The Colorado Buffaloes football program has undergone a remarkable transformation under the leadership of Coach Deion Sanders, and local recruit Deacon Schmitt is a witness to this seismic shift.
In a recent episode of the “DNVR Buffs College Football Podcast,” the four-star 2026 offensive tackle from Windsor, Colorado, expressed his astonishment at the changes in Boulder. Schmitt’s perspective as a lifelong fan and now a top in-state prospect underscores the profound impact of Sanders and his team on the program’s revival.
Top In-State Prospect Says Colorado Football Is Now A CFP Contender Thanks To Deion Sanders And His Revamped Staff
Deacon Schmitt, who is a standout recruit, says the Colorado Buffaloes have a good chance at being eligible for a College Football Playoffs appearance, making the team a strong contender, which is an improvement for the team against its past performance. “With a 1-11 season preceding Prime’s arrival and their impending status as a College Football Playoff contender, this truly is impressive,” Schmitt said, adding that the transformation of the team was remarkable.
I asked @deacon_schmitt about how his perception of Colorado football has changed in recent years.
“It’s a completely different place & they are going to be competing to play in the CFP.
“The transformation is crazy & it’s pretty awesome to me as a kid from Colorado.” pic.twitter.com/fu8kI4WgYd
— Scott Procter (@ScottProcter_) May 9, 2025
The change has not been Coach Prime’s doing alone. Schmitt focused on: “It’s not solely the work of Coach Prime. He’s of no doubt a major component, but he builds the right team around him. It’s not just Coach Prime; they’ve gathered star material; they’re turning the program around. The change in coaching staff and important strategic hires has played a big part in reversing things and enhancing both the program’s success both on and off the field.
The shift in the program’s fortunes is evident in the electrifying atmosphere at Folsom Field, a far cry from Schmitt’s earlier experiences. “A couple years ago, I must have been in middle school, maybe even elementary school. I came to a Buffs game and it was like, my buddy’s dad has season tickets, but the tickets were cheap and it’s like, there’s barely anyone there,” he recalled.
Now, “Folsom is just popping every weekend,” a testament to the renewed energy and fan engagement under Sanders’ leadership. This resurgence has not only improved the team’s on-field performance but also reignited the passion of the Colorado community, making it a destination for top talent like Schmitt.
A Local’s Perspective on the Cultural and Competitive Revival
For Schmitt, the transformation holds personal significance as a Colorado native. “It’s pretty awesome to me as a kid from Colorado to see like, they are gonna be competing to play in the college football playoff play for a natty,” he said, highlighting the pride and excitement surrounding the program’s potential.
This revival is not just about wins and losses but about restoring the program’s stature and appeal, which Schmitt attributes to the collective efforts of Sanders and his staff. The cultural shift is palpable, with the program now embodying a winning mentality and a vision for national contention.
The impact of Coach Prime extends beyond the field, influencing recruitment and the broader university community. Schmitt’s enthusiasm is a microcosm of the broader sentiment among local fans and prospects, who see Colorado as a rising power in college football.
The program’s journey from a 1-11 record to CFP aspirations is a narrative of resilience and strategic overhaul, driven by Sanders’ vision and the dedication of his team. This revival is a beacon of hope for Colorado football, promising a future filled with potential and pride.
In Deacon Schmitt’s entire observations, the amount of metamorphosis Colorado has undergone under Coach Prime–on the field and within the identity of the program–is exposed. Schmitt’s down-to-earth evaluation that it’s the symbiotic relationship that exists between Coach Prime and the team that has led the Colorado’s resurgence makes every Buffaloes player and coach a significant contribution to it.
KEEP READING: Colorado Prepares For Wideout Jackpot with Elite Duo as Deion Sanders Hosts Major Recruits
Such was the enthusiasm and bright prospects for the program’s future as Colorado picks up steam, which Schmitt exemplified as an outstanding in-state recruit and a loyal fan. The transition from a low-keyed staff to a program that competes at high levels confirms the power of vision and the impact from reimagined coaching staff moving the program forward in a big way.
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