Colorado Buffaloes Coach Deion Sanders Confident in Massive Transfer Class

Sanders acknowledges struggles in 2025 but believes new recruits will help turn things around in 2026.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders went on ESPN First Take during Super Bowl week and addressed his team's disappointing 3-9 season in 2025. Sanders, known as "Coach Prime", admitted it was a tough year but expressed confidence in the Buffaloes' ability to bounce back in 2026 thanks to a massive influx of transfer talent.

Why it matters

Colorado struggled mightily in 2025, losing key players like quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter to the NFL draft. Coach Deion Sanders is under pressure to quickly turn the program around, and the team's success in the transfer portal could be crucial to their fortunes in the 2026 season.

The details

After the 3-9 campaign, Colorado has brought in 43 incoming transfers for the 2026 season, including three four-star players from other major programs. The new additions include linebacker Liona Lefau from Texas, wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. from Texas, and safety Boo Carter from Tennessee. These players will need to make an immediate impact if Colorado wants to rebound from their struggles.

  • On February 6, 2026, Deion Sanders appeared on ESPN First Take during Super Bowl week.
  • The 2025 Colorado Buffaloes football season saw the team finish with a 3-9 record overall and 1-8 in Big 12 play.

The players

Deion Sanders

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes football team, known as "Coach Prime", who is tasked with turning around the program after a disappointing 2025 season.

Shedeur Sanders

The former Colorado quarterback who was the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2024 before being selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Travis Hunter

The former Colorado wide receiver and cornerback who won the Heisman Trophy in 2024 before being drafted in 2025.

Liona Lefau

A four-star linebacker transfer from the Texas Longhorns who will join Colorado for the 2026 season.

DeAndre Moore Jr.

A four-star wide receiver transfer from the Texas Longhorns who will join Colorado for the 2026 season.

Boo Carter

A four-star safety transfer from the Tennessee Volunteers who will join Colorado for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“We Going To Get That Right”

— Deion Sanders, Head Coach, Colorado Buffaloes (ESPN)

“It was a tough year for the Sanders. Getting our butts kicked in Colorado. We going to get that right. I promise you that.”

— Deion Sanders, Head Coach, Colorado Buffaloes (ESPN)

What’s next

The Colorado Buffaloes will look to their massive influx of transfer talent to help turn around the program in the 2026 season after a disappointing 3-9 campaign in 2025.

The takeaway

Deion Sanders faces high expectations at Colorado, and the success or failure of his 2026 team will likely hinge on how quickly the new transfer players can mesh and make an impact. The Buffaloes are banking on this influx of talent to quickly revive the program.