Colorado Buffaloes
· 2026-07-11
Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders declared the Big 12 preseason All‑Conference snub a rallying cry on day one of media day, promising the Buffs will prove doubters wrong when they face Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Sept. 4, 2026.
The preseason poll left every Colorado player off the All‑Big 12 list despite the program landing one of the nation’s top transfer classes. Even Danny Scudero, who racked up 1,291 receiving yards and All‑American honors last season, was omitted. Sanders brushed off the omission, noting that external opinions never dictate the team’s identity.
Sanders told reporters at Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, "We don’t care what people say. If my kids and my coaches don’t understand who they are, we have a problem." He framed the snub as extra motivation, saying the Buffs now have an "extra mmm" inside them. The coach’s confidence stems from a full health recovery after his cancer battle, which he said restored his swagger and dog.
Offseason moves include hiring offensive coordinator Brennan Marion and defensive coordinator Chris Marve. Quarterback Julian "JuJu" Lewis praised the new staff, saying he feels better prepared than a year ago. The revamped coaching crew, combined with the elite transfer influx, has lifted morale across Boulder.
Sanders emphasized that all talk leads back to Folsom Field. "I cannot wait to get back on that sideline and do our thing," he said, hinting that the Buffs will let their performance speak louder than any poll. With the first test against Georgia Tech on Sept. 4, the Buffs aim to turn the preseason slight into a statement win.
Fans, analysts, and the Big 12 will all have eyes on Colorado as the team seeks to rewrite expectations. The narrative is clear: the Buffs aren’t waiting for votes; they’re building a season that forces the conference to take notice.