FRISCO, Texas — Colorado head coach Deion Sanders delivered a message that balanced gratitude, reflection and confidence Wednesday at Big 12 Football Media Days, making it clear he believes the Buffaloes are positioned to take a significant step forward despite a disappointing 2025 campaign.
Colorado enters the 2026 season looking to rebound after finishing 3-9 overall and 1-8 in Big 12 play last year. While outside expectations remain modest, Sanders made it clear his program isn’t paying attention to preseason projections.
Before discussing football, Sanders recognized several people who have impacted Colorado’s program. He praised Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark for his leadership, calling him one of the driving forces behind the conference’s continued growth, while also commending Colorado athletic director Rick George’s successor, Fernando Lovo, for seamlessly stepping into the role.
Sanders also took time to honor members of the Colorado community who recently passed away.
The Buffaloes will wear a commemorative patch throughout the season in memory of staff member Dominique Ponder, whose death deeply affected the program. Sanders said he hopes Ponder’s legacy encourages young people to make responsible decisions and have difficult but necessary conversations.
He also recognized the family of longtime Colorado beat writer Adam Munsterteiger, who died in May after covering the Buffaloes for more than two decades. Sanders thanked the Big 12 for reserving a seat in Munsterteiger’s honor during Media Days and said Colorado plans to leave his seat open in both press conferences and the press box throughout the season as a tribute to his contributions.
Once the focus shifted to football, Sanders highlighted the experience surrounding his program.
Colorado’s coaching staff combines roughly 250 years of coaching experience, including nearly 170 years at the collegiate level. Five assistants have previously served as head coaches, giving Sanders confidence that his staff is the strongest he’s assembled since arriving in Boulder.
He also pointed to improvements off the field.
The Buffaloes posted the highest spring team GPA in program history with a 3.035, while several former walk-ons have earned scholarships. Sanders also noted that numerous players on the roster served as team captains before arriving at Colorado, providing a foundation of leadership he believes will benefit the program this fall.
Blocking out outside expectations
Asked how Colorado has handled criticism following last season’s struggles and the absence of Buffaloes players from the preseason All-Big 12 team, Sanders said his players understand their identity isn’t determined by outside opinions.
Rather than using preseason recognition as motivation, Sanders said the team remains focused on internal standards and daily improvement. He believes any perceived slight only adds fuel for a roster eager to prove itself.
Healthy again after battling cancer
One of Sanders’ most personal moments came when discussing his health.
A year ago, he attended Big 12 Media Days while continuing his recovery from cancer. This summer, Sanders said he feels rejuvenated and energized heading into preseason camp.
He described himself as healthy, stronger physically and emotionally, and excited to return to the sideline. Sanders said he’s regained the energy and confidence that define his coaching style and is eager to begin working with his players as training camp approaches.
One game at a time
Colorado opens the season with a nationally televised road matchup against Georgia Tech, and Sanders isn’t looking beyond that challenge.
When asked about the significance of the Buffaloes’ early schedule, Sanders quickly redirected the conversation to the season opener, emphasizing that his team is focused solely on preparing for camp and Week 1.
He also praised new offensive coordinator Brandon Marion and defensive coordinator Robert Livingston, saying he believes the current coaching staff is the best he’s had during his college coaching career.
Combined with what Colorado accomplished in recruiting and the transfer portal, Sanders said he likes the roster’s chances to compete for victories this season.
Adapting to college football’s new era
Sanders acknowledged that coaching has evolved dramatically with the introduction of NIL opportunities and the transfer portal.
He said today’s players arrive with different motivations. While many still compete because they love football, others also view the sport as a pathway to financial opportunity.
Sanders said successful coaches must adapt to those changing realities rather than relying on outdated approaches, adding that his own children have helped him better understand the mindset of today’s athletes.
Faith remains his foundation
Throughout his career, Sanders has been outspoken about his faith, and he reiterated that it continues to guide every aspect of his life and leadership.
He said public opinion changes constantly, but his confidence comes from his relationship with God rather than outside praise or criticism. Sanders added that he has no intention of becoming less vocal about the role faith plays in his life.
Expecting a different outcome
When asked what area of the team could surprise people this season, Sanders didn’t hesitate.
His answer was simple.
Winning.
For a Colorado program coming off a 3-9 season, Sanders believes the Buffaloes have assembled the coaching staff, leadership and talent necessary to produce a much different result in 2026. Whether those expectations become reality begins with the opener against Georgia Tech, but the confidence inside Colorado’s program appears stronger than ever entering training camp.
