When Deion Sanders stepped to the podium after Colorado’s 42-17 thrashing by the Arizona State University Sun Devils on November 23, 2025, he didn’t make excuses. Not about injuries. Not about officiating. Not even about the snow flurries that dusted Folsom Field in Boulder. "I can’t hang my hat on that," he said, voice low but steady. The Buffaloes had led 13-7 at halftime. They ended up losing by 25. And for the first time in his two-year tenure, Sanders looked less like a showman and more like a coach staring down a reckoning.
How It All Unraveled
The second half was a slow-motion train wreck. Julian Rashad Lewis, Colorado’s sophomore quarterback, threw three interceptions in the final 30 minutes. The Sun Devils’ defense—ranked 14th nationally in tackles for loss—sacked him four times and forced three fumbles. One of those turnovers led to a 78-yard touchdown return by ASU cornerback Jalen McMillan. The Buffaloes managed just 48 yards rushing in the final two quarters. Their offensive line, once praised for its physicality, looked like it had been playing with broken ankles.
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the crowd of 48,500—down nearly 5,000 from last year’s average—was silent. No chants. No cheers. Just the occasional groan. A few fans held up signs: "PRIME TIME? MORE LIKE PRIME TIME OUT." Even the marching band played a slower, more somber version of the fight song.
The Accountability
Sanders didn’t deflect blame. Not even when asked about recruiting. Not even when pressed on why his defensive coordinator had been absent from sideline communications for the final 20 minutes. "I’m the head coach," he said. "I hire the staff. I call the plays. I set the tone. If we’re not playing hard, it’s on me. If we’re not prepared, it’s on me. If we’re not disciplined? Still on me."
He didn’t mention the $32 million, five-year contract he signed in December 2022. He didn’t bring up the $15 million in facility upgrades the university poured into the program. He didn’t talk about the viral TikTok recruiting clips or the ESPN documentaries. He just took it.
What’s at Stake
Colorado’s 3-8 record puts them on the brink of their worst season since 2022—the year before Sanders arrived. A loss to Kansas State University on November 30 would drop them to 3-9. A win? That gets them to 4-8, matching last year’s record. Not progress. Just staying even.
The numbers tell a starker story. Season ticket renewals have fallen from 52,000 in 2022 to 45,000 in 2025. Social media followers have dropped 15% since January. The athletic department’s $125 million budget—65% of which comes from football—is under review by the university’s finance committee. Athletic Director Rick George has reportedly met with university president Elizabeth Hoffman twice in the past month.
Pressure Mounts
ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit put it bluntly on College GameDay: "The hype was real. The results? Not so much. The pressure is mounting on Coach Prime to deliver results after the initial hype of his arrival."
And the fan base isn’t just angry—it’s confused. Sanders promised a new culture. He brought energy, charisma, and a national spotlight. But what’s been delivered? A defense that ranks 107th in the nation in points allowed. A passing game that’s inconsistent. And now, a season that could end with the program’s first losing record in three years.
What’s Next: Kansas State and the Long Road Ahead
Colorado’s final game of the season is set for Saturday, November 30, 2025, at 2:30 PM EST at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas. The Wildcats, at 5-6 and unranked, are no powerhouse—but they’re hungry. They’ve beaten two top-25 teams this year. And they know the Buffaloes are vulnerable.
If Colorado wins, Sanders gets a reprieve. If they lose? The questions will get louder. And the university may be forced to ask whether the spectacle is worth the cost.
There’s irony here. Sanders once said, "I don’t coach for the spotlight. I coach to change lives." But right now, the spotlight is shining brightest on his failures. And the lives he’s supposed to be changing? They’re the ones sitting in the stands, wondering if this was all just a performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Deion Sanders under so much scrutiny after just two seasons?
Sanders arrived with unprecedented media attention and a $32 million contract, promising to elevate Colorado’s program to national relevance. But after two seasons, the team has gone from 4-8 in 2023 to 3-8 in 2025, with declining attendance, ticket renewals, and defensive performance. Fans expected transformation—not stagnation. The gap between hype and results has widened, making accountability inevitable.
How has fan support changed since Sanders took over?
Season ticket renewals dropped from 52,000 in 2022 to 45,000 in 2025—a 13.5% decline. Home attendance at Folsom Field has fallen from an average of 53,200 in 2023 to 48,500 in 2025. Social media engagement has also slipped by 15% across platforms since the start of the 2025 season, according to SportsMediaMonitor. The initial buzz has faded, replaced by frustration over inconsistent play and lack of progress.
What are the financial implications for Colorado’s athletic department?
Football generates about 65% of the university’s $125 million athletic budget. With declining ticket sales, sponsorships, and merchandise revenue, the department may face budget cuts in 2026. The university has already delayed planned upgrades to the football locker room and reduced travel funds for non-revenue sports. A 3-9 season could trigger a formal review of Sanders’ contract and future funding allocations.
Is this loss a sign of deeper problems in the program?
Yes. Colorado’s defense ranks 107th nationally in points allowed and 112th in yards per game. The offensive line has struggled with consistency since 2023. Recruiting has shifted toward flashy names over positional fit, and player transfers have increased—14 Buffaloes have entered the transfer portal since Sanders’ arrival. These aren’t one-game issues. They’re systemic.
What happens if Colorado beats Kansas State?
A win would bring them to 4-8, matching last year’s record and avoiding their worst season since 2022. But it wouldn’t silence critics. With no bowl eligibility and no improvement in key metrics, the win would be seen as a moral victory at best. The real test will be whether Sanders can rebuild trust before the 2026 season begins.
Has Sanders ever faced a season this bad before?
No. At Jackson State, Sanders went 18-1 over two seasons, winning two SWAC titles and making the FCS playoffs. He never lost more than three games in a season. His only other head coaching job at Colorado has been far more challenging—higher expectations, bigger media scrutiny, and a program with deeper structural issues. This is his first real test as a Power Five coach, and he’s failing it.