BOULDER, Colo. — With each victory, Deion Sanders and the 16th-ranked Colorado Buffaloes are inching closer to securing a place in the Big 12 title match. However, this success also fuels speculation about Sanders’ future with the team.
During his weekly press conference on Tuesday, Sanders addressed these rumors directly. “I’m content where I am. I’m good. I’ve got my kickstand down,” he stated enthusiastically. “I’m happy, excited, and truly love it here.”
Seated nearby was athletic director Rick George, which added weight to the situation when Sanders was questioned about potential job opportunities in the NFL or among other colleges. Sanders jokingly responded, “That’s so disrespectful. You gonna talk about me going somewhere with my AD in here? They were speculating about us even before we started winning, weren’t they?”
This week, Sanders brought along a special guest — a longtime Colorado superfan celebrating her 100th birthday. He has formed a close bond with Peggy Coppom and has committed this season to ensuring she attends a bowl game. “Which bowl do you want to go to?” Sanders asked, to which she replied, “I’ll take anything they offer us.”
The prospect of a bowl game might soon turn into an appearance in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. The Buffaloes (8-2, 6-1 Big 12, No. 17 CFP) have challenges ahead, starting with a crucial match against Kansas (4-6, 3-4) at Arrowhead Stadium this coming weekend, a team that has recently claimed victories over two Top 25 opponents.
This upcoming challenge has the attention of the Buffaloes, who are in prime position for the conference championship. “I don’t plan on failing. I never make plans to fail,” Sanders stated, emphasizing the need to maintain focus after a fourth consecutive victory. “I’m not one for insurance, but it’s necessary. So we plan on being dominant and successful.”
Sanders has dramatically revitalized the community and the fan base during his two years with the program. Folsom Field was sold out for last weekend’s game against Utah, which had an attendance of 54,646 — the highest in 19 years. The Buffaloes have also garnered attention with all 12 of their games broadcasted either on network television or the main ESPN channel.
Also drawing attention is two-way standout Travis Hunter, a Heisman Trophy candidate vying for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented to the top defensive back in college football. “Travis is both the best defensive and offensive player out there. If that establishes his reputation, then so be it,” Sanders said confidently. “I don’t believe there’s anyone better.” Sanders playfully suggested, “Why don’t they create an award in my name? Wouldn’t it be nice if a player from my team won the ‘Prime’ award?” to which George humorously responded, “We’ll work on that.” Sanders continued, “The best cornerback in college football deserves to have it called the ‘Prime’.” Throughout this week, the word “finish” resonated with Sanders and his team. He presented them with a video clip of a race that ended in a dramatic dive for the finish line, explaining, “The one who dove wanted it a little more than the other. We’re going to be the ones that dive and finish with everything we’ve got.” NOTES: Quarterback Shedeur Sanders and the Buffaloes might be without banged-up receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. for the upcoming matchup against Kansas. “If he can demonstrate he’s able to run, he will play,” Deion Sanders mentioned, summarizing Horn’s ability to instill fear in rivals simply by being present on the field. Additionally, defensive tackle Amari McNeill was recognized as the Big 12’s co-defensive player of the week.