Deion Sanders has built the Colorado program with star power. On the backs of his son and star QB Shedeur Sanders, along with two-way superstar Travis Hunter, the Buffaloes instantly became relevant under Coach Prime. Year one was a solid jumping off point - last season was a statement. Colorado was back.
Now, without either of his sons or Hunter, Coach Prime has to prove that Colorado is here to stay.
The first test of whether Sanders has built a sustainable program is tonight at Folsom Field when Georgia Tech invades Boulder looking for a road win. Colorado is the underdog, something they have grown accustomed to over the years.
Many experts are picking Georgia Tech to win this game. That's not new; people have picked against Sanders and his team ever since he arrived. They've gotten used to being underdogs and "coming out of nowhere" to win.
After last season's massive step forward with nine wins, most expect that the Buffs will take a step back this season. That's the outside view of the program. Inside the locker room, expectations are as high as they've ever been.
"We're going to win differently, but we're going to win," Sanders said.
Colorado will be a different - yet competitive - team in 2025
Colorado should be a lot more balanced this season. They have the most depth and experience on the offensive line that they've had in the Prime era. Led by potential All-American Jordan Seaton, the OL is no longer a weakness - and could ultimately prove to be the strength of the team.
Dual-threat QB Kaidon Salter brings an entirely new dynamic to the offense with his ability as a runner. Dekalon Taylor brings explosive ability in the backfield. Fans - and hopefully Georgia Tech's players and coaches - are going to be surprised by the type of offense that takes the field tonight.
Shedeur Sanders isn't walking through that door - they can't rely on a superstar QB putting the team on his back week after week. Balance is vital, and balance is what Sanders intends this team to have.
"We want to be physical, and we want to run the heck out of the football," Sanders said.
Georgia Tech will present a great immediate challenge to whether Colorado can be a physical team like they want to be. Brent Key's teams are always physical. The ex-offensive lineman prides himself on that.
If Colorado can compete in the trenches with the Yellow Jackets, then that bodes well for their ability to be one of the most physically imposing teams in the Big 12.
Tonight is not the be-all, end-all for the Buffaloes, but it's a perfect litmus test for Coach Prime to see where his team is at.