Deion Sanders Pushes NFL-Style Rules at Big 12

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders called at Big 12 Media Days for NCAA adoption of NFL-style rules and penalties in college football, including fines for uniform violations. Sanders criticized players' noncompliance with uniform standards and suggested fines to enforce greater respect for the game, drawing from his NFL experience. He advocated for rule changes such as requiring two feet in bounds for catches and marking pass interference penalties at the spot of the foul, aiming to better prepare athletes for professional play. Sanders has also previously proposed a college football salary cap to mirror the NFL and bring balance in the NIL era. He emphasized his focus on his team, downplaying recent health concerns. While Sanders' efforts to professionalize college football are high-profile, they face skepticism from fans and the NCAA, who value the college game's distinctiveness.