Deion Sanders, Colorado football unfazed by lack of national attention

Since Deion Sanders took over the Colorado football program in December 2022, all eyes have been on a program that had been dormant for the better part of 15 years. However, entering 2026, the visibility has changed, and the Sanders-led Buffs are more in the shadows of the national spotlight. After three consecutive years of televised spring exhibition games, the 2026 edition was available only to stream on the program's YouTube channel.

The university also reported its lowest spring game attendance in the Coach Prime era at 17,500, still an impressive number for a dying event. The lack of attention could be a positive thing for the Buffs because, behind the scenes, the program is improving. USA TODAY Sports' Brent Schrotenboer noted three changes from las t offseason that should put Colorado in a better place come Week 1.

The first being Deion Sanders' increased presence in Boulder following a myriad of health issues and surgeries, which included one last month , and overcoming bladder cancer a year ago . His presence is clearly felt, whether in the transfer portal additions or on the recruiting trail . Another change that has been visible to everyone tuned into Colorado's spring practices is offensive coordinator Brennan Marion's presence not just as a playcaller, but as a leader and perhaps even a potential head coach in waiting.

"He [Marion] also has taken a visible leadership role, wearing a cowboy hat that signals a future sheriff has arrived in town for the Buffs," Schrotenboer wrote. Team chemistry, a dreadful aspect of the 2025 Buffs, also seems to be improving, with several leaders emerging. Players like linebacker Tyler Martinez and safety Ben Finneseth plan to host teammates at their homes for team-bonding events throughout the summer.