Deion Sanders says Colorado's move to Big 12 a 'game changer'

With Colorado moving back to the Big 12 conference next year, the largest beneficiary will be Deion Sanders.

Coach Prime has put in a tremendous amount of work over the past eight months, but the best is yet to come with recruiting efforts in Texas expected to become more efficient for CU. Also, it's only natural considering Sanders still calls Dallas home after establishing a deep connection during his playing days with the Cowboys.

Colorado goes back to the Big 12 after a 13-year hiatus as a member of the Pac-12. A move that seemed to be full of roses when it was announced in 2010. However, the appeal of being tied to the southern California region quickly lost its luster for CU with the Pac-12 failing to connect on several deals to advance the interest of its partner schools. The new media rights deal was only part of the overall picture as to why Colorado is headed for the exit.

Sanders applauded CU athletic director Rick George for getting CU back in their original conference, as he prepares the Buffs for their final Pac-12 season in Boulder.

Colorado Buffaloes return home to the Big 12: Press Conference reactions

"If everything I'm hearing is true, I applaud our [Athletic Director] Rick George for choosing the best scenario for all athletics at CU," Sanders told 247 Sports' Carl Reed. "This move is a game changer, and we plan on changing the game."

Former Colorado coach Gary Barnett said Wednesday that Sanders will be hot on the recruiting trail in Texas. A factor he found outstanding success with while coaching the Buffaloes in the early 2000s. Barnett also said CU couldn't afford to keep leaving money on the table by staying in the Pac-12.

Colorado opens the 2023 season against national runner-up TCU. A Big 12 preview of sorts with the Buffs and Frogs being featured in FOX's Big Noon Saturday match-up.