Deion Sanders' Success Judged By Colorado Buffaloes Athletic Director

Athletic director Rick George shared his belief that while the Colorado Buffaloes' rebuild is still in its "infancy," coach Deion Sanders has so far exceeded his expectations. Only two years after winning one game, CU went 9-4 last season with a bowl game.

Sep 9, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes athletic director Rick George before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Ahead of another important season in Boulder, athletic director Rick George remains optimistic about the trajectory of the Colorado Buffaloes football program under third-year coach Deion Sanders.

Colorado went 13-12 in Sanders' first two seasons, and although the Buffs have yet to reach some of their larger goals, "Coach Prime" has revitalized a program that suffered through a one-win season only three years ago. On Wednesday, George shared that Sanders has so far surpassed any expectations that came with his hiring in 2022.

Rick George Reaffirms Trust In Deion Sanders

Dec 4, 2022; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders and athletic director Rick George during a press conference at the Arrow Touchdown Club. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

"We're in the infancy of what 'Coach Prime' is gonna do here," George told Thee Pregame Show. "If you think about we went from a 1-11 team to a 4-8 team and to a bowl game last year at 9-4 on the season, and we've got a lot of high expectations for this coming year. I'm not a 'told you so' guy. I'm confident in the decision we made. 'Coach Prime' has exceeded expectations, in my opinion."

To George's point, Colorado anticipates another successful season this fall despite losing quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and other key players to the NFL. Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter is expected to win the starting quarterback job, and "Coach Prime" has boosted the Buffs' offensive and defensive lines.

The #Live show is a wrap so go catch the replay of @themorningrunlive on @theepregamenetwork with CU AD @RickGeorgeCU

The future at CU is so bright, you gotta wear @blenders ‼️ pic.twitter.com/Qej8tZ4x9N

— Thee Pregame Show (@theepregameshow) August 20, 2025

Looking toward the future, quarterback Julian "JuJu" Lewis and several other true freshmen are coming along nicely in fall camp. Bringing additional money into the program will be important, but George believes the Buffs are on the right track.

"The future is so bright," George said. "As (musician) Timbuk (3) says, 'I gotta wear shades.'"

MORE: Deion Sanders Reveals Colorado Buffaloes Plagued By Injury At Key Position Group

MORE: Updated Cleveland Browns Quarterback Stats: Shedeur Sanders Falling Behind?

MORE: Cleveland Browns' Kevin Stefanski Addresses 'Tough' Quarterback Cuts

MORE: Deion Sanders Strikes New NIL Deal, Boosting Colorado Buffaloes’ Recruiting Power

The "Prime Effect"

Colorado fans react after the Buffaloes tied a college football game against Colorado State at Folsom Field on Saturday, Sep. 16, 2023, in Boulder, Colo. | Lucas Boland/The Coloradoan / USA TODAY NETWORK

Co-host Chico Cleveland later asked George to describe Sanders' widespread impact on Colorado, also known as the "Prime Effect."

"It's a lot because if you look at what he's done here, you look at our stadium, there's more color in our stadium than we've had in the past," George said. "When we're on the road, we're helping fill stadiums all over the country and they're in CU-logoed apparel... There's people that love him (Deion Sanders) and there's people that don't like him, and those people help. They're watching the games. They're doing the things."

Colorado Buffaloes 2025 Season Outlook

Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) hands the ball off to running back Titus Bautista (34) during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Colorado's 2025 season, the third under Deion Sanders' leadership, will look a little different than the past two years. "Coach Prime" and his staff have worked on improving the run game during fall camp, and the aforementioned Salter is also expected to do some damage with his legs.

Defensively, cornerback DJ McKinney, safety Tawfiq Byard, linebacker Reginald Hughes and defensive end Arden Walker are among those expected to step up. If the Buffs can stop the run on early downs, Walker and the rest of Colorado's pass rush have enough talent to lead the Big 12 in sacks again.

Colorado will open its 2025 season against the Georgie Tech Yellow Jackets on Aug. 29.