Full Breakdown
Deion Sanders Uses Preseason All-Big 12 Snub as Fuel for Colorado’s 2026 Campaign
7/10/2026, 6:31:50 PM
Core Event
At the Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders addressed the complete absence of Buffaloes players from the preseason All-Big 12 team. He dismissed the poll as “just another reason to prove people wrong” and emphasized that the snub would serve as extra motivation for the squad heading into the 2026 season, which opens with a Thursday night road game against Georgia Tech on Sept. 3.
Background & Context
Colorado finished the 2025 season 3-9, winning only one power-conference game and ranking second-last in the Big 12. The 2024 campaign was a high point, posting a 9-3 regular-season record and earning the program’s sole bowl appearance under Sanders. Since taking over in 2023, Sanders has compiled a 16-21 record across three seasons. Offseason turnover has been significant: the Buffs lost key transfers such as wide receiver Omarion Miller (Arizona State) and offensive tackle Jordan Seaton (LSU) but added a nationally ranked transfer class, including wide receiver Danny Scudero (who led the nation with 1,291 receiving yards last season) and linebacker Gideon Lampron.
Key Figures & Additions
- Deion Sanders – Head coach, “Coach Prime.”
- Danny Scudero – Transfer wide receiver, All-American honors, Biletnikoff semifinalist.
- Julian “JuJu” Lewis – Returning quarterback, retained for 2026.
- Gideon Lampron – Redshirt senior linebacker, 119 tackles at Bowling Green in 2025, now a first-team FCS All-American (2024).
- Brennan Marion – New offensive coordinator.
- Chris Marve – New defensive coordinator.
- NIL Partnerships – Players have deals with brands such as Taco Bell and Starbucks; Sanders himself holds endorsement contracts with Aflac and Nike.
Data & Statistics
- Preseason All-Big 12: 0 Colorado players selected.
- Transfer Portal: 43 incoming players for 2026, including Lampron.
- 2025 Record: 3-9 overall, 1-8 in conference.
- 2024 Record: 9-3 regular season, bowl appearance.
- Class of 2027: 20 commits, ranked No. 3 in the Big 12, highlighted by four-star prospects Andre Adams (QB), Dewey Young (OL), and Jaiden Kelly-Murray (WR).
Official Statements & Responses
Sanders framed the All-Big 12 omission as inconsequential, stating that external opinions do not define the team’s identity. He highlighted the players’ self-knowledge and work ethic, noting that the “extra ‘mmm’ inside of them” will drive performance. Sanders also referenced his personal health recovery from cancer, asserting that his restored “swagger” and “dog” will translate into on-field energy. He expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season, saying he “cannot wait to get back on that sideline and do our thing.”
Criticism & Opposition
No dissenting viewpoints or criticism were presented in the available reports.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree that no Buffs were named to the preseason All-Big 12 team; no alternative selections or disputes were reported.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I got the coaches on curfew, not the kids.” — Deion Sanders, Colorado head coach
- “We don't care what people say. People are always going to have an opinion,” — Deion Sanders
- “My younger self would be proud that I was here last year fighting a battle called cancer, and now I'm here with full strength, full energy,” — Deion Sanders
- “I’m on the plane and kid walk by. He said ‘Coach Prime, how ya doing…I’m in the portal.’ I said ‘Kid, can you play?’ He said ‘I can play,’” — Deion Sanders
- “I cannot wait to get back on that sideline and do our thing,” — Deion Sanders
What’s Next
Colorado’s season opener against Georgia Tech on Sept. 3, 2026, will be the first test of the team’s resolve after the preseason snub. Subsequent Big 12 matchups will determine whether the Buffs can translate their transfer-laden roster and renewed confidence into a bowl-eligible campaign.
