The “Prime” challenge: Can Deion Sanders maintain Colorado’s competitiveness in 2025 without the star power of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter? Their anticipated departure to the NFL has sparked considerable debate about the program’s resilience and the long-term success of Coach Prime’s vision in Boulder. With significant roster turnover and new faces stepping into crucial roles, the Buffaloes face a pivotal season that will test the depth of their talent and the effectiveness of their coaching strategies.
Life After Stars: Colorado’s Roster Overhaul
The departure of Shedeur Sanders, lauded as the best pocket passer in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Travis Hunter, a potential Pro Bowler on both sides of the ball, leaves a palpable void in the Colorado Buffaloes lineup. According to Ourlads.com, both players were projected as first-round picks, making their exit inevitable. To address this challenge, Coach Deion Sanders has been proactive in reshaping the roster, utilizing the transfer portal and recruiting new talent to fill key positions.
Quarterback Competition
The most significant question mark revolves around the quarterback position. Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter and heralded freshman Julian Lewis are currently locked in a battle for the starting role. As reported by BuffZone, the coaching staff is closely evaluating their performance during preseason practices to determine who will lead the offense. The team’s offensive coordinator, Pat Shurmur, is expected to implement a more run-heavy scheme to ease the transition for the new quarterback, as noted by Sports Illustrated.
Key Players Stepping Up
Beyond the quarterback battle, several other players are expected to take on larger roles in 2025. On defense, cornerback DJ McKinney and defensive end Arden Walker are poised to become key contributors. Alabama transfer Jehiem Oatis is also expected to bolster the defensive line. Offensively, offensive tackle Jordan Seaton will be crucial in protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes. According to Athlon Sports, these players will be essential in maintaining a competitive level despite the loss of star power.
Coaching Staff Reinforcements
Recognizing the need for experienced leadership, Coach Sanders has also made strategic additions to his coaching staff. NFL legend Marshall Faulk has joined as the running backs coach, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program. There are also rumors, reported by various outlets, of potential additions like Byron Leftwich and Mike Zimmer, which could further strengthen the coaching staff’s expertise and provide valuable guidance to the players.
Deion Sanders’ Vision: A “Better” Team?
Despite the significant losses, Deion Sanders remains optimistic about the team’s prospects for 2025. As quoted by BVM Sports, Sanders believes that the team as a whole will be “better” in 2025, even if it takes multiple players to replace the individual production of Hunter and Sanders. This statement reflects Coach Prime’s emphasis on building a cohesive and well-rounded team, rather than relying solely on individual stars.
Recruiting Philosophy
Coach Sanders’ recruiting philosophy centers on identifying players who are “smart, tough, fast, disciplined, with character.” This approach, as detailed by the University of Colorado Boulder Athletic Department, aims to foster a team culture built on strong fundamentals and a collective identity. By prioritizing these qualities, Sanders hopes to create a sustainable winning program that can withstand the departure of individual stars.
Transfer Portal Strategy
The Buffaloes have experienced significant roster turnover, with 74 players entering the transfer portal in the last two years, according to The Portal Report. While this raises concerns about program stability, Coach Sanders has actively utilized the transfer portal to bring in new talent and address specific needs on the roster. This strategic use of the transfer portal has allowed him to quickly replenish the team and improve depth at various positions, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines.
Preseason Projections and Expectations
Preseason projections for Colorado’s 2025 season vary widely. Some analysts predict a struggle to reach a bowl game, while others acknowledge the potential for continued growth and improvement. ESPN’s College Football Future Power Rankings placed Colorado at No. 35, a significant improvement from previous years, but still highlighting the work ahead to achieve consistent top-tier status. According to NextGen Logic, the team’s performance will largely depend on the development of the new quarterback and the ability of the defense to improve its consistency.
Offensive and Defensive Adjustments
With the anticipated shift to a more run-heavy offensive scheme, the Buffaloes will need to establish a strong running game to support the new quarterback. Defensively, players like DJ McKinney and Arden Walker will be counted on to lead an improved unit. Coach Sanders has expressed confidence that the team’s overall understanding of offensive and defensive schemes is better in 2025, which could translate to improved performance on the field.
End of an Era, Beginning of a New Chapter
The departures of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter mark the end of an era for Colorado football. However, they also present a crucial opportunity for Coach Prime to demonstrate the long-term sustainability and depth of the program he is building. Whether the Buffaloes can achieve a winning season without their star players remains to be seen, but the 2025 season will undoubtedly be a defining moment for Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes.
