced significant growth, proving that the Buffaloes are not only relevant but thriving under Sanders’ influence.
As one ESPN commentator noted, some critics accuse him of abandoning a dream. However, Sanders appears to be expanding it, carefully navigating the transition from HBCU coaching to a Power 5 level and redefining what it means to be a college football coach. Regardless of the opinions surrounding him, it’s clear that Sanders is reshaping the future of college athletics.