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Colorado junior quarterback Dominiq Ponder died at age 23, the school announced on Sunday. He was killed in a single-car crash in Boulder early Sunday morning.
The tragedy hits hard for a Buffaloes program that’s been building something special under Deion Sanders. Ponder transferred to Colorado in 2024 and spent two seasons with the team – not always in the spotlight, but clearly making an impact behind the scenes.
Sanders didn’t hold back in his tribute.
God, please comfort the entire Ponder family during this difficult time. Dominiq was one of my favorites because of his passion, his heart and his willingness to go beyond what was asked. He will certainly be remembered, missed, and in our thoughts and prayers.
According to the Colorado State Patrol, Ponder was driving his Tesla when he lost control on a curve. The car went through a guardrail, hit an electrical pole, then rolled down an embankment before catching fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene; authorities suspect speed was a factor.
That “one of my favorites” line from Coach Prime says everything. For a guy who only appeared in two games last season, that’s the kind of recognition that tells you what kind of teammate and person Ponder was in the locker room.
Athletic director Fernando Lovo also released a statement honoring Ponder’s memory.
The entire CU Athletics family is devastated at the tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder. He epitomized the values of passion, enthusiasm, leadership, toughness, and intelligence that were revered by his teammates and coaches alike. Our hearts go out to his family and all of his teammates during this difficult time.
Ponder came from Opa Locka, Florida, where he played at Miami Carol City High School. He spent the 2023 season at Bethune-Cookman – an HBCU program where he got his start – before making the jump to Colorado’s Power Four program.
He was set to enter his third season with the Buffaloes in 2026. Instead, Colorado’s lost a young man who clearly meant more to that program than his stat line would ever show.
