As the 2026 spring practices approach, the hype train that once defined Deion Sanders and Boulder is facing a significant reality check. ESPN analyst Greg McElroy recently voiced what many skeptics have feared: the “shine” has officially worn off the Colorado Buffaloes. Following a disappointing 3-9 campaign in 2025, McElroy reveals where the fault exactly lies.
Greg McElroy Highlights Deion Sanders’ Major Issue Behind Colorado’s Fall
McElroy, on the latest episode of WJOX-94.5, broke down the Buffaloes’ season. He pointed out how their season tapered off, and the program appears on a continuous slide. His primary concern is that Colorado wasn’t just losing last year, but they were “uninspiring”.
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“I think Colorado, obviously, the shine is off a little bit. Like last year was a real eye-opener. The post-Shedeur, post-Travis Hunter era. Those two guys being gone, and they fall off a cliff. But the problem with Colorado last year was [that] it was very uninspiring,” the former Alabama QB said.
He continued, “Colorado just wasn’t very competitive last year. I mean, that’s a concern. And you now have guys leaving the program. Warren Sap just decided to leave.”
The statistics back up this grim outlook. In 2025, the Buffaloes finished near the bottom of the Big 12, punctuated by a demoralizing 53-7 blowout loss to Utah, where the offense mustered only 140 total yards. They also ranked 80th in the PFSN’s CFB Offense Impact.
Departures of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter have exposed a lack of foundational depth. The 2025 season suggested that Coach Prime failed to replace both of them. In addition, the exodus of staff, most notably NFL legend Warren Sapp, who recently resigned as pass rush coordinator, signals a lack of continuity.
MORE: Deion Sanders Suffers Setback As Colorado DC To Move to Broncos, per Insider
However, there is a flip side to it, too. While Sapp and Robert Livingston have moved on, the departures are not necessarily indicative of internal turmoil. Sapp’s exit was described as a professional move to pursue other opportunities, and Livingston’s jump to the Denver Broncos is a testament to the quality of coaching talent Coach Prime has attracted to Boulder.
The roster is also being restocked, with transfer quarterback Kaidon Salter and highly-touted recruit Julian Lewis, the cupboard is far from bare.
The 2026 season will be the ultimate referendum on Coach Prime’s philosophy. If the Buffaloes can stabilize their defense and find a cohesive identity now, they may prove McElroy wrong. But if the uninspiring play continues, the shine won’t just be off; it might be gone for good.
