. Coach Prime made serious strides in 2024 with a 9-4 season, proving many doubters wrong. But now, with Shedeur Sanders, Shilo Sanders, and Travis Hunter all off to the NFL, the road ahead is murkier.
Key takeaways:
Loss of Top Talent: Shedeur was more than a solid QB — he was the heart of the offense. Without him, Sanders might face a noticeable setback. His leadership, 4,134 yards, 37 TDs, and 168.2 passer rating won’t be easy to replace.
Roster Uncertainty: Despite having the No. 2 2025 class in the Big 12 and signing 17 transfers, only one is a blue-chip recruit. That leaves a lot to prove and a lot of pressure on development and cohesion.
Pundits Weigh In: Josh Pate believes a slight regression is likely — not a collapse, but maybe a 6-7 season. That still keeps Colorado competitive, especially in a stacked Big 12.
Shedeur’s Draft Outlook: He impressed during Pro Day and was initially linked with the Titans. But now the Saints (who own the 9th pick) look like the more realistic landing spot — assuming other QB-needy teams pass.
Overall, 2025 is shaping up to be a true test of Deion Sanders’ long-term coaching acumen. Can he turn fresh faces and under-the-radar transfers into another success story? Or will the absence of his superstar core reveal cracks in the foundation?