Colorados 3-7 spiral reveals leadership void under Deion Sanders originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When Colorado opened the 2025 season, neither fans nor head coach Deion Sanders imagined a slide this steep.
A program that entered the year with lofty expectations is now facing a harsh reality. At 3-7, the Buffaloes look nothing like the Big 12 contender Sanders predicted during spring camp.
Back in April, Sanders told reporters the roster was better than last years team, fueling optimism that Colorados rebuild had finally turned a corner. Instead, the season has been marked by inconsistency, frustration and a growing sense that the foundation of the program is far less stable than Sanders hoped.
In a clip posted by Well Off Media, Sanders praised the players who really care while warning others who dont, saying he knew who they were. But on the field, Colorado has played with little intensity and even less cohesion. A pedestrian offense and terrible defense ranked 114th and 117th nationally, respectively. This has left the Buffs looking overwhelmed in most Big 12 conference matchups.
For recruits watching from afar, the product has been troubling. Sanders selling point has long been the access to NFL minds, Super Bowl champions and Hall of Famers who surround the program.
Yet, players have begun to question whether that expertise is translating into development. More than a dozen entered the transfer portal, citing mixed messages, constant criticism and a lack of fundamental teaching.
Players say they are often told to work with position coaches or strength staff, only to have their progress dismissed. Others have been played out of position. And the internal issues are now visible enough that former quarterback Shedeur Sanders recently said the team lacked Alphas. The comment that raised eyebrows about both the present and the recent past.
Colorados problems run deeper than quarterback play or late-season injuries. The Buffs face a cultural reset. One that must start at the top before any on-field turnaround can occur.