The 2025 season has been a rollercoaster for Colorado. The Buffaloes sit at 3-4 through seven weeks, and their hopes for postseason success look bleak. With that in mind, head coach Deion Sanders is focused on improving his team in any way possible.
During the Buffaloes’ bye week, Colorado held a scrimmage. Sanders told his players to protect the quarterbacks and urged those who don’t usually see the field to perform well to get some tape for when they hit the transfer portal.
How Did Deion Sanders Protect His QB and Help Colorado Players Prepare For The Transfer Portal?
It’s uncommon for a college football program to hold a midseason scrimmage, but that’s precisely what Sanders did with the Buffaloes during their bye week.
Before the scrimmage, “Coach Prime” told his players that the quarterbacks would be live to simulate game speed, but he warned the team not to hurt the signal-callers.
“I don’t want you guys hitting them low,” Sanders said. “I don’t want you cutting them, I don’t want you hurting them. Just push them down. If you have a free shot, just push them. But I want them to understand what game tempo is, so they ain’t sitting back there jacking the ball off, and no one understands you got to get it out.”
Not only did Sanders emphasize protecting the quarterbacks during the scrimmage, but he also explained that he wanted players who don’t typically see the field to get playing time.
The Colorado head coach acknowledged that several players who don’t get playing time will likely enter the transfer portal after the season. He told them the staff wants to help them get as much tape as possible, adding that Colorado will do everything possible to help them find their next school.
“A lot of you guys that don’t get to play, you’re going to get your chance today,” Sanders said. “This is your chance because I’m not crazy enough to think that all of you are going to be in this room next year. Some of you are going to jump in the portal. This is an opportunity for you to get some portal film.” He continued, “I’m the kind of coach that’s going to make sure we cut it, hype it up, give it you however you want it, and make sure you’re looking good in your portal tape.”
Sanders’s strategy of encouraging players on his roster to transfer is interesting, but it demonstrates who he is as a head coach. “Coach Prime” understands that players will transfer regardless of what he says or does in today’s college football landscape. Instead of punishing them, he’s doing his best to help.
Colorado isn’t out of Big 12 title contention yet, but they are approaching that point. The bye-week scrimmage could help the Buffaloes play better and help Sanders earn buy-in from players who aren’t seeing the field.
