Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders just handed his bench guys the keys to their future. Instead of just talking, he let them play in a scrimmage so they could make game film. For the unversed, it is the kind that helps them get noticed by other schools through the Transfer Portal.
Oct 11, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders is interviewed by ESPN during a time out in the first quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Oct 11, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders is interviewed by ESPN during a time out in the first quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
During Colorado’s bye week, Coach Prime orchestrated a full scrimmage for players buried on the depth chart. The goal? Get them highlight reels for the Transfer Portal. Because Sanders knows what everyone else pretends not to see: rosters flip faster than playbooks now.
Deion Sanders Stages Scrimmage to Help Bench Guys Hit the Portal
Sanders addressed his team directly before a recent practice session, keeping his message short and precise. The players went through their usual stretching and warmup routine before starting the session.
“A lot of you guys that don’t get to play, you’re going to get your chance today. This is your chance because I’m not crazy enough to think that all of you are going to be in this room next year. Some of you are going to jump in the portal. This is an opportunity for you to get some portal film,” he said as transcribed by ON3.
NEW: Deion Sanders held a scrimmage for bench players to get film for the Transfer Portal👀
“I’m not crazy enough to think that all of you gonna be in this room next year.”
(via @WellOffForever, h/t @GrantSpeaks1)https://t.co/7iRcUOknAZ pic.twitter.com/0FR3Y1vbkQ
— On3 (@On3sports) October 16, 2025
He added, “I’m the kind of coach that is going to make sure that we cut it, hype it up – give it to you however you want it to make sure that you’re looking good in your portal tape. Some of you guys don’t get to play that plan on jumping, you’ve already made up your mind, so I’m just trying to help you jump.”
Sanders did everything he could to make it feel like a real game, even bringing in cheerleaders to set the mood. The main players stayed after practice to support their teammates.
Before the scrimmage started, the Hall of Famer kept it simple, saying, Do your thing. Have a great day today, you guys that’s playing in the game – get your minds right.”
Such a crazy move only fits Sanders’ track record. Colorado welcomed 31 transfers last offseason after losing 27 players. He’s never pretended roster turnover doesn’t exist. He’s just the only coach treating it like business instead of betrayal.
After so many surgeries at the same place, it is safe to feel he’ll retire as a coach as well. So, the move seems like he is trying his best to set up the college culture before leaving the program.
Fans Split Over Coach Prime’s Portal Strategy
The internet couldn’t decide if Sanders was a genius or a menace.
One supporter called out the haters, “White ppl gonna find a way to hate somehow.”
A skeptic fired back, “Yikes. Wouldn’t happen in my program.”
A third one questioned his longevity, claiming, “He’s only doing that bc he aint gonna be there next year either.”
Another praised the transparency, noting, “At least he’s setting up his players for success before he quits. Props coach!”
A fifth fan took shots at other programs, penning, “Coach Prime is doing everything he can to set his players up for success. Meanwhile Hugh freeze at Auburn does everything he can to humiliate and embarrass his players to cover for his own coaching ineptitude.”
Other critics dismissed the value entirely, with one asking, “If you aren’t getting ANY playing time at Colorado, you aren’t good. Film against other guys that don’t play at Colorado isnt going to impress anybody. It’s a nice gesture but what does it really accomplish?”
If you remember, on his first day, he told players to bring their Louis Vuitton bags, some to unpack and others to pack up and leave. That’s how college football works now. The transfer portal changed it, and Sanders is just the one saying it plainly.
Whether you love him or hate him, Sanders gave those bench warmers something most coaches won’t: a real shot at their next chapter.