Deion Sanders, known as Coach Prime, has made an impressive transformation with the Colorado Buffaloes. Despite inheriting a 1-11 team that seemed hopeless, Sanders has revitalized the program in just two years, turning them into serious contenders for the Big 12 title and possibly the College Football Playoff. The criticism of Sanders “playing for clicks” disappeared when Colorado ended the 2024 season with nine wins. But how was such a turnaround possible? According to Coach Prime himself, the future looked bright because of one key factor: player flipping.
This strategy was evident on February 5, during National Signing Day. As Sanders explained on his show Coach Prime, recruiting is a high-stakes game where you aim to flip talented players to your side while protecting your own recruits. Sanders’ knack for flipping top talent dates back to his tenure at Jackson State. A prime example is Travis Hunter, whom Sanders flipped from Florida State. Hunter, considered one of the top recruits in the country, chose to follow Sanders to Jackson State and later to Colorado, despite Florida State’s dominance in the ACC.
Hunter’s presence at Colorado was instrumental in their success, and imagining the program without him is nearly impossible. His decision to play for Sanders rather than the Seminoles highlights Sanders’ ability to attract and develop elite talent. This skill extended to Colorado’s 2024 signing class, which featured top players like Jordan Seaton, Dre’lon Miller, Kahlil Benson, B.J. Green, and Nikhai Hill-Green. Their addition brought a much-needed boost to the program, resulting in one three-win streak and one four-win streak during the season. Colorado’s ability to recruit and develop talent was pivotal in their AP Top 25 and CFP Top 25 finish.
However, the 2025 season presents significant challenges. Colorado will lose key players, including quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Travis Hunter, to the NFL draft. These departures leave big shoes to fill, but Sanders has already begun addressing the gaps through his aggressive recruiting strategy. A major win came when Julian Lewis, the top quarterback of the 2025 class, flipped from USC to Colorado. Additionally, Kaidon Salter, who led Liberty to a 13-1 season, is set to join the Buffs.
Despite these successes, the Buffs have faced setbacks. Nikhai Hill-Green flipped to Alabama, and Carter Miller returned to USC after initially committing to Colorado. As Sanders himself noted, the recruiting game is ruthless and unpredictable. Nevertheless, Sanders’ ability to adapt and recruit remains a cornerstone of Colorado’s strategy.
The upcoming season will test whether Sanders can sustain Colorado’s momentum amidst significant roster changes. The NFL draft will undoubtedly impact the team, but Sanders’ track record suggests that he is prepared to navigate these challenges. Whether through new recruits or further player flips, the Buffs’ future under Coach Prime remains a compelling story to watch.