Colorado fans received a blunt assessment from head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders on Saturday night following the Buffaloes’ 2-3 start to the 2026 season. After a 31‑24 defeat to Texas Tech, Sanders said he would have more respect for reporters if they reported the situation honestly.
Recent performance and roster challenges
The Buffaloes entered the 2026 campaign with high expectations after a promising 2024 season that featured standout play from Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders. However, a 3‑9 finish in 2025 and a 4‑8 record in 2023 have highlighted the difficulty of building a competitive team primarily through the transfer portal.
Sanders acknowledged that the current roster, heavily composed of transfers, has not yet produced the desired results on the field. “We’ve got one glaring problem,” he told reporters, pointing to the offensive line’s inability to protect the quarterback as a key factor in the recent loss.
Disciplinary actions
In the wake of the Texas Tech game, Sanders dismissed three players for conduct violations, including an incident in which teammates were seen laughing in the Northwestern locker room after being dragged across the field by the Wildcats. The coach emphasized that discipline is essential to maintaining the program’s standards.
Quarterback situation
Freshman five‑star quarterback Julian Lewis was demoted last week, a move that has sparked speculation among fans and analysts. Sanders clarified that he did not bench Lewis; the player simply did not see game action, and the coach declined to comment further on the youngster’s role.
Off‑field distractions
During the week, a staff member inadvertently left a binder containing the Buffaloes’ offensive playbook at a hotel restaurant near Boulder. The playbook quickly spread across social media platforms, prompting a brief online frenzy. While the incident drew attention, Sanders urged fans to focus on on‑field performance rather than leaked information.
Looking ahead
Despite the setbacks, Sanders remains optimistic about the program’s future. He highlighted the team’s defensive effort in the Texas Tech game and expressed confidence that the Buffaloes can correct their mistakes. “Let’s stop the foolishness and play better at one specific position,” he said, urging players to improve their execution.
The Buffaloes’ next games will be critical in determining whether the program can rebound and restore the national spotlight that initially followed Coach Prime to Boulder. Fans and donors alike will be watching closely as the team works to translate early‑season promise into tangible results.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
