Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes are coming off a terrible 3-9 season. However, the Buffaloes have renewed optimism heading into the upcoming season, with Sanders having overcome his recent health challenges and the program making several key changes during the offseason.
Deion Sanders Reveals Health Turnaround Before Colorado’s 2026 Season
It began as a routine medical checkup last spring, which ultimately turned into a major health battle for Sanders. A CT scan revealed a mass on his bladder, and doctors diagnosed him with a malignant bladder tumor. While undergoing treatment, Sanders remained involved with the team throughout much of the season, often managing his recovery while carrying blood and urine bags.
During Colorado’s 35-21 loss to TCU, Sanders was even visibly struggling on the sideline due to painful blood clots in his leg, and he later underwent a corrective procedure the following week.
Sanders has now turned the corner, as he said that he considers himself “cancer-free” and finally feels like himself again.
Health issues forced Sanders to miss football camps last offseason, but he has now been actively leading Colorado’s workouts and says he feels significantly stronger.
“I mean, I’m feeling darn good,” Sanders said on Tuesday. “I was saying last year this time, I had on, I think, a black suit. I had a hoodie on under it, and shorts under it so the suit would fit me, ‘cause I had lost so much darn weight and I didn’t really want anybody to know.
“But I know my face was small, and I was going through it. I wasn’t me, and I’m thankful this year that I’m me. I’m all me now, and I’m happy. I’m elated. I’m excited. I cannot wait to see the season start.”
“I had lost so much darn weight. I didn’t really want anybody to know. … I wasn’t me.”
Coach Prime said he’s feeling more like himself headed into this season 🙏 pic.twitter.com/muBSJjZIYX
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) July 7, 2026
Colorado lost seven of its final eight games last season and went 1-8 in Big 12 Conference play. The Buffaloes ranked 112th nationally in total offense and 121st in total defense after suffering several blowout defeats.
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However, Sanders has reshaped both his coaching staff and the roster ahead of the 2026 season, as Brennan Marion has taken over as offensive coordinator, while Chris Marve now leads the defense. Colorado also experienced significant roster turnover, including the transfer of standout offensive tackle Jordan Seaton to LSU, while welcoming more than 50 new players.
Sanders is now more focused on the positive sides of the changes.
“I think the entire team is benefiting from lessons learned last year and new faces arriving this spring,” Sanders said. “I have the best coaching staff I’ve ever featured. Everybody’s unified. I just walked out of the weight room. They’re lifting their butts off, and they can’t wait to go to camp. It’s going to be phenomenal.”
Colorado will start the 2026 season on Sept. 3 at Georgia Tech.
