Sanders led the Buffaloes to a 4-8 finish in his first season before a 9-4 campaign in 2024 that saw Colorado in the thick of the College Football Playoff race at points during the season. Just a season later, though, the Buffaloes not only won’t be competing for a playoff spot, but aren’t even close to being bowl eligible.

Speaking to reporters, Shanahan said it feels weird to coach against the son of his childhood hero, Deion Sanders. Shanahan grew up watching Deion Sanders in the 1990s and even wore a Deion Sanders jersey for six months until it was stolen.