What Colorado’s Deion Sanders said after his win over Oklahoma State

Deion Sanders was the focus of the postgame press conference following the Colorado Buffaloes’ emphatic 52-0 victory over Oklahoma State on Senior Day. Sanders’ charismatic and thoughtful address highlighted the individual accomplishments, team dynamics and emotional toll of the moment on him and his players.

Travis Hunter: The star of the day

Coach Prime didn’t mince his words when discussing Travis Hunter’s outstanding performance. Hunter dominated both sides of the ball, scoring three touchdowns, over 100 receiving yards, one interception and two pass breakups. Sanders jokingly criticized Hunter for missing a potential second interception, saying, “It hit him right in the chest. I’m not happy about that.” Still, Sanders praised Hunter’s versatility and resilience, reinforcing his belief that Hunter is “the best player in college football.” Sanders highlighted Hunter’s unique Heisman Trophy candidacy and highlighted his contributions as a wide receiver and defensive back. “If we put him on the punt return or kick return, he would dominate there too,” Sanders noted.

Shedeur Sanders and the Buffs’ offensive brilliance

Shedeur Sanders delivered another outstanding performance, completing 34 of 41 passes for 438 yards and five touchdowns. Coach Prime praised his son’s consistency and noted his impressive statistics and accuracy. “Shedeur has proven he should be standing alongside Travis,” Sanders said, underscoring his belief in Shedeur’s Heisman-worthy credentials. The receiving corps, led by standout LaJohntay Wester, also earned high praise, with Sanders recognizing their collective effort as “tremendous.” The Buffs’ second-leading receiver finished the game with 11 receptions for 175 yards and two touchdowns.

Special teams and defensive excellence

Colorado’s special teams shined brightly, with kicker Alejandro Mata hitting his 10th straight field goal, setting a school record. Sanders joked about the relief that Mata might have broken the record during the bowl game, saying, “Thank you, Jesus!” On the defensive side, the Buffaloes posted their first shutout since 2021. Sanders credited the dominant performance to the game plan Defensive coordinator Robert Livingston and the execution of the players. “They coped with last week’s defeat and responded. They knew how to recover and I’m proud of them for that,” Sanders said.

Reflecting on Senior Day and personal moments

The significance of Senior Day was not lost on Sanders, who reflected deeply on the final home game of several players, including his sons Shedeur, Shilo and Bucky. “It wasn’t until the end of the game that I realized that this was the last time the four of us would share this moment together,” Sanders admitted in an emotional voice. He also highlighted the contributions of the senior class and acknowledged their role in transforming the program. “They are the ones who put us on the map,” Sanders said. He described heartfelt moments with individual players like Jimmy Horn Jr. and expressed his unwavering support for them beyond football. The former South Florida transfer joined Coach Prime in place of his father, who is currently incarcerated.

Balancing his roles as coach and father, Sanders described the day as “stormy yet heartfelt.” He reflected on the journey he and his sons took together, calling it a culmination of “ups and downs, adversities and highlights.” Sanders’ genuine pride in his children’s achievements was evident when he said, “Every step I’ve taken in my life has been based on my children.” He praised his sons for pushing him to be both a father and father to also provide excellent performance as a trainer.

Recruiting and the future in Boulder

Looking ahead, Sanders reiterated his commitment to making Colorado a permanent contender. He emphasized the importance of recruiting and the transfer portal and hinted at significant steps to strengthen the roster. “We will add great things to strengthen ourselves for next season,” he said confidently. Sanders also thanked the fan base, citing their unwavering support and economic contribution to the program’s success.

About the Heisman debate and legacy building

When asked about Travis Hunter’s Heisman chances, Sanders passionately defended his star player. “Travis Hunter is him. Nobody can handle him on both sides of the ball,” Sanders said. He dismissed critics and pointed out the absurdity of the arguments against Hunter’s qualifications. Sanders emphasized that Hunter’s draft status would ultimately speak for itself, projecting him as a top two NFL draft pick.

Sanders also addressed Colorado’s broader impact on college football, praising the media coverage and fan engagement in transforming the program. “When we win, everyone wins,” Sanders said, calling for cooperation between media and supporters to keep the momentum going.

A promising end to a transformative season

The shutout victory marked a significant milestone in Sanders’ vision for Colorado. While Sanders acknowledged the season wasn’t perfect, he remained optimistic about the program’s direction. “I never think about losing; I think of triumphing,” he said. The coach’s infectious optimism and drive were palpable as he looked ahead to the bowl game and beyond.

Sanders’ postgame remarks captured the essence of his coaching philosophy: a commitment to excellence, an unwavering belief in his players and a deep sense of purpose as both a coach and a father. His reflections on the game, the season and the future painted a picture of a leader determined to leave a lasting legacy – not just for Colorado football, but for the young men he mentored. As Sanders put it: “This is just the beginning. We’re going to improve in every area and keep doing the crazy.”