Overhyping? Over-promising? Deion Sanders has never been one to back down from a challenge. But this time, his latest statement has put a target on his back. At Colorado’s first spring team meeting, he delivered a bold message with his trademark confidence. “We’re going to have an awesome spring,” he told the Buffs. “We have a better team than we had last year, and we’re going to prove it this spring.” Bold words, but not everyone is buying it.

Fox Sports analyst RJ Young wasted no time in challenging Deion Sanders’ claim. In a new episode of The Number One College Football Show on March 12, he cited multiple concerns that cast doubt on whether the Buffs are truly better than last year’s 9-4 win squad. “Going into 2025, though, we know that this Colorado team is not going to look anything like the Colorado team that we saw last year,” he bluntly stated. And he also cited his reasons why. Gone is Shedeur Sanders, who rewrote Colorado’s record books with 4000+ yards. Gone is the two-way phenom and Heisman winner Travis Hunter. And gone is the Buffs agile WR Jimmy Horn Jr., along with major contributors like Will Sheppard and LaJohntay Wester. Fair point, but does it mean they won’t be better?

Deion Sanders has been aggressive in the transfer portal, reloading with impact players at key positions. The O-line has been revamped by transfers like Zy Crisler and Aki Ogunbiyi. Colorado also brought in Tulsa standout WR Joseph Williams and added Alabama transfer DT Jehiem Oatis and UTSA transfer LB Martavius French on defense. There’s talent, but is there a playmaker? This takes us to the second concern. 

Colorado is hunting for their next playmaker, and RJ Young is convinced it doesn’t exist. At least not yet. “Is there a playmaker in this offense anywhere in sight? Yes and no,” he said. While the Buffs may not have talents on par with Hunter, Horn Jr., and Sheppard, they still have weapons. WR Omarion Miller flashed brilliance last season with 216 yards and one TD on 10 catches, torching Kansas State for 145 yards. At QB, Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter is expected to compete with 5-star freshman Julian Lewis. But can either fill Shedeur Sanders’ shoes? And then there’s the third concern—run game. 

Colorado’s troubles continue to surface

If there’s one stat from 2024 that hurts Colorado, it’s the running game stat—65 rushing yards per game. It was the worst in all of college football. “Colorado was dead last in rushing in 2024, 133 out of 133,” Young pointed out. Deion Sanders clearly recognized the issue by adding NFL RB Marshall Faulk as their new RB coach. If anyone can spark life into their dismal ground attack, it’s a Hall of Famer who torched defenses for years. And here comes the final challenge that could make or break Colorado’s start in 2025. 

If the Buffs want to make noise in the Big 12, they’ll need a strong start. And that means getting past Georgia Tech in the season opener. The Yellow Jackets can’t be underestimated. They knocked out Miami and Florida State last season, proving they can hang out with elite teams. “This is doable,” Young stated. “This is more than doable.” But with plenty of uncertainty, Deion Sanders’ words will soon be put to the test. 

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Colorado’s spring game on April 19 will offer the first glimpse of what’s to come. And you can bet the doubters will be watching closely.