Deion Sanders has never been one to apologize for being bold, confident, and unapologetically himself. When he took the job at Colorado, the school didn’t even have the funds to pay his salary. But that didn’t stop him—he had a vision. Fast forward to 2025, and Sanders is now earning a $54 million contract, placing him among the top ten highest-paid coaches in college football. Why? Because he took a struggling 1-11 Colorado program and turned it into a spectacle that’s impossible to ignore. And the journey is just beginning.
However, there’s now serious talk of a rising challenge for Sanders in the Big 12—one that could shake up the title race.
On the April 6 episode of The Number One CFB Show, RJ Young issued a bold warning. While Colorado’s momentum is real and exciting, there’s a legitimate contender in Texas Tech that can’t be overlooked. Even with key players like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter no longer on the roster, Colorado has reloaded. Kaidon Salter now steps in as the quarterback, Jahiem Oatis provides strength on the defensive line, and Makari Vickers holds down the secondary. Add to that a coaching staff stacked with NFL experience—Warren Sapp (Pass Rush Coordinator), Marshall Faulk (Running Backs Coach), Domata Peko (Defensive Line Coach), and Robert Livingston (Defensive Coordinator)—and it’s clear that Sanders has built a serious football operation.
Still, the Big 12 won’t be easy. The conference is full of tough opponents, and the pressure is intense. But Sanders’ team is fearless, fast, and flashy—and they’re in the conversation. RJ Young even suggested that Colorado could face Texas Tech in the Big 12 Championship Game with a College Football Playoff spot on the line. That’s because, according to Young, the SEC and Big Ten might only send one or two teams to the Playoff, leaving the door wide open for others—like Colorado or Texas Tech—to make a move.
A big part of the Texas Tech hype comes from the recent addition of David Bailey, a 6’3″, 250-pound edge rusher from Stanford. Over his three years with the Cardinal, Bailey recorded 111 tackles and 14.5 sacks, making him a true difference-maker. His decision to join Texas Tech prompted RJ Young to shine a spotlight on the Red Raiders. Bailey’s arrival isn’t just a recruiting win—it’s a game-changer.
But Texas Tech’s rise isn’t just about one player. It’s also about the leadership of head coach Joey McGuire. For a long time, Texas Tech was seen as a school that couldn’t land top talent, largely due to its location in Lubbock. That’s changed. McGuire has shifted the culture, and top donors have stepped up their support. The NIL system is now fully functioning, giving the Red Raiders a competitive edge in recruiting.
Currently, Texas Tech holds the No. 1 transfer class in the country, according to 247Sports. Of the 18 players they brought in, 12 are rated as 4-stars. That’s not just impressive—it’s elite. The success is largely due to organized NIL support, including a $10 million boost, driven by boosters like former Tech lineman and oilman Cody Campbell. Many believe this is the most talented roster in Texas Tech history.
Joey McGuire is getting national attention, too. RJ Young even compared his charisma and coaching style to Deion Sanders, saying that McGuire is open, passionate, and unapologetically transparent. Like Sanders, McGuire energizes his team and instills belief. And right now, it’s working.
Still, Texas Tech has its own challenges—especially in the trenches. To truly compete for a title, they need elite talent on the offensive and defensive lines. That’s easier said than done, as top-tier linemen usually head to powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, or Texas. If McGuire can land a standout tackle, it could be the final piece that makes Texas Tech a real problem for Colorado this season.
In short, Deion Sanders has transformed Colorado into a rising force—but Joey McGuire and Texas Tech are building something just as serious. The Big 12 could be headed for an epic showdown.