Prime's Island - Colorado Buffaloes On SI - Sports Illustrated

Coach Prime

Dec 26, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Mexico Lobos athletic director Fernando Lovo against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Fernando Lovo begins his tenure as the Colorado Buffaloes’ new athletic director on January 1, 2026, but he inherits major financial, structural, and competitive challenges as he looks to guide the Buffaloes into a new era.

Dec 26, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Mexico Lobos athletic director Fernando Lovo against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Fernando Lovo begins his tenure as the Colorado Buffaloes’ new athletic director on January 1, 2026, but he inherits major financial, structural, and competitive challenges as he looks to guide the Buffaloes into a new era.

Coach Prime

Dec 26, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Mexico Lobos athletic director Fernando Lovo against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field.

Football

The Colorado Buffaloes decided that Fernando Lovo was the right athletic director for their future with coach Deion Sanders. Lovo shared his opinion of "Coach Prime" in a recent interview while shedding light on what he looks for in program leaders.

Nov 1, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders on the sidelines in the second quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

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The Colorado Buffaloes could use a spark in the backfield, and North Dakota running back Sawyer Seidl fits the bill. Known for his explosiveness and big-play ability, Seidl is a player Deion Sanders should keep on his radar in the transfer portal.

Sep 27, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Ryan Staub (16) before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

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With Ryan Staub now set to enter the college football transfer portal, Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders is now in the market for a backup quarterback.

Sep 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium.

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After a disappointing 2025, coach Deion Sanders needs a checklist of self-improvement if his Colorado Buffaloes want any hope of competing in the Big 12. His roster-building and game management must improve after underlying flaws reared their ugly heads.

Dec 26, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Mexico Lobos athletic director Fernando Lovo against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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In a press release announcing his hiring, new University of Colorado athletic director Fernando Lovo revealed his expectations for the Buffs' new era.

Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Legendary football and baseball player and father of Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Deion Sanders on the sidelines prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

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It was another chapter in the NFL rise of former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The Browns' rookie opened hot on Sunday, but two turnovers led to a rare sideline reaction from his father, Deion Sanders, that caught fans’ attention.

Deion Sanders Scott Satterfield Noah King Sauce Gardner Colorado Buffaloes Cincinnati Bearcats Indiana Hoosiers Transfer NFL

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The Colorado Buffaloes could lose freshman cornerback Noah King to the transfer portal. Potential fits like Indiana and Cincinnati offer the chance for a fresh start, immediate playing time, and an opportunity to help bolster a young secondary.

Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Legendary football and baseball player and father of Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Deion Sanders on the sidelines prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

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Gavin Sawchuk could be the perfect running back for the Colorado Buffaloes. With his talent, experience, and Colorado roots, he offers immediate impact and depth to a Buffaloes backfield in need of playmakers next season.

Oct 25, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders speaks with Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Isaiah Hardge (17) before the game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

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Two-way player Isaiah Hardge and defensive end London Merritt are among those who the Colorado Buffaloes must keep out of the transfer portal when it officially opens next week.

Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field.

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The Cleveland Browns upset the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday as Cleveland rookie Shedeur Sanders faced off against an NFL legend in Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a former opponent of his father, Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders.

Oct 4, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders on the sidelines during the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

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With the official announcement expected shortly, get to new expected new University of Colorado athletic director Fernando Lovo, who comes to Boulder via New Mexico.

Nov 1, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

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One day after losing Dallan Hayden, the Colorado Buffaloes were linked to fellow transfer portal running back Triston Morgan, who starred at Division II Benedict College.

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive tackle Amari McNeill (88) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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After three seasons with the Colorado Buffaloes, veteran defensive tackle Amari McNeill announced his decision to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Aug 29, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis (10) warms up in the second quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

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Although they play on opposite sides of the ball, new Colorado Buffaloes linebacker signee Rodney Colton Jr. revealed that quarterback Julian Lewis' loyalty to coach Deion Sanders played a role in his recruitment.

Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes offensive tackle Jordan Seaton (77) during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

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Led by projected first-round pick Jordan Seaton, a few current Colorado Buffaloes players have the potential to hear their name called in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffalos safety Shilo Sanders (21) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Colorado Buffaloes fans got a holiday treat as former CU star Shilo Sanders went viral on Christmas Day, posting a video of himself searching for presents under Deion Sanders’ tree—and delivering the same humor and personality he became known for in Bould

Sep 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Sincere Brown (9) runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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While his speed is certainly of value, it won't be easy for former Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Sincere Brown to find an NFL Draft landing spot.

Aug 29, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during the first quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field.

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While the trenches will take precedent for January's fast-approaching transfer portal window, the Colorado Buffaloes desperately need stability at cornerback. Coach Deion Sanders must dig deep for excellence at where he made a Hall of Fame career out of.

Sep 6, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during the second half against the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens at Folsom Field.

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Northern Colorado Bears safety Cam Chapa, a two-time FCS All-American, is a hot-button target to replenish the Colorado Buffaloes' losses at defensive back. Members of the Buffs community rallied to get him on coach Deion Sanders' radar this past week.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning walks the sideline as the Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies on Nov. 29, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington.

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The Colorado Buffaloes take a big hit as safety Tawfiq Byard enters the transfer portal. The Oregon Ducks could be the ideal landing spot, giving him a chance to step in immediately and make an impact for a national contender.

Brandon High cornerback Preston Ashley has been named to the Clarion Ledger 2025 Dandy Dozen.

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Recent Colorado Buffaloes signee Preston Ashley, a class of 2026 recruit from Mississippi, shared his excitement for soon playing for coach Deion Sanders in Boulder.

Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Legendary football and baseball player and father of Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Deion Sanders on the sidelines prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

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Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders had a storied football career long before taking the job in Boulder prior to the 2022 season. Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey credited "Coach Prime" for the early years in his career when the two were teammates.

Nov 22, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

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New Colorado Buffaloes offensive coordinator Brennan Marion has fully embraced his role as a top recruiter on coach Deion Sanders' staff.

Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Dre'lon Miller (6) during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

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Departing Colorado Buffaloes football wide receivers Dre'lon Miller and Omarion Miller were both linked to the LSU Tigers as potential transfer portal targets.