Colorado head football coach Deion Sanders took decisive action on Tuesday after the Buffaloes suffered a 41-7 loss to Northwestern, their first defeat of the 2026 season. Several players were dismissed from the program, though Sanders did not name them publicly. He emphasized that the removals were based on a “pattern of behavior” rather than a single incident.
Accountability and team culture
“It’s never one thing,” Sanders said in a press conference. “Those guys will tell you I’m the most loving, giving and forgiving man you can ever meet, but when you start exhibiting conduct detrimental to the team, it sets us back. You don’t care about the team; you care about yourself. I have a problem with that.”
Sanders reflected on last season, when the Buffaloes finished 3-9, noting that he had not been firm enough at the time. “A year ago, I didn’t put my foot down enough. It lingered a little bit, then it imploded. I’m not doing that anymore,” he added.
Specific incident sparks apology
Defensive back Ben Finneseth was the first player to speak to reporters, apologizing after a video surfaced showing him disparaging Northwestern’s temporary stadium before the game. In the clip, Finneseth called the venue a “(expletive) library,” a comment he later called “childish” and “stupid.” He promised it would not happen again, and Sanders shook his hand, saying, “That’s why I love you.”
Coach Prime’s own responsibility
Sanders also took personal responsibility for the team’s recent struggles. “I don’t push the buck or blame anyone else. It’s on me,” he said. “We want to win the right way and do what’s right. We don’t want to employ a losing mindset or bad-mouth opponents. That’s not who we are.”
The Buffaloes, now 2-1, are trying to rebound after a game that featured four turnovers and nine penalties for a total loss of 80 yards. Sanders highlighted the need for discipline, noting Colorado has already accumulated 28 penalties for 247 yards this season.
Leadership and future focus
Linebacker Tyler Martinez, who recently earned a “D” patch for his playmaking, expressed disappointment at the dismissals but affirmed the team’s focus on collective success. “It’s hard to see somebody go,” Martinez said. “Coach Prime said it’s about the team. If you’re about yourself, you have to do what’s best for us.”
Sanders said several team leaders approached him proactively to address the issues and prevent further dismissals. “I applaud them for coming to me ready to get ahead of it,” he said.
Looking ahead
The Buffaloes prepare for their next game against Baylor on Saturday, with Sanders emphasizing that the team must uphold the standards he expects both on and off the field. “We’re challenging them to be who they say they want to be,” he concluded.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
