Colorado Football Enters New Era Under Coach Prime Without Star Duo
Colorado football faces a pivotal 2025 season, entering a new chapter without two of its biggest stars—Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, both of whom have declared for the NFL. With their departure, head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders is left to rebuild and redefine the team’s identity using an almost entirely new roster. His arrival in Boulder marked a cultural shift for the program, and even though the dynamics are different now, he remains firm in his commitment to the team and its future.
Coach Prime’s start at Colorado wasn’t particularly dominant, but his influence was undeniable. Before Colorado, he led Jackson State to impressive 11-2 and 12-1 finishes. By 2024, Colorado showed real promise under his leadership, winning nine games and pushing for a playoff spot—though they narrowly missed out due to a tie-breaker loss to Iowa State. That season also saw Travis Hunter win the Heisman Trophy, symbolizing the team’s newfound national relevance. More importantly, Sanders reenergized the program, much like what was last seen during the Mike MacIntyre era.
Despite rumors and speculation, Sanders has made it clear that he’s not leaving. In a press conference held a month prior, he stated his intentions to stay, which he reaffirmed through his social media. He expressed a deep connection to Boulder and emphasized that he still has unfinished business with the team. Whether or not he eventually moves on, his tenure has already left a significant mark on the program.
Beyond his on-field influence, Sanders has had a tremendous financial impact. In 2023, Colorado sold out all home games for the first time ever. In 2024, the football program posted an $8.24 million profit after a $9.89 million deficit the previous year. Ticket sales alone accounted for over $31 million—an economic boost widely credited to the “Coach Prime” effect. His presence has made Colorado football a nationally recognized brand again.
The 2025 roster, however, is without many of its former stars. In addition to Hunter and Shedeur, wide receivers Jimmy Horn Jr. and LaJohntay Wester have also moved on to the NFL. These losses are significant, and they aren’t the only challenges Sanders faces this year.
Recruiting during the offseason wasn’t as dominant as hoped. The program also dealt with negative media attention related to Shedeur Sanders. Meanwhile, ESPN ranked Colorado 12th out of 16 in its latest Big 13 power rankings, pointing to real questions about the team’s ability to compete at a high level without its former standouts.
One of the most glaring issues last season was the team’s nonexistent running game. Analyst RJ Young highlighted this as a major hurdle, noting that even though Colorado had the worst rushing performance in college football, they still managed nine wins. He speculated that even a modest improvement in the run game could dramatically change their outcomes in 2025.
To address these issues, Sanders made major staff changes. He brought in Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk to improve the ground game and enhance recruitment at the position. He also added Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp to the coaching staff and replaced the offensive line coach—bringing credibility and experience to the team. These moves place three Hall of Famers on the Colorado coaching staff, signaling a strong emphasis on high-level development.
The roster has also seen new additions, including star quarterback recruit Julian Lewis and wide receiver Kaidon Salter from Liberty. These changes offer promise but also underscore the team’s transition. With so many new faces, Sanders must rebuild chemistry and understanding from the ground up.
As the 2025 season nears, the question remains: Can Coach Prime work his magic again and lead this new-look Colorado team to success? One thing is clear—he’s not backing down from the challenge, and he’s not leaving until the job is done.