Since Deion Sanders took the Colorado job in December of 2022, the clock has been ticking on his time as the program's head coach, at least according to the media. Most believed that when Sanders left Jackson State for Colorado, he would use the Buffaloes as a springboard to bigger and better things, whether that be at a more prominent college football program or in the NFL.
Most figured that clock would be set for two years, and when Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter went to the NFL, Coach Prime would follow. Instead, Sanders is gearing up for his third season in Boulder and has shown a loyalty to the Colorado program despite consistent rumors of his inevitable departure.
Sanders' comments at Big 12 Media Days calling for a salary cap, and talking about the money being spent by other programs, have re-lit the fire for some believing Coach Prime will be angling to leave sooner rather than later.
Can Colorado find the money to compete and keep Deion Sanders long-term?
That's the big question on the mind of 92.5 Altitude Sports Radio co-host Alex Rajaniemi.
"Let's say the quiet part out loud," Rajaniemi said. "Deion's time here at Colorado is very, very numbered unless you find a way to compete with $25 million to $30 million freshman classes, unless you find a way to put a true cap system in or go to collective bargaining."
There may never be a true cap system, but the recent House vs. NCAA settlement should lead to more regulation of NIL payments. Any NIL agreement worth more than $600 must now go through the NIL GO clearinghouse, and they've already started rejecting deals that do not meet the specified criteria.
Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy called for collective bargaining at Big 12 Media Days. Sanders is far from the only coach concerned with what's happening in college football, and the inability of 90% of programs to compete with the select few that have seemingly unlimited resources.
With regulation coming on NIL, and the revenue-sharing era now here, having a coach who recruits want to come and play for - regardless of the monetary value they can receive - is all the more important. And kids across the country want to come to Boulder to play for Coach Prime.
Sanders has reinvigorated a dormant program in Boulder. He did it right away, with fan interest across the country piqued even through a 4-8 debut season in 2023.
The day will one day come when Coach Prime leaves Colorado, whether that's for another job or at the end of his career. But, for now, he's committed to the Buffaloes program, and with the new rules in place, he has the resources to build a consistent contender.