It’s wild how much can change when the right coach steps in. Ever since Deion Sanders landed in Boulder, the program hasn’t been the same, on and off the field. Before Coach Prime, CU athletics felt like your typical mid-major program, always just a few steps behind the big names. But now? Interest is surging, headlines are popping, and massive partnerships are starting to roll in.

A naming rights deal might not sound like a big deal on its own, but pair that with Coach Prime’s aura, and you get something much bigger. Colorado just locked in a seven-year, game-changing agreement with Mountain States Ford, making the 108,000-square-foot Indoor Practice Facility officially known as the Ford Practice Facility. It’s not just a glossy logo; it’s validation. A national powerhouse brand is backing a smaller school because a legend brought them there.

Rick George, Colorado Athletics Director, reacted to the collaboration, saying, “We are so excited to welcome Ford as the naming rights partner for our state‑of‑the‑art indoor practice facility… There is a natural synergy between our indoor practice facility, which is a net‑zero energy building featuring its own solar array, and the promotion of Ford’s excellent line of electric vehicles.” It’s rare for any school, much less a modestly sized program, to score a seven-year deal with such a national titan, and it couldn’t have happened without Deion’s arrival and relevance.

Check out Ford’s reaction. “Your Mountain States Ford Stores are honored to be an integral part of the communities we serve… Partnering with the University of Colorado across all athletic programs is a true privilege, and we look forward to many unforgettable moments shared with fans under the iconic Flatirons.” That isn’t just sponsorship. That’s brand affinity riding Coach Prime’s coattails.

This fixture deal isn’t just carving out revenue; it’s turbocharging NIL funding. With Colorado now eligible to share up to $20.5 million annually under the newly approved revenue-sharing settlement, this investment by a $166 billion company offers fanfare and real resources. NIL boosts, new facilities, and recruiting allure—this has “program elevation” stamped all over it. And the momentum isn’t just on the field or in the facilities.

Deion Sanders’ Buffs just scored in the classroom, too

Colorado is leveling up across the board, and academics are no exception. The school just announced that 62 of its student-athletes made the Big 12 Spring Academic Team, a massive testament to the emphasis Coach Prime and his staff have put on growth beyond the gridiron. Even more impressive? 41 of those names came from first-year Buffs earning spots on the Academic All-Rookie Team, a clear sign the younger class is already dialed in.

It’s not just about being eligible; it’s about excelling. To make the list, student-athletes had to post a 3.20 GPA or higher across two semesters and contribute to their teams in at least 20% of competitions. From track and field to tennis and lacrosse, the honors span a wide swath of CU’s spring sports. But what really turns heads is the growing number of football rookies making the cut. Players like Yahya Attia, Titus Bautista, Dre’lon Miller, and Carson Westbrook aren’t just running plays; they’re running their academics, too, and managing full course loads like seasoned pros.

That’s the culture shift Deion Sanders brought in. Flashy suits and sunglasses get the headlines, but behind the scenes, there’s real accountability. These academic wins show the Buffs aren’t just chasing rankings; they’re chasing excellence on every level.

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