As the 2025 college football season approaches, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders is stepping into uncharted territory — coaching a Buffaloes team that, for the first time in recent memory, does not feature one of his sons on the field.
Speaking to a room full of energized fans at the team’s annual kickoff luncheon, Sanders initially cracked a joke when asked about life without his sons, quarterback Shedeur Sanders and safety Shilo Sanders, on the roster.
“It’s easy,” he said, pausing for effect. “Especially not having Shilo get on my last nerve.”
The room burst into laughter, but Coach Prime quickly softened his tone. “It’s not easy,” he admitted.
After two seasons of watching his sons grow and shine under his leadership at Colorado, Sanders is now faced with the challenge of transitioning into a new era — one that demands both a fresh leadership dynamic and new playmakers on the field. Last season, the Buffaloes finished 9-4 and made an appearance in the Alamo Bowl, a major turnaround from where the program stood just two years ago.
Now, the question is: Can Colorado build on that success without its most familiar faces?
Replacing Shedeur Sanders at quarterback will be no small task. The competition is heating up between Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter and freshman phenom Julian “JuJu” Lewis. Both bring different skill sets and styles, but Sanders has expressed confidence in their potential to guide the offense forward.
“I feel like, wholeheartedly, this is a better football team,” Sanders said, signaling optimism about the talent that has arrived in Boulder.
Shilo’s absence in the secondary will also be felt, but the defense is undergoing a full retooling under the guidance of defensive coordinator Robert Livingston. On both sides of the ball, Sanders is leaning on a staff filled with elite experience — including NFL legends like Warren Sapp and Marshall Faulk, as well as former NFL quarterback and offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, who has taken on a mentorship role with Colorado’s quarterbacks.
Beyond the roster turnover, Sanders also faced personal adversity this offseason as he underwent treatment for bladder cancer. His time away from the team forced him to rely heavily on his coaching staff, and he credits them for maintaining continuity and structure during his absence.
“I feel like our staff gets better and better and better every year,” Sanders said. “I feel like the roster gets better and better and better every year.”
Still, his goals haven’t changed. One mission remains close to Sanders’ heart: delivering a bowl win for beloved 100-year-old super-fan Peggy Coppom.
“We want to get Miss Peggy to a bowl game — and win,” he declared.
As Sanders and the Buffaloes prepare to write a new chapter without their most recognizable stars, one thing is clear: Coach Prime isn’t lowering the bar. If anything, expectations are higher than ever.