Deion Sanders' spring ball draft: Another innovation or trying to reinvent the wheel?

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Feb. 22, 2026 at 1:43am

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The Colorado Buffaloes have taken a completely different approach under head coach Deion Sanders in 2026, with sweeping changes following a disappointing 2025 season. Sanders has implemented innovative ideas like a spring ball draft, where players will be divided into two full teams to compete against each other in the spring game. However, the program has also faced significant roster turnover, with many high-profile players leaving via the transfer portal. The question is whether these changes will pay off or if Sanders is simply trying to reinvent the wheel.

Why it matters

Deion Sanders' bold moves at Colorado, including the spring ball draft, represent a significant departure from the traditional college football model. While innovative ideas can sometimes lead to success, there are concerns that the Buffaloes may be sacrificing top-end talent in the process. This story highlights the ongoing tension between tradition and innovation in the rapidly evolving landscape of college sports.

The details

After a successful 2024 season, the Buffaloes struggled in 2025, leading Sanders to call for major changes. He brought in new coordinators like Brennan Marion, known for his fast-paced 'go-go' offense, and high school coach Josh Niblett, who has emphasized a 'better you, better CU' mentality. The spring ball draft is the latest unconventional idea, with players being divided into two full teams to compete against each other in the spring game. However, the program has also faced significant roster turnover, with many high-profile players leaving via the transfer portal, replaced by lower-level transfers.

  • In November 2025, Sanders called for big changes following the Buffaloes' disappointing season.
  • In January 2026, Sanders hired new coordinators Brennan Marion and Josh Niblett.
  • The spring ball draft took place in early 2026 ahead of the upcoming season.

The players

Deion Sanders

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, known for his innovative and unconventional approaches to the game.

Brennan Marion

The new offensive coordinator for the Colorado Buffaloes, known for his fast-paced 'go-go' offense.

Josh Niblett

The new tight ends coach for the Colorado Buffaloes, who has emphasized a 'better you, better CU' mentality.

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What they’re saying

“We won't be in this situation again, I promise you that. I'm not happy with nothing. This fanbase, this school, Rick, everybody deserves much better than this. There's no rut... you're just not good.”

— Deion Sanders, Head Coach

“Mentality. Personnel. Coaching. Everything. I see everything being different. Even me. You don't develop mentality, you select mentality. Personnel is mentality. I tell you the truth, but sometimes the truth hurts when I tell it to you. We've got to do a better job of coaching.”

— Deion Sanders, Head Coach

“This gotta work for some of y'all.”

— Brennan Marion, Offensive Coordinator

“A better you, makes a better CU.”

— Josh Niblett, Tight Ends Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Deion Sanders' bold moves at Colorado, including the spring ball draft, represent a significant departure from the traditional college football model. While innovative ideas can sometimes lead to success, there are concerns that the Buffaloes may be sacrificing top-end talent in the process. This story highlights the ongoing tension between tradition and innovation in the rapidly evolving landscape of college sports.