Key takeaways from Deion Sanders’ Big 12 Media Day presser

Before his third year as Colorado Buffaloes coach, Deion Sanders teased a dual-quarterback system, discussed short and long-term goals and bluntly addressed his health issue at Big 12 Football Media Day. (Photo by Lucy Alagna/Sko Buffs Sports)

For the first time since spring ball, and after a brief hiatus, Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders took to the podium to give a mid-summer update on his team at Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, TX. 

The Ford Center served as the epicenter for the conference’s kickoff, featuring two days of coverage inside The Star (Dallas Cowboys Facility). Sixteen teams were represented by coaches, players, mascots, and spirit squads.

Coach Prime took the final slot on the last day to speak. 

Coach's Health

With his recent absence from Boulder, looming health concerns for Sanders have been at the forefront of offseason talk. Sanders quickly shut down questions on his condition, not wanting to share the reason for his leave. 

“I’m not here to talk about my health. I’m here to talk about my team,” Sanders said. 

However, he did express appreciation for the support from other coaches in the conference during his difficult time. 

“The coaches of the Big 12 are incredible. I love them. They've been calling, checking on me, making sure I'm straight,” Sanders said. “I want to beat them all, but I love them. I truly do.”

As Sanders is set to return to Boulder, it will be business as usual for the players who’ve already been working. The last phase of summer is here, and the storm of fall camp is on the horizon for this year’s team.

Quarterback Battle

Until one is named a starter, both Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter and true freshman Julian “JuJu” Lewis have been getting first-team reps and splitting media attention under center. The experienced senior, Salter, appears to have the upper hand so far. 

“We definitely want to continue to develop JuJu, but Kaidon is unbelievable. Kaidon is off the chain. He's been there, done that. He can get the job done. I wouldn't have brought him here if I didn't trust him,” Sanders said. 

The competition is still very open in Sanders’ eyes, and the decision to bring both guys to media days reflected that.

“JuJu is coming around the mountain when he comes. And I love him. I love what he brings to the table,” Sanders said. “I don't know how it's going to play out as long as it plays out. We can't lose either way. With either of those two." 

Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders sits at Big 12 Football Media Day. (Lucy Alagna/Sko Buffs Sports)

Skill Positions

Colorado has not lacked talent in the skill position department since the arrival of Sanders. With the departure of reigning Heisman winner Travis Hunter and three other receivers, there will be plenty of opportunity for old and new faces to shine. 

“I can't wait until the world gets a glimpse of these receivers. We have some youngsters from freshmen on up that can flat out go get it. I'm proud. I'm proud of our recruits, our coaches. I'm proud of what we've brought into Boulder, Colorado."

As those spots are up for grabs, competition will continue to be a factor between the wideouts and quarterbacks. For more on the receivers and the expectation of the group, go to SkoBuffsSports.com.

NIL and College Football

The House v. NCAA settlement laid a small foundation of rules for NIL, but Sanders feels that more needs to be done to protect the parity in college football. The transfer portal has caused a pro-like shift in the culture of college football that has not yet found the perfect solution. 

“There's got to be a salary cap on this stuff because this stuff is going crazy and nobody knows where it's going to land, where it's going to end,” Sanders said. “They're getting ready to be pros. So, let's go two feet in on the catches. Let's mark the foul if it's pass interference. Let's do the same thing the pro game is, let's introduce it to college.”

After the individual interviews, coaches from the conference continued a roundtable discussion on their grievances against the big donors. Ultimately, Sanders ended by expressing his love for football.

“Now I could go all day when you talk about making some changes, but we have a pretty good game. A darn good game, one of the best games I think in sports,” Sanders said. “That's why we attract so many people, especially the Colorado Buffaloes. We attract so many eyeballs. You want to see us win, you want to see us lose, but you want to see us.”

Season Goals

Expectations are missed, met and broken each year in college football. It is up to each team to decide for themselves what those expectations are and how to manage them. For Sanders’ squad, the goal has not changed.

“Our long-term plans are to win. Our short-term plans are to win. I have a simple formula: 40-40-20—grad transfers, transfers and high school kids. So, I stick to what we do, what we know that works for us,” Sanders said. “We want to win. We want to win at all costs. We want to be in that championship game.”

The prolonged absence of football quickly crushes the excitement of media days. Although the first kickoff will not be for a few weeks, optimism and anticipation have already begun for the 2025 season. 

Love them or hate them, with four nationally televised games to start the year, all eyes will be on the Buffaloes once again.