Colorado QB Dominiq Ponder Dies at 23, Deion Sanders Announces

Tributes pour in for the respected backup quarterback after tragic single-car accident.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders announced that junior quarterback Dominiq Ponder died at the age of 23 following a single-car accident in Boulder County. Ponder, a transfer from Bethune-Cookman, was a respected teammate and well-liked in the locker room, with Sanders and others sharing tributes on social media.

Why it matters

Ponder's death is a tragic loss for the Colorado football program and the broader college sports community. As a backup quarterback, he played a vital role supporting the team and was known for his character and leadership. His passing will be deeply felt by his teammates, coaches, and all those who knew him.

The details

According to a confirmed USA TODAY Sports report, Colorado State Patrol said that a "23-year-old male died in a single-car accident in Boulder County at about 3 a.m. on March 1 but declined to confirm the person's identity." Ponder was a junior from Opa Locka, Florida, who joined the Buffaloes two seasons ago after transferring from Bethune-Cookman. During his time at CU, Ponder appeared in two games during the 2025 season, recording two rushes and a pass attempt.

  • Ponder died in a single-car accident in Boulder County at about 3 a.m. on March 1, 2026.
  • Colorado is set to open spring practice on Monday, March 2, 2026, with heavy hearts following Sunday's tragic news.

The players

Deion Sanders

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes football team, who announced Ponder's passing and shared tributes on social media.

Dominiq Ponder

A 23-year-old junior quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes, who tragically died in a single-car accident.

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What they’re saying

“Dom was one of my favorites! he was loved, respected and a born leader. Let's pray for all that knew him and had the opporutnity to be in his presence. Lord you're receiving a good 1.”

— Deion Sanders, Head Coach, Colorado Buffaloes (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

Colorado is set to open spring practice on Monday, March 2, 2026, with heavy hearts following Sunday's tragic news.

The takeaway

Dominiq Ponder's passing is a devastating loss for the Colorado football program and the broader college sports community. As a respected teammate and well-liked presence in the locker room, his death will be deeply felt by all who knew him. This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have with loved ones.