Deion Sanders fires back at Colorado Buffaloes' Big 12 preseason snub

Deion Sanders didn't hold back after the Big 12 preseason poll dropped the Colorado Buffaloes at the bottom of the conference. The head coach called the ranking a "slap in the face" and said his team will use it as motivation. Colorado opens the 2026 season against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on September 4.

What did Deion Sanders say about the Big 12 snub?

Sanders spoke to reporters shortly after the poll was released. He said the ranking shows a lack of respect for what the Buffaloes are building. "They don't watch our film," Sanders said. "They just see last year's record and make assumptions."

The coach pointed to the team's offseason improvements. He highlighted the new offensive line additions and the growth of the quarterback room. Sanders made it clear he expects a different outcome on the field.

Why does the preseason poll matter for Colorado Buffaloes?

The Big 12 media voted Colorado last in the 16-team conference. That projection puts the Buffaloes behind every other program in the league. For a team that went 4-8 in 2025, the ranking stings but isn't a surprise.

Sanders sees it differently. He believes the poll reflects bias against a program in transition. "We're not the same team we were in September," he said. "Wait until we strap it up."

How is the team preparing for the Georgia Tech opener?

Colorado's fall camp starts in early August. Sanders said the coaching staff has already installed the base offense and defense. The focus now is on conditioning and competition for starting jobs.

Georgia Tech went 7-6 last season and returns a veteran quarterback. The Yellow Jackets run a triple-option attack that gave Colorado fits in past meetings. Sanders said the defense has spent extra time on gap discipline and pursuit angles.

What's at stake for Sanders and the Buffaloes in 2026?

This is Sanders' fourth season in Boulder. The program has shown flashes but hasn't put together a consistent winning campaign. A strong start against Georgia Tech could shift the narrative.

The Big 12 schedule includes home games against Kansas State and Oklahoma State. Road trips to Utah and Texas Tech loom as potential swing games. Sanders knows the preseason ranking means nothing once the ball is kicked.

"We'll let our play do the talking," Sanders said. "Come September 4, you'll see a different Colorado Buffaloes team."