Imagine a college football coach going the extra mile to help his underutilized players shine—literally on film—for their next big opportunity. That's exactly what Deion Sanders, the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, did recently, hosting a special scrimmage tailored for those athletes who aren't getting the playing time they deserve. This event isn't just about practice; it's designed to create high-quality video footage to showcase their skills in the NCAA transfer portal, where players can seek new teams at season's end. Intriguing, right? But here's where it gets controversial: Some might see this as a selfless act of mentorship, while others could argue it's a sign of a team culture that's more about individual exits than collective success. Let's dive deeper into this unique approach and explore what it means for the players, the program, and the sport as a whole.
To understand this better, especially if you're new to college football, the NCAA transfer portal is like a digital marketplace where players can request to move to other schools after their current season. It's a common way for athletes to find better opportunities, but it often means leaving behind teammates and coaches. Sanders, affectionately known as Coach Prime, wanted to give these players a real taste of game day, even though it's a scrimmage. He brought in members of the cheerleading squad to energize the sidelines, mimicking the atmosphere of an actual match. The event kicked off with a complete stretching and warmup routine, followed by an opening kickoff, making it feel as authentic as possible. This setup ensures the film captures the players in action, helping them stand out to recruiters at other universities.
As shared in a tweet by Grant Speaks on October 16, 2025, Sanders himself summed it up perfectly. He told the participants, 'For many of you who aren't getting the reps you need, today's your moment. I'm realistic— not all of you will be sticking around next year. Some are eyeing the portal already, and this scrimmage is your chance to produce top-notch highlight reels.' Sanders emphasized his commitment to the process, saying he'd personally handle editing the footage, making it as impressive as possible. 'I'm the type of coach who'll polish it up and hype it however you like, ensuring your portal tape looks stellar,' he added. 'If you've decided to make the jump, I've got your back to make it a smooth one.'
For the key players on Colorado's roster who weren't joining the scrimmage, Sanders set a clear expectation: stick around after regular practice and show support by cheering for their teammates. He encouraged them all with, 'Go out there and perform. To those suiting up today, focus and give it your all for a fantastic session.'
This initiative comes at a time when Colorado has been actively reshaping its team through the transfer portal. Last offseason, the Buffaloes brought in 31 new players after losing 27, making it the No. 24 ranked transfer class nationally. This influx has injected fresh talent, but it also highlights the competitive nature of college football, where roster turnover is the norm. And this is the part most people miss: By hosting such a scrimmage, Sanders isn't just aiding potential transfers; he's also benefiting the program's younger talent. In his 2025 recruiting class, he added 14 true freshmen—rookies straight out of high school. Those who might not see much game action now get a chance to demonstrate their abilities, potentially earning more opportunities or even inspiring future transfers themselves. It's a win-win, fostering development across the board.
Looking ahead, the Buffaloes have their sights set on a crucial road game against the No. 23 Utah Utes this Saturday. A victory could push Colorado's record to .500, which is impressive but no small feat against a ranked opponent. However, it's easier said than done—Utah is a tough team on their home turf. The kickoff is scheduled for 10:15 p.m. ET, broadcast live on ESPN, so fans should tune in for what promises to be an intense matchup.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room: Is this scrimmage a brilliant strategy for player empowerment, or does it risk undermining team morale by openly preparing athletes to leave? On one hand, Sanders' approach shows empathy and foresight, acknowledging that not every player will thrive in the same system. On the other, critics might wonder if this encourages a 'revolving door' mentality, where loyalty takes a backseat to individual gain. What do you think—does prioritizing the transfer portal help build stronger programs in the long run, or does it dilute the spirit of team unity? Share your opinions in the comments below; I'd love to hear whether you side with Coach Prime's forward-thinking methods or see potential pitfalls. Agree, disagree, or have a counterpoint? Let's discuss!
