Deion Sanders spent the 2025 season navigating life after the NFL exits of quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. Last season fell well short of expectations, but Coach Prime and his Colorado staff are making the necessary moves to build a much stronger season in 2026.
Deion Sanders’ Goals for Colorado in 2026
Deion Sanders recently appeared on Garrett Bush’s “Barbershop” podcast, where he made his biggest goal at Colorado crystal clear.
“At Colorado, I want to win,” Sanders said. “I want to win it all. It ain’t no negotiation. It ain’t no side-stepping, that’s my No. 1 goal.”
Coach Prime also shut down any speculation about leaving Boulder for the NFL.
“I love Colorado, I love my kids that I have in that locker room,” Sanders told Bush. “I love my staff, I love all of it. I ain’t trying to coach no NFL team.”
After Colorado’s disappointing drop from 9 wins to only 3 during the 2025 season, the national buzz surrounding the program heading into 2026 may have cooled off. However, Sanders remains highly optimistic, especially about the depth and potential of Colorado’s defense and backfield.
Sanders praised Kam Perry for his playmaking ability. Perry is one of the team’s key wide receivers who factors into the slot dynamic. He finished the 2025 season at Miami (OH) with 43 receptions for 976 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, securing a 75.7 score in the PFSN College Football WR Impact Metric.
Sanders has expressed confidence in the talent of his defense. He noted Boo Carter is likely to play corner, as he believes the player has first-round NFL potential there rather than in the slot.
The Colorado coach also praised former New Mexico State Aggies safety Naeten Mitchell.
“I remember seeing Naeten on film, and I said, ‘Call his mom right now,’” Sanders said. “He has the aggression of a Shilo. I think he’s quicker. I don’t think he’s faster, but he has that same type of aggression that Randon is a big fella that he ain’t no joke. He could play.”
Mitchell had his breakout season in 2025, starting in all 12 games and finishing with an 82.7 score in the PFSN College Football Safety Impact Metric. He led the New Mexico State defense with 93 total tackles, 6 pass breakups, and 4 forced fumbles while also adding 3 interceptions and 1.5 tackles for loss.
Meanwhile, Sanders has also expressed optimism about the long-term development of Colorado’s young defensive backs.
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