Colorado head football coach Deion Sanders is no stranger to the limelight, hence the name “Prime Time.” The NFL Hall of Famer turned college football coach is heading into his second season at the helm in Boulder and has elevated the expectations of his program after just a 4-8 season a year ago.
The coaching staff, roster talent, and fan support are all in place; now, it’s just a matter of finding success and maintaining it.
Well, the 2024 season might be Sanders’ window of opportunity to start building Colorado into a winner because the most talented pieces on his roster won’t be around this time next season.
Shedeur Sanders is in the discussion to be the No. 1 quarterback taken in the 2025 NFL Draft. Shilo Sanders is projected to be a third-round selection after coming off shoulder surgery this past offseason. Travis Hunter, who might as well be another one of Coach Prime’s children, appears to be a top 10 pick in next year’s draft class.
With such a massive loss of talent—and day-to-day relationships with his kids—many are wondering if Sanders would leave Colorado to follow his children to the NFL.
In a recent appearance on The Joel Klatt Show, Sanders was asked about what his longterm vision for Colorado football is after Shedeur, Shilo, and Travis leave the program.
“Let me start by saying I’m a leader of men, not a follower of me,” Sanders started. “I’m a father, not a baby daddy. I lead my sons, I don’t follow my sons. My sons, Travis included, are getting ready to migrate to the NFL. I’m not following them to the NFL. I’m a bonafide leader. I’m a daddy, man. Not a baby daddy—I’m a real father. I paved the way for my babies; they’re not paving the way for me.
“I plan on being here and being dominant because they are establishing something that we’re gonna continue to build on for years to come, and I’m thankful that they’re establishing what they’re establishing.”
After inheriting a 1-11 team in the aftermath of the Karl Dorrell era, Sanders’ boys jumped out to a 3-0 record and climbed as high as No. 18 in the polls in 2023. An inability to run the ball and play consistent defense, though, led to CU losing eight of their final nine games.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom.
Five of those eight losses were one-possession games, and the talent upgrade along the offensive and defensive lines was immense this offseason. If they can find some consistency in the trenches, there’s no doubt that Colorado could surprise some folks this year.
Sanders and the Buffs will open up their 2024 season against North Dakota State on Thursday, August 29, at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN.
