Deion Sanders sends message to recruits: "I ain't going anywhere"

Deion Sanders is back to work, and Colorado is on the practice field as they begin preparation for next month's season opener in Boulder against Georgia Tech. While getting ready for the season is the priority, one of the top items on the agenda for Coach Prime is salvaging the 2026 recruiting class.

The Buffaloes are way behind the pace, currently ranking No. 82 in the composite rankings with just nine total commitments. Sanders' absence the last few months as he battled bladder cancer is the main impetus for Colorado's sluggish start on the trail. But he's back now and sent out a message to recruits on Tuesday.

In a video posted to the Colorado Football X account, Sanders delivered a targeted message to prospective recruits.

"I ain't going anywhere," Sanders said. "You know why? I'm waiting on you"

Sanders then targeted the mistruths and rumors that have been spread over the last few months, which ran rampant over the weekend in anticipation of Coach Prime's Monday press conference. His health, and the rumors that he could be looking for an exit from Boulder, were undoubtedly used as a negative recruiting tool by opposing coaches who will look for any advantage and perceived weakness they can in recruiting.

"Stop believing them lies," Sanders added. "They going to talk because that's all they know how to do. But guess what? God got me, baby. And I want you."

A recruiting run will happen sooner or later for Coach Prime and Colorado

I can't predict the future, but I feel confident in saying that when the dust is settled and the early signing period in December has passed, Colorado won't rank near the bottom of the Big 12 in recruiting anymore.

Recruits who have been on the fence about Colorado because of Sanders' uncertain status were reassured completely in his press conference on Monday. His words were those of a motivated man, one who is going to be in Boulder for the long haul, even without the presence of his sons or Travis Hunter.

Colorado is still in the hunt for several top recruits, and they will get in the mix for others who have already made commitment decisions. Coach Prime has a history of flipping recruits who are committed elsewhere, and every class there seems to be a surprise here and there that he pulls off that nobody saw coming.

His trademark recruiting phrase since he arrived in Boulder has been that he isn't hard to find. Now, without the ability to negative recruit against him, opposing coaches may want to find a place to hide.