While Deion Sanders’ time at Colorado has drawn attention for his bold personality and headline-making style, former college football coach Urban Meyer is focusing on something else entirely: the results. Despite Sanders’ flash, Meyer pointed to the discipline and commitment behind Colorado’s rise.
In just his second year, Sanders guided the Buffaloes to a 9-4 season and a spot in the Alamo Bowl, a major leap from their 4-8 record the year before. That bowl appearance marked only the program’s fourth since 2006. Media voices praised Sanders for turning around a struggling team through both energy and effort.
Urban Meyer Praises Deion Sanders’ Culture Building at Colorado
Meyer has never been one to get caught up in the theatrics of college football, but when it comes to Sanders at Colorado, the former Florida and Ohio State head coach made it clear: don’t let the flash fool you. In a recent episode of “The Triple Option,” Meyer addressed the growing skepticism around Sanders and the culture he is building in Boulder.
“Don’t be fooled by the flash, Coach Prime is building something real at Colorado,” Meyer said, offering a strong endorsement.
Don’t be fooled by the flash, Coach Prime is building something real at Colorado @Wendys #WendysPartner pic.twitter.com/GRHHi7Gp7v
— Urban Meyer (@CoachUrbanMeyer) July 3, 2025
Meyer, who visited Colorado’s practice facility, described his initial hesitation toward the showy image surrounding Sanders’ program.
“As uncomfortable sometimes as I get when I see the watches and I see the cars and all the flash — that’s just not me,” he said. “But when I saw what went on behind the scenes, I agree with you. There’s a culture there.”
He pointed out how demanding Sanders is with his team, adding, “He is tough on them. I mean, he is demanding of that team and that’s what blew my mind.”
What Meyer saw wasn’t just optics. It was structure and discipline.
“Their coaching staff worked really hard. There was not a waste of time. They went out to work and they left. And in between those two hours, it was go time,” he said.
He contrasted that focus with other programs, saying, “I’ve left other practices like, this is awful. Come on, let’s go, you’re wasting time.”
Colorado’s Rapid Transformation Under Deion Sanders
Under Sanders, Colorado transformed quickly. After going 1-11 in 2022, the Buffaloes posted a 9-4 record in 2024, highlighted by a bowl appearance and a final College Football Playoff ranking. This turnaround represents one of the most dramatic single-season improvements in recent college football history.
The program’s success extends beyond wins and losses. Colorado’s recruiting efforts have gained national attention, with Sanders attracting top-tier talent to Boulder. The coaching staff’s ability to develop players and create a competitive culture has impressed observers across the sport.
Meyer acknowledged the external noise but dismissed it. “This is not a one-in-ten program,” he said.
The transformation, he believes, is rooted in something far deeper than style. The culture Sanders has built emphasizes accountability, hard work, and attention to detail. These fundamentals have translated into tangible results on the field and in recruiting.
In recruiting, Sanders landed a top-25 recruiting class headlined by five-star quarterback Julian Lewis and four-star transfer Kaidon Salter. This influx of talent positions Colorado to continue its upward trajectory in the competitive landscape of college football.