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Deion Sanders isn’t playing around anymore at Colorado. After a rough 3-9 season, Coach Prime has established a new set of rules that’ll hit players where it hurts most – their NIL money – if they can’t follow team guidelines.
Prime’s roster overhaul continues with 42 new transfers joining the Buffaloes, giving him the perfect opportunity to reset expectations. The new system includes hefty financial penalties for everything from showing up late to practice ($500) to missing treatment sessions ($1,500).
These aren’t just empty threats. Sanders laid out all the details during a January team meeting in a presentation that’s since made its way across social media.
One rule that’s particularly important to Prime? No wearing gear from other schools in Colorado facilities.
“That would be like your lady who you have currently wearing her ex-boyfriend’s stuff,” Sanders explained in the latest Well Off Media video. “How do you feel about that? She is sitting up here with a shirt on that has her ex’s name. That’s how I feel about that when I see you coming to the cafeteria. You eat our food with your last team on it? Obviously, if you wanted to stay there, you should have stayed.”
Sanders is demanding complete focus from his players. Cell phones, food, and drinks are now banned from team meetings — part of the program-wide changes he promised after last season’s disappointing results in Boulder.
The Price of Breaking Rules
Players who violate team policies will face serious financial consequences:
- Late to practice: $500
- No show to practice: $2,500
- Late to meeting or film session: $400
- No show to meeting or film session: $2,000
- Late to strength and conditioning workout: $1,000
- No show to strength and conditioning workout: $1,500
- Late to treatment: $1,000
- No show for treatment: $1,500
- Violation of team rules: $1,000-$2,500 (based on severity)
- Public or social media misconduct: $2,500-$5,000 (based on severity)
Prime’s also cracking down on language and respect.
“Profanity needs to stop,” he told his team. “I’ve heard it myself, especially in the dining area. It needs to stop. We’re not the only ones in the cafeteria. You need to be respectful. And make sure we respect our women. If you get out of pocket and start calling our women by their first name, that’s a problem with me.”
These rules aren’t just about discipline — they’re about changing the culture.
New Faces Everywhere for 2026
The Buffs’ roster has been completely transformed again. Redshirt freshman Julian Lewis takes over at quarterback, with Utah transfer Isaac Wilson (younger brother of former NFL Draft pick Zach Wilson) serving as his backup.
Alabama’s Richard Young brings some SEC power to the backfield. He’ll share carries with returning back Micah Welch and two Sacramento State transfers looking to make an impact at the Power 4 level.
In the passing game, former Texas wideout DeAndre Moore Jr. — Colorado’s highest-rated portal addition — will be a primary target. He’s joined by San Jose State transfer Danny Scudero and Miami University’s Kam Perry to form what could be a dangerous receiving corps.
The offensive line? Completely rebuilt.
After losing star tackle Jordan Seaton to LSU (a massive blow), Colorado has pieced together a new front five with several experienced Power conference transfers. This unit’s performance might ultimately determine how far the Buffs can go in 2026.
Defensively, the transfer portal has been kind to Colorado. Former Tennessee safety Boo Carter, Texas linebacker Liona Lefau, and Notre Dame cornerback Cree Thomas should all make immediate impacts as the Buffs look to improve on last year’s defensive struggles.
Overall, 247Sports ranks Colorado’s transfer class 22nd nationally — not bad for a program coming off a three-win season. But the real question remains: will Prime’s new rules and roster overhaul translate to more wins?
