Deion Sanders’ Bold Claim: Hype or Reality?
Deion Sanders has never shied away from making bold statements, and his latest proclamation at Colorado’s first spring team meeting is no different. With his signature confidence, Sanders told his team, “We’re going to have an awesome spring. We have a better team than we had last year, and we’re going to prove it this spring.” However, not everyone is convinced that the Buffaloes have actually improved from their previous 9-4 campaign.
Analyst Doubts Sanders’ Optimism
Fox Sports analyst RJ Young wasted no time in challenging Sanders’ assertion. On the March 12 episode of The Number One College Football Show, Young laid out several concerns about whether the 2025 Colorado team is truly an upgrade over last season’s squad. His biggest argument? The loss of key players who were instrumental in the Buffaloes’ success.
The departure of quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who shattered school records with over 4,000 passing yards, is a significant blow. Additionally, two-way star and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter is gone, leaving a massive void on both offense and defense. Wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. has also moved on, along with crucial offensive contributors like Will Sheppard and LaJohntay Wester. Given these departures, Young questioned whether Colorado can genuinely be considered a better team heading into 2025.
Roster Overhaul: Talent Gained vs. Talent Lost
While some key players have left, Sanders has aggressively pursued replacements in the transfer portal. Colorado has revamped its offensive line with transfers such as Zy Crisler and Aki Ogunbiyi. The Buffaloes also acquired Tulsa wide receiver Joseph Williams and bolstered their defense by adding Alabama transfer defensive tackle Jehiem Oatis and UTSA linebacker Martavius French.
Despite these additions, Young remains skeptical about whether the Buffaloes have a true game-changing playmaker. Wide receiver Omarion Miller showed flashes of brilliance last season, notably torching Kansas State for 145 yards in a single game. However, it remains uncertain whether he—or anyone else on the roster—can step into the spotlight the way Hunter, Horn Jr., and Sheppard did.
At quarterback, Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter is expected to battle with incoming five-star freshman Julian Lewis for the starting job. However, filling the shoes of Shedeur Sanders is no easy task, and neither player has proven themselves at the Power Five level yet.
Fixing the Running Game—Colorado’s Biggest Weakness
One of Colorado’s most glaring weaknesses in 2024 was its inability to run the football. The Buffaloes ranked dead last in the nation, averaging just 65 rushing yards per game—placing them 133rd out of 133 FBS teams. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, Sanders hired Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk as the team’s new running backs coach. Given Faulk’s legendary career and deep understanding of the position, there is optimism that he can breathe life into Colorado’s dormant ground attack.
The Crucial Test: Season Opener vs. Georgia Tech
The Buffaloes will need to prove their legitimacy right away, as they open the 2025 season against Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets demonstrated their ability to compete with top teams last season by securing wins against Miami and Florida State. Young believes that while this matchup is challenging, it is certainly winnable for Colorado. However, with so many question marks surrounding the team, Sanders’ bold claims will be tested from the very beginning.
Spring Game to Provide First Look at the New Buffaloes
Colorado’s annual spring game, scheduled for April 19, will offer fans and analysts their first glimpse of the revamped roster in action. With all eyes on whether the Buffaloes can live up to their coach’s lofty expectations, the event will be closely scrutinized by both supporters and skeptics alike.
Ultimately, whether Sanders’ declaration proves to be accurate remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the pressure is on, and the Buffaloes will need to deliver if they 
Hope to silence the doubters.