Coming off a strong 2024 campaign that ended with a trip to the Alamo Bowl, expectations were high for Colorado football heading into this season under head coach Deion Sanders. But things haven’t gone quite as planned. The Buffaloes sit at 1-2 after early losses to Georgia Tech and Houston, putting them in a spot where wins are suddenly more urgent than ever.
Despite the rocky start, Sanders has already transformed the program in ways that can’t be ignored. His arrival brought unprecedented national attention to Boulder, drawing eyes from across the college football world. Still, some voices are starting to question whether his time at Colorado should come to an end.
Following the Buffs’ latest setback in Houston, Outkick writer Austin Perry argued that perhaps both sides should consider moving on. “After last night’s rough outing in H-Town, the Buffs have fallen to 1-2 in Sanders’ third year, a time traditionally seen as ‘the year it all comes together,’” Perry wrote in his column titled It’s Time For Deion Sanders And Colorado To Mutually Part Ways.
For Sanders and Colorado, the weeks ahead could prove pivotal. The program faces pressure to right the ship quickly, all while navigating the growing debate over whether his tenure is still on the right track.
Sanders’ debut season at Colorado ended with a 4-8 record, as the team stumbled down the stretch with just one win in its final eight games after a promising start. The following year brought major progress a 9-4 finish, a long-awaited bowl appearance, and Travis Hunter capturing the Heisman Trophy. But fast forward to Week 3 of this season, and the Buffs are sitting at 1-2, putting Sanders and his staff under growing pressure to steer things back on course and deliver another winning campaign.
Sanders Urged To Leave Boulder
Perry’s claim that Sanders ought to quit the program may seem absurd given that the season is only three games old, but his major point regarding the success he brought to the institution is still valid.
As a coach at the University of Colorado, what were and are the expectations for Deion Sanders? Was the purpose of the Deion Experiment to generate attention and publicity for the program? Perry inquired. “Because, people, if that’s the case, goal done! In the last three years, there has likely been more discussion about the Colorado football team than there has been since the early 1990s.
Before Deion Sanders took over, Colorado football was in rough shape, finishing just 1-11. But his arrival completely changed the program’s visibility. Social media exploded, with the Buffaloes becoming one of the few college teams in the nation to surpass a million Instagram followers. Beyond that, the school has seen more student applications and a big boost in athletic donations, much of it tied directly to Sanders’ presence.
With Colorado now at the height of its national spotlight, some argue that Sanders has already accomplished what he was brought in to do — make the program relevant again. As Austin Perry noted, the vision seemed to be twofold: success on the field and the unmatched publicity “Coach Prime” generates.
Still, Perry pointed out that the Buffs haven’t stacked up against other elite programs when it comes to wins or recruiting power. While fans in Boulder might not demand national championships, the team’s quarterback uncertainty and uneven results could be the real factors fueling questions about Sanders’ long-term future at Colorado.
Colorado QB Situation
Replacing Shedeur Sanders was never going to be easy, but Colorado seemed well-prepared with transfer Kaidon Salter, five-star freshman Julian Lewis, and returning backup Ryan Staub. On paper, it looked like one of the strongest quarterback groups in college football.
Three weeks into the season, though, things haven’t gone as planned. Deion Sanders has rotated between all three quarterbacks without settling on a true starter.
In Week 1 against Georgia Tech, Salter got most of the snaps. He started again in Week 2 but was quickly pulled for Lewis, who only attempted four passes. Staub then stepped in and impressed with 157 yards and two touchdowns versus Delaware, earning him the Week 3 start against Houston.
But in his second start, Staub struggled. He finished 19-of-35 for 204 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in a 36-20 loss. Even though he was the only quarterback Sanders used that night, the performance left much to be desired.
“I have no idea,” Sanders admitted after the game when asked about the QB situation. “It wasn’t good at all. I take full responsibility for the foolishness that went on out there.”
Staub himself shouldered the blame too, saying, “At the end of the day, it always falls on the quarterback.”
As of now, Sanders hasn’t committed to who will start under center when the Buffaloes take on Wyoming next.