After a disappointing 3-9 season in 2025, Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes head into 2026 needing a more disciplined and focused approach. The program seems to be moving in the right direction as Sanders raises expectations by implementing tougher standards across the team.
Colorado brought in more than 40 transfer players, leaving Sanders with the task of establishing a clear standard for what is essentially a brand-new roster. With so many fresh faces, the focus has been on creating a culture that can quickly unify the team and set expectations heading into the 2026 season.
Deion Sanders Sends Clear Message to Colorado Players Before Spring Game
In a video uploaded by “Well Off Media” on Friday, Sanders was seen leading a high-intensity football practice for the Buffaloes. Throughout the session, the Colorado coaching staff focused on discipline, consistency, and professional work ethics as the team prepares for its upcoming spring game on April 25.
“If you don’t practice Tuesday, you ain’t playing in the [spring] game,” Sanders said (1:15). “Don’t come Tuesday and see what happens.”
The practice itself was built around full-speed execution and physicality, with Sanders pushing players to compete aggressively on both sides of the ball. There was particular emphasis on “thud” drills and maintaining energy throughout the entire session.
Coaches also held post-practice discussions to evaluate mental toughness and reinforce the importance of accountability and discipline across the roster. Meanwhile, Sanders has continued to enforce strict rules in an effort to improve Colorado’s outlook for the 2026 season.
In January, he introduced a detailed system of fines tied to specific violations. Players who are late to practice face a $500 penalty, while completely missing practice results in a $2,500 fine. Sanders has made it clear that these policies are not just about punishment, but about building a culture capable of winning.
“We’re close, close, close, but not everyone’s a man right now,” Sanders said. “We’re through this process, and that’s what I love, the process. I’m really not in love with the results. I’m in love with the process. I like the process, I love the process, I like the struggle, I like the journey. I like all that, love the process.
“We are on the process right now, but I need men. I don’t need boys. I don’t need blamers. I don’t need people that’s on list. I don’t need naysayers. And I’m not having it this year, ain’t no way in the world, cause we’re winning whether you like it or not.”
Sanders has also implemented a range of behavioral rules to shape the team’s culture further. Players are not allowed to wear gear from former teams, and strict guidelines have been put in place for team meetings, including bans on profanity in common areas. He previously enforced a classroom dress code that prohibits slides, hoodies, and headphones.
According to PFSN, the Buffaloes currently have just a 0.4% chance of winning their conference in 2026.
