Deion Sanders, Colorado’s star head coach, and Rich Rodriguez, West Virginia’s new leader, are having a rough patch in the chaos of college football’s transfer portal era. While Sanders publicly battles poaching allegations by an ACC rival, Rodriguez grapples with a roster meltdown that’s left his Big 12 program scrambling.
Deion Sanders Calls Out Virginia While WVU Struggling From Exodus
Deion Sanders didn’t hold back after Colorado’s spring practice last week. In a video shared by @WellOffForever, he accused Virginia of tampering with his players, specifically defensive back Carter Stoutmire. “Carter [Stoutmire] got offered a bag, what’s the school? Virginia. Virginia, you got to stop. I let you have one.” Sanders told in interview, likely referring to running back Isaiah Augustave, who entered the transfer portal on April 15, 2025, and is set to visit Virginia.
🚨 BREAKING: Coach Prime just CALLED OUT an ACC program for tampering with Colorado’s players
A recent video by @WellOffForever shows Coach Prime addressing his team after a recent spring practice, where he informs them about the alleged poaching…
🎙️ Deion Sanders: “Carter… pic.twitter.com/IX7IdD3odq
— Blue Bloods Bias (@bluebloodsbias) April 17, 2025
The internet fueled the allegation further. One good example is the recent post X on social media by an account named Blue Bloods Bias, which claimed a “targeted attack ” and has put Virginia’s Tony Elliott under fire. Sanders, opting for transparency over retaliation, aims to deter further poaching while protecting his roster, strengthened by additions like Liberty quarterback Kaidon Salter.
Meanwhile, West Virginia is in crisis mode. Since the 2024 season ended, over 30 Mountaineers have entered the portal, including stars like running back CJ Donaldson Jr., who amassed 2,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, and wide receiver Hudson Clement, the team’s top pass-catcher.
“It’s not smart. It’s not organized correctly,” Rodriguez said of the portal’s chaos. Losses like All-Big 12 offensive lineman Tomas Rimac have gutted key units, leaving Rodriguez to rebuild with transfers like Texas A&M quarterback Jaylen Henderson and Tulsa lineman Walter Young Bear.
Sanders and Rodriguez are both legends in their respective fields. However, the recent developments are putting them under visible pressure. Colorado, riding a strong 2024, is fending off external threats while adding strategic pieces. West Virginia, after a 6-7 season, is in triage, with Rodriguez listing nearly every position as a need.
“We gotta increase our competition,” he said, banking on new faces like South Alabama cornerback Jordan Scruggs to start a potential turnaround before the August 30, 2025, opener against Robert Morris.
KEEP READING: Stephen A. Smith Says Deion Sanders Is Why NFL Teams Are Hesitant on Shedeur
As the 2025 season nears, Sanders must sustain Colorado’s momentum while guarding his roster. Rodriguez needs his rebuilt squad to gel fast to avoid another lackluster year. In a sport defined by roster fluidity, their ability to navigate the portal, whether by calling out foes or rebuilding from scratch, will shape their programs’ futures.
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