Deion Sanders Responds to Criticism from Former Colorado Players

The Buffaloes head coach takes the high road as former players compare their experiences at new schools.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:08am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football field with overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange, conveying the complex challenges facing the Colorado Buffaloes program.Deion Sanders' measured response to criticism from former Colorado players reflects the fractured state of the Buffaloes program as it looks to rebound in 2026.Boulder Today

Deion Sanders has heard the criticism from several former Colorado players who have landed at new schools, with some drawing blunt contrasts between their current and previous programs. Rather than firing back, Sanders chose to respond with composure, wishing the players well and saying he's proud they've been able to earn more than they did at Colorado.

Why it matters

Sanders is heading into a critical 2026 season after Colorado finished just 3-9 in 2025, a steep drop from their 9-4 mark the year before. The commentary from former players adds to the pressure and scrutiny Sanders faces as he looks to turn the program around.

The details

Several former Colorado players, including LSU's Jordan Seaton and Clemson transfer London Merritt, have publicly compared their experiences at their new schools to their time in Boulder, often to the detriment of the Colorado program. Sanders addressed the criticism at a news conference, saying he's not going to be 'provoked' or respond 'ignorantly.' He went on to say he's proud the players were able to earn more at their new schools.

  • Sanders addressed the criticism from former players at a news conference on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Deion Sanders

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes football team.

Jordan Seaton

A former Colorado player who is now at LSU.

London Merritt

A former Colorado player who is now at Clemson.

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What they’re saying

“Some of our past players have been commenting on us, and that's cool with me. We're not gonna be provoked or coming back or say anything ignorantly back. I wish those guys the best.”

— Deion Sanders, Head Coach, Colorado Buffaloes

“I'm proud that they were able to earn more than they earned here.”

— Deion Sanders, Head Coach, Colorado Buffaloes

What’s next

Five-star quarterback Julian Lewis is expected to start for Colorado in the 2026 season, which will be a key factor in determining if the Buffaloes can bounce back from their 3-9 record in 2025.

The takeaway

Deion Sanders is taking the high road in response to criticism from former Colorado players, focusing on wishing them well rather than firing back. However, the commentary adds to the pressure he faces heading into a critical 2026 season as he looks to turn the Buffaloes program around.