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Deion Sanders is venturing into uncharted territory as he prepares for the season with the Colorado Buffaloes. For the first time since he started coaching in the NCAA in 2021, his son, Shedeur Sanders, won't be lining up under center. The duo had been inseparable on the field, starting at Jackson State and then moving to Colorado in 2023.
When they arrived, the Buffaloes were coming off a dismal one-win season in 2022. Deion's impact was immediate-the team won four games in his first year-and truly remarkable last season when they racked up nine victories and finished ranked 25th in the nation, their best showing since 2016. Add in Travis Hunter's Heisman Trophy win, and it's clear that Sanders turned a struggling program into a national contender. Now, with Shedeur and other key players gone, all eyes are on Coach Prime to see how he will keep the momentum alive.
Joel Klatt's Words to Deion Sanders About Colorado's Outlook
Recently, Fox Sports analyst and Colorado alumnus Joel Klatt appeared on "The Herd" with Colin Cowherd, offering his thoughts on the Buffaloes. He described the team as being at a crossroads. Klatt thinks the Buffaloes could end up with a record ranging from a shaky 4-8 to a solid 9-3, depending on how well they fill the giant shoes Shedeur left behind. The focus is on two new quarterbacks: Kaidon Salter, who transferred from Liberty University, and Julian Lewis, a highly touted recruit.
Lewis, from Carrollton High School in Georgia, amassed over 11,000 ing yards and 144 touchdowns in high school-statistics that suggest superstar potential. However, Klatt isn't ready to bet the farm on them just yet. He points out that the Big 12 is tough to crack, especially since the conference is stacked with strong teams after the collapse of the Pac-12. It's a wait-and-see game, and Klatt's holding his breath to see if these new guys can shine.
What Lies Ahead for the Buffaloes
Colorado will kick off the season with two big home games against Georgia Tech and Delaware, so starting strong will be crucial. With so many stars from last year's roster having moved on, Deion Sanders is counting on his coaching staff to rise to the occasion. He's assembled a staff of heavy hitters: Warren Sapp is shaping the defensive line, Marshall Faulk is working with the running backs, and Byron Leftwich-who helped Tom Brady earn his last Super Bowl ring-is calling the shots as offensive coordinator.
This trio hints at a new game plan with less reliance on ing like they did with Shedeur and more focus on a well-rounded attack. Sapp and Faulk will bring grit to the defense and ground game, and Leftwich's expertise could add fresh elements to the playbook. It's a bold move, and fans are eager to see if it pays off.