Deion Sanders is once again pushing boundaries, this time with a fresh idea for spring football.
While many programs are stepping back from traditional spring games due to injuries, roster limitations, and other factors, Sanders is proposing something entirely different: bring in another team, much like the NFL's joint practices and preseason matchups.
Sanders believes this change would inject new energy into what's often a repetitive intrasquad scrimmage. Facing the same teammates day after day, he argues, makes it difficult to gauge a team's true competitiveness and growth.
"To have it competitive, playing against your own guys kind of gets monotonous," Sanders explained.
Instead, he envisions a setup where two college programs come together for joint practices and cap it off with a game, providing better evaluation opportunities for coaches and a more exciting product for fans. However, such a change would require the NCAA to revise its spring practice rules.
While some powerhouse programs like Nebraska and Ohio State have opted to skip traditional spring games entirely this year, Sanders is determined to keep Colorado's version alive. The Buffaloes' spring game is scheduled for April 19 at Folsom Field and will air on ESPN2.
Sanders urged fans to show up, warning that the trend of schools abandoning spring games could threaten its future. "I like to play the spring game. Actually, I like to play against another team in the spring," Sanders reiterated.
Off the field, Sanders downplayed talks of a potential contract extension, instead emphasizing that his focus is on securing raises for his staff. One key move was locking down defensive coordinator Robert Livingston, rewarding him with a two-year deal worth $1.5 million in 2025 and $1.6 million in 2026-making him the highest-paid assistant in Colorado history.
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Sanders praised Livingston's role in the Buffaloes' defensive resurgence and acknowledged how success often leads to other programs attempting to poach top assistants.
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Looking ahead, Sanders plans to attend the Big 12 Pro Day in Texas, where Shedeur Sanders, Shilo Sanders, and Travis Hunter are among those expected to participate.Colorado will also host its own "skills showcase" on April 4.
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This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 4:01 PM.