Colorado Buffaloes fans’ fear came true. After Shedeur Sanders left, they have yet to find a perfect fit to take Deion Sanders’ son’s place. But that should not have been the case. After all, Deion made a combined investment of $1.8 million for his two quarterbacks, Julian Lewis and Kaidon Salter. But who stole the limelight in their latest victory against Delaware? Third stringer Ryan Staub. While Deion might have thought of spending more time to sharpen his QBs, something else calls for attention now. It’s the Buffaloes’ injury report, that might make Coach Prime break out in cold sweat…

The 2025 season has just opened and this would be the worst time to be blacklisted by the injury gods. The Buffaloes will be facing off against the Houston Cougars on September 12. Already, Deion walks in with a non-negotiable stance when facing off against Willie Fritz’s squad. No, it’s not just about climbing up the scoreboard. Deion and Co. have a bigger purpose to capitalize on the opportunity if they are able to secure a win against Houston. But right now, Deion must be busy counting the players on the availability-injury report. 

On September 11, Buffs insider Adam Munsterteiger posted a screenshot of that report. The “out” list features nine players. Deion’s players who won’t be suiting up are defensive end Samuel Okunlola, defensive tackles duo Jehiem Oatis and Gavriel Lightfoot, cornerbacks duo Teon Parks and Kyle Carpenter, and safeties Terrance Love and TJ Branch. Along with them, there are offensive lineman Phillip Houston and tight end Charlie Williams. The defensive backfield seems to have taken the biggest hit, with four players unlikely to play. 

Deion won’t be able to count on WE Omarion Miller, who is on the “questionable” list, along with RB Dallan Hayden, who falls under the “probable” category. During his weekly press conference on Tuesday, September 9, Deion shared that Hayden suffered a hand injury in fall camp and Miller “tweaked” his hamstring in Colorado’s season opener.

“Both of them are practicing,” Coach Prime said. “Omarion, I don’t know if we’re going to see him this week. Dallan is, he worked his b–t off today, he’s closer to being seen than Omarion.” About Miller, Deion suggested “don’t rush that,” as he wants him to be recovered completely for the rest of the season.  The Buffaloes rank No.10 in the conference in defense and allow 17 points per game. In such a state, it must be truly concerning for Deion to lose so many defensive weapons. For instance, Okunlola already gave away Baltimore Ravens linebacker David Ojabo vibes. 

As Deion’s newly appointed defensive ends coach, George Helow said, “He’s got the size, speed (and) athletic ability that you look for in an EDGE guy. I compare him a little bit to David Ojabo, who we had at Michigan.” Stripped of firepower, can Deion hold his resolve before a matchup that carries weight beyond the scoreboard?

Deion Sanders eyes on 2025 but mind on the future

While Deion zeroes in on 2025, the visionary in him never stops mapping tomorrow. Given the current college football landscape, the recruiting class holds a lot of importance. That’s where the concern begins for Deion and Co. When it comes to their 2026 recruiting class, as per On3’s ranking, they stand quite low at No.68. Till now, they have only locked in 11 recruits, and are yet to woo a 5-star.

So, Deion now wants to make the most of the golden opportunity to plant their recruiting flag deep while playing against Houston. But why this game? Well, we know Texas is the hotbed of high school recruiting. By playing against the Cougars, his team’s brand gets more visibility among Texas athletes and their families. During the pre-game presser, the Buffs’ head coach made things very clear.

“But it’s going to be a good game, and I can’t wait to get to Houston. It’s a tremendous recruiting ground for us, Texas, period. So, we love to go down there and play, and I pray that it’s a sellout,” said Deion. Now, let’s hope the Buffs HC is not alone to celebrate if they secure a victory against the Cougars.

As his two sons soar into the NFL, Deion Sanders is left with only Deion Sanders Jr., aka Bucky, by his side to ride out the stormy days and the shining ones. But in the Buffs’ last victory against Delaware, the Well Off Media tycoon had to leave midway. On his way to the airport, Deion’s favorite recorded a clip while driving a car. In that video, he said, “That boy Staub came to play. Because I see him throw it. Had to leave early, I gotta make a flight. God is the greatest, man.” Let’s see if Deion’s boys can spark a recruiting boost in the golden state of Texas, and will Bucky be there to toast the victory with Dad?