Deion Sanders Predicts Super Bowl Winner Will Come Down to Quarterback Play

The Colorado Buffaloes head coach shared his keys to the big game between the Patriots and Seahawks.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 8:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In an appearance on ESPN's "First Take", Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders shared his thoughts on the upcoming Super Bowl matchup between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. Sanders believes the game will come down to which quarterback plays better, with New England's Drake Maye and Seattle's Sam Darnold needing to protect the ball and make plays. If the quarterbacks play evenly, Sanders said the game will come down to which team's playmakers step up.

Why it matters

As a former Super Bowl champion himself, Deion Sanders' insights on the big game carry significant weight. His analysis provides an experienced perspective on the key factors that will determine the outcome, highlighting the importance of quarterback play and playmaking ability.

The details

Sanders believes the quarterback who "steps up and takes that next step" will lead their team to victory in Super Bowl LX. He noted that Maye had the better regular season, leading the league with a 113.5 passer rating, while Darnold is the more experienced signal-caller. If the quarterbacks play at a similar level, Sanders said the game will come down to which team's playmakers, like receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Stefon Diggs or running back Kenneth Walker III, make the biggest impact.

  • Super Bowl LX is scheduled for Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Deion Sanders

The head football coach of the Colorado Buffaloes and a former NFL player who won two Super Bowls during his 14-year career.

Drake Maye

The starting quarterback for the New England Patriots, who led the league with a 113.5 passer rating in the 2025 regular season.

Sam Darnold

The starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, who is entering his eighth NFL season and is coming off arguably the best year of his career.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Whoever plays bad (at quarterback) is gonna lose. Whichever quarterback steps up and takes that next step, they gonna win. And whoever protects the ball better.”

— Deion Sanders, Head Coach, Colorado Buffaloes

“Now, we go to the playmakers. If the quarterbacks are on an even scale, we see who has the most playmakers. Who has the guys that have the propensity to make the plays? That's when we're going to find the winner.”

— Deion Sanders, Head Coach, Colorado Buffaloes

What’s next

Kickoff for Super Bowl LX between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks is set for 4:30 p.m. MT on Sunday, February 9, 2026 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The takeaway

As an experienced Super Bowl champion, Deion Sanders' analysis highlights the importance of quarterback play and playmaking ability in determining the outcome of the big game. His insights provide valuable perspective on the key factors that will decide which team emerges victorious in Super Bowl LX.