Cowboy Roundup: Coach Prime’s Advice and the Biggest Concerns for 2025

The world of college football has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, and one of the most notable figures behind that transformation is Coach Prime—Deion Sanders, the legendary player turned head coach. His arrival at the University of Colorado in December 2022 marked the beginning of a new era for the Buffaloes. As we approach the 2025 season, Coach Prime’s impact on the team, the sport, and his players is undeniable. But what is the biggest concern for his program going forward, and what advice might he give to both his team and the college football landscape at large?

Coach Prime’s Impact on College Football

When Deion Sanders took the job at Colorado, many saw it as a gamble. Colorado was struggling in the Pac-12, and its football program had been underperforming for years. However, Coach Prime arrived with a clear vision: to elevate the program and bring back the swagger and excitement that he embodied as a player. His brash, confident style was exactly what the Buffaloes needed to reawaken their fan base, while his connections to elite recruits and his no-nonsense approach to coaching helped breathe new life into the team.

Coach Prime’s impact on recruiting has been nothing short of seismic. His presence on social media, particularly on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, allowed him to engage with both recruits and fans in ways that few coaches have been able to replicate. His ability to market the program and bring in talent has already paid dividends, with Colorado seeing a significant increase in its recruiting rankings. The infusion of talent on the roster has injected new energy into the program, and expectations are high heading into 2025.

But it’s not just the recruits that have been influenced by Sanders. His leadership style, which emphasizes discipline, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of greatness, has become a model for his players. He’s shown that a winning culture isn’t just about physical ability—it’s about mindset and mentality. His approach to developing players both on and off the field has earned praise from many within the football community.

The Philosophy of Coach Prime

At the core of Coach Prime’s philosophy is the idea of “bringing the swag.” This is more than just a catchphrase—it represents an attitude, a belief that success is built on confidence and belief in one’s abilities. Sanders teaches his players that in order to succeed, they must first believe they are capable of greatness. This mentality has been evident in the Buffaloes’ performances under his leadership, and it has become clear that Sanders views football as not just a game, but a platform for self-expression and empowerment.

However, there’s more to Coach Prime than just flashy rhetoric. He’s a disciplinarian who holds his players to a high standard. Under his watch, the Buffaloes have developed a reputation for being well-coached, focused, and resilient. While his players may have fun and play with flair, they are also expected to work hard and remain committed to the team’s goals.

Coach Prime has also shown that he is not afraid to make difficult decisions in order to push the team to the next level. His high-profile decisions to transfer in players from across the country, particularly in the quarterback and defensive positions, sent a clear message: he’s building a program where merit and performance are the ultimate factors in determining who plays. This has given Colorado a competitive edge, as it allows Sanders to create a dynamic and adaptable roster.

The Biggest Concerns for Colorado in 2025

While Coach Prime’s arrival has undoubtedly brought a renewed sense of hope and energy to the Colorado football program, there are still significant challenges ahead for the team as they enter the 2025 season. Despite the progress that’s been made, several factors could hinder the team’s ability to achieve sustained success. Here are the most pressing concerns for the Buffaloes going into the new season.

1. Depth and Consistency in Talent

The transfer portal revolution, which Coach Prime has embraced, has allowed Colorado to build a roster full of talent in a relatively short period of time. However, this approach has its drawbacks. While top-tier recruits and transfers may offer immediate impact, they also bring a lack of depth and continuity to the program. One of the most significant concerns for Colorado in 2025 will be whether they can maintain consistency in both their starters and their bench players.

Building a championship-contending team requires more than just a few star players; it requires depth at every position. Coach Prime’s roster, while talented, may still lack the depth needed to compete over an entire season, especially in a physically demanding conference like the Pac-12. Injuries, fatigue, and the grueling nature of college football could reveal weaknesses in certain areas, and the Buffaloes will need to develop their depth to stay competitive.

2. Defensive Struggles

While the offense has been exciting and full of playmakers under Coach Prime, the defense has remained a major question mark. For all the talent brought in through the transfer portal, Colorado’s defense has struggled to maintain a consistent level of performance, especially against high-powered offenses in the Pac-12.

In 2025, Colorado will need to shore up its defensive line and secondary to remain competitive in an increasingly high-scoring league. The ability to stop the run, put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and force turnovers will be key to the Buffaloes’ success. If Coach Prime and his staff can’t figure out a way to turn around the defense, the team could find itself in high-scoring shootouts that are difficult to win in the long run.

3. The Quarterback Situation

While Shedeur Sanders, Coach Prime’s son, has proven to be a talented quarterback, his ability to lead the team to victory in the Pac-12 will be put to the test in 2025. The competition in the conference is fierce, with teams like USC, Oregon, and Washington boasting powerful offenses and elite quarterbacks of their own. Colorado’s ability to match up with these teams will depend heavily on Shedeur’s development as a leader and playmaker.

Shedeur has the talent and confidence to thrive in high-pressure situations, but the question is whether he can maintain that level of play throughout an entire season. If he falters, the Buffaloes could find themselves scrambling for a reliable backup option. Coach Prime’s philosophy of constantly evaluating talent may result in changes at quarterback if needed, but consistency at this crucial position will be essential for Colorado’s success.

4. Competition in the Pac-12

The Pac-12, despite losing some prominent programs to other conferences, remains one of the most competitive conferences in college football. Teams like Oregon, USC, and Washington continue to attract top-tier talent, and they’re only getting better. Colorado, despite the energy Coach Prime has brought to the program, will still face fierce competition from these established powerhouses. To truly compete at the highest level, Coach Prime and his staff will need to continuously evolve their game plans and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of college football.

5. Sustainability of the Program’s Culture

Coach Prime’s influence on the team has been monumental, but the question remains: how sustainable is his unique culture of “swag” and confidence? While it has worked well for his first couple of years, eventually the team will need to evolve beyond just the flashy persona that Coach Prime has cultivated. As his players mature and move on to the NFL, the culture will need to be self-sustaining, with the program continuing to grow regardless of who is in charge.

Maintaining the right balance of discipline, innovation, and confidence will be key to ensuring that Colorado can continue to succeed long after Coach Prime’s initial impact fades.

Coach Prime’s Advice for 2025

As Colorado prepares for the 2025 season, Coach Prime’s advice to his players and the program would likely center around a few key principles: confidence, hard work, and resilience.

1. “Believe in Yourself”: Deion Sanders has built his entire brand on self-belief, and this will be the cornerstone of his message to the team. No matter how difficult the road ahead may be, Coach Prime would remind his players that they have the talent and ability to succeed.
2. “Don’t Just Play the Game—Change the Game”: This mentality goes beyond just winning games; it’s about altering the culture of college football. Coach Prime has already done this at Colorado, but his vision is far bigger. He would encourage his team to strive to be difference-makers on and off the field, to set new standards for excellence.
3. “Focus on the Fundamentals”: While confidence and swagger are essential, Coach Prime would stress the importance of mastering the fundamentals of football. Execution, discipline, and attention to detail are the building blocks of success, and those will be critical as the program faces stiffer competition in 2025.