Deion Sanders Faces Increased Expectations for Third Colorado Football Season

Heading into his third season as head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, Deion Sanders faces tempered expectations after losing key players like Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders. ESPN analysts Josh Pate and Joey Galloway emphasize that being competitive in games and winning expected matchups would constitute success, given the program's previous struggles and the competitiveness of the Big 12 Conference. Paul Finebaum suggests that a seven or eight-win season with a bowl game appearance would be a positive outcome, especially considering Sanders is coaching without his sons for the first time and is recovering from bladder cancer surgery. Finebaum also highlights Sanders' proven recruiting ability and leadership, speculating that he could significantly uplift a program in the SEC, potentially outperforming current coaches at major schools like Alabama, Texas A&M, or Florida State. Despite the challenges, Sanders is viewed as a transformative figure who has already revitalized a moribund Colorado program and could continue to succeed at higher-profile programs if opportunities arise. Overall, the Buffaloes' 2025 season will be watched closely for competitiveness, the team's health, and Sanders' ongoing impact as a change agent in college football.