Heralded Colorado football transfer cut by Coach Prime for disciplinary reasons

Oct 7, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive lineman Bishop Thomas (95) celebrates
Oct 7, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive lineman Bishop Thomas (95) celebrates / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Now-former Colorado football DL Bishop Thomas was let go by the program on February 23 after the "Coach Prime" docuseries showed that he was suspended indefinitely. BuffsBeat's Josh Tolle confirmed his departure with team sources.

"Deion Sanders and Colorado are moving on from Bishop Thomas," Tolle prefaced before saying, "The defensive lineman was dismissed from the program after being suspended indefinitely for violating team rules, according to sources. While no official announcement was made by CU, a final show credit in Amazon Prime's docuseries 'Coach Prime' said Thomas was suspended and his status for next season was 'still being evaluated' by Deion Sanders and his staff.

"With there being no sign of Thomas participating in offseason conditioning drills with the Buffaloes, many wondered if he would be reinstated this year. Especially, given the fact that Sanders has brought in a pair of four-star talents on the defensive line as of late. Colorado secured LSU's Quency Wiggins and Pittsburgh's Samuel Okunlola via the transfer portal and both will make an immediate impact."

Coach Prime setting Colorado football culture with tough love and necessary cuts

Year one of the "Prime Time" era in Boulder was not far off from being a successful one. Losses to Oregon State, Arizona, Utah, and even USC were all within reach, and seven or eight wins from CU in 2023 would've been borderline "Coach of the Year" status for Deion Sanders given the Buffs' recent history.

That was with a culture that was questionable enough to result in down performances from the defense every so often -- the Wazzu and Oregon games come to mind here -- and an offensive line that couldn't protect Shedeur Sanders in a meaningful way.

In 2024, after the ups and downs of the Cormani McClain saga, the "Daddy Ball" accusations, the public callouts of the offensive line, and even the mass transfer portal exodus before the season even began, the culture is now forged in fire and time-tested.

If the talent is set to match, Colorado will turn a lot of heads in the "Prime Time" era's second act.