Shedeur Sanders' Impact On Deion Sanders' Success: Urban Meyer's Bold Take

Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders took over in Boulder following a one-win season in 2022. Two years later and the Buffaloes were winners of nine games. National championship winning coach Urban Meyer says that Shedeur Sanders was a big reason.

Sep 23, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders walks on the field before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images | Soobum Im-Imagn Images

Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders is entering his third season as coach in Boulder. “Coach Prime” brought eyeballs to the Colorado football program the second he walked through the door. Colorado has gone from winning just one game in 2022 to nine in 2024. 

The quarterback on these 2023 and 2024 Colorado teams was Shedeur Sanders. 

Urban Meyer Credits Shedeur Sanders for Colorado Turnaround 

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders and quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) talk with the media after the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Former Ohio State Buckeyes, Florida Gators, and Jacksonville Jaguars coach Urban Meyer went on Cleveland sports talk radio on 92.3 The Fan and talked about Deion. Meyer gives Deion’s son, Shedeur Sanders a lot of credit for this jump. 

“I loved watching him. At Big Noon we covered him. We were there for Deion’s, I think first three games,” Meyer said “He (Deion) turned around a program that was a train wreck and you don’t do that without Shedeur Sanders.”

🏈"We were there for (Deion Sanders) first 3 games (at Colorado) and he turned around a program that was a trainwreck... You don't do that without Shedeur Sanders."@CoachUrbanMeyer on Shedeur Sanders at Colorado🔥

🔊: https://t.co/RltGtxiN1u pic.twitter.com/XCVvOPwLfc

— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) August 21, 2025

Shedeur Sanders played for the Buffaloes in 2023 and 2024. In these two seasons, he totaled 7,364 passing yards, 64 touchdown passes, and 13 interceptions. 

“I got to go behind the scenes and watch his father and coach. A lot of times we all get uncomfortable with maybe the flash and posse and the watches, etc, but I know what I saw,” Meyer said. “I saw a player that can get out of trouble, lead a team. Has really all the skillset to be successful. He took a god-awful program and turned it around.”

Aug 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles during the game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Deion Sanders will be without Shedeur Sanders for the first time as Colorado coach in 2025. Shedeur was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. He is currently in a quarterback battle up the depth chart with Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Kenny Pickett.

Signs are pointing towards the Buffaloes rolling with transfer portal addition, former Liberty Flames quarterback Kaidon Salter as the starter. No official word has been made by Coach Deion Sanders at this point. Another quarterback in the running is incoming freshman quarterback Julian Lewis. The Buffaloes opening game is on Friday, Aug. 29 at Folsom Field.

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Urban Meyer’s Run in College Football

Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Urban Meyer looks on during the second half the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Meyer has had some incredible teams back in his college football coaching days. Meyer is now a member of FOX Sport’s Big Noon Kickoff television panel, but beforehand was a coach at Florida and Ohio State. 

Meyer was Florida coach from 2005 through 2010. He won SEC titles and BCS National Championships in 2006 and 2008. 

After his time with the Gators came to an end, Meyer was hired by Ohio State in 2012. Meyer was the coach of the Buckeyes from 2012 through 2018. He led them to three Big Ten titles in 2014, 2017, and 2018. In 2014, Ohio State won the first ever College Football Playoff National Championship.