Past Prime Time? Deion Sanders’ Colorado Program Hit With Harsh Reality Check as Fans Bail

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If the Spring Game is any indicator, then the Deion Sanders hype machine that once electrified Folsom Field appears to be running out of steam.

Colorado’s 2026 spring game drew a sharply lower turnout, with independent estimates placing actual attendance at around 17,000–18,000 fans despite the school claiming 27,772 “tickets claimed” for the free event.

That marks a steep decline from the 47,277 who packed the stands in Sanders’ first spring in 2023. And it also seems to indicate a consistent downward trend through 28,424 in 2024 and 20,430 in 2025.

From Packed Stands to Empty Seats: How Deion Sanders’ Colorado Hype Has Faded

The numbers reflect a broader shift in Boulder. After a promising 9-4 season in 2024 fueled by stars like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, the Buffaloes collapsed to a disappointing 3-9 record in 2025.

The program responded with a massive roster overhaul via the transfer portal — bringing in more than 40 new transfers and nearly 60 newcomers overall — leaving only about 22 scholarship players from last year’s team.

Students have openly noted that the “honeymoon phase” is over, with one telling reporters the program is “not anything new and shiny anymore.”

We’re really going to see what Neon Deion is made of this season. A former Buffaloes player recently launched a brutal public critique of the head coach, accusing him of prioritizing style over substance. He may be right.

Christian Fauria, a former Colorado tight end from 1990–1994 and a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, appeared on The Zach Gelb Show and did not hold back in his assessment of Sanders’ tenure leading the Buffaloes.

“I’m just not a fan of the coach. I’ll never be a fan of the coach,” Fauria said. “I love the school. This isn’t me picking on Deion Sanders — I pick on Joe Gibbs, too. I just don’t like the way he coaches football.”

“I don’t think he’s very bright. I don’t think he can manage a game. I think there’s a lot of flash, but I think there’s no substance.”

Heading into his pivotal fourth season, Coach Prime insists the program is turning the corner with a revamped coaching staff and a new offensive scheme under Brennan Marion. Sanders also has some renewed energy after dealing with blood clots earlier this spring.

Yet the empty seats and fading buzz pose a clear question: Has the Prime Time magic in Colorado finally peaked?

The 2026 season will provide the answer.

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