Coach Prime is healthy and confident in his Buffs at Big XII Media Day

University of Colorado head football coach Deion Sanders took to the main stage podium at Big 12 Football Media Day to discuss the outlook for CU’s 2026 season. And he was his usual self.

Tuesday at The Star in Frisco, Texas, Coach Prime once again stole the show. He discussed everything from his health and QB room to the Buffs future as they get ready for the 2026 campaign. Sanders was joined by quarterback Julian Lewis and five Colorado players as the Buffaloes officially kicked off another highly anticipated campaign.

The most-significant takeaway came before football was even discussed. And it was great news.

After months of speculation surrounding his health, Sanders made it clear he is fully recovered and eager to get back to coaching. Following last year’s battle with bladder cancer, Coach Prime projected the same confidence and energy that has become synonymous with his program, leaving little doubt that his focus has returned entirely to football.

“I’m cancer-free. I’m strong. I’m ready. I’m blessed,” Sanders said during his opening press conference.

Once football became the topic, Sanders displayed the optimism that has defined his tenure in Boulder.

Colorado starts a new chapter under the leadership of Lewis, a highly touted quarterback who redshirted last season after appearing in four games. Sanders emphasized that competitiveness throughout the roster will continue to define the Buffaloes going into fall camp while praising the rookie signal caller’s maturity.

Following a dismal conclusion of the previous season, where the Buffaloes lost five straight and seven of their last eight games, Colorado has once again relied largely on recruitment and the transfer portal to revamp their roster. Sanders and the Buffaloes made it a top priority this offseason to rebuild a defense that required more speed and playmaking ability, even as Colorado’s offense continued to get national attention.

Colorado had three significant signings through the transfer portal – defensive back Boo Carter, linebacker Liona Lefau and linebacker Gideon Lampron. Lefau comes from Texas with important experience from one of the best defensive schools in the country, while Carter, a former Tennessee standout, offers versatility and playmaking ability to the secondary. After an excellent season at Bowling Green, Lampron adds quality and toughness.

The trio exemplifies Sanders’ goal of creating a more forceful and disruptive defense that can match Colorado’s offense’s explosive potential. The Buffaloes are depending on these veterans to give leadership and help set the tone in the Big 12 after having trouble with consistency on that side of the ball last season.

CU’s defensive transformation starts with players who believe they can change the identity of the unit. Transfer safety Boo Carter believes his role goes beyond making plays — he wants to become one of the voices that leads the defense.

“Be that dawg on the field. I like to lead, help my teammates,” Carter said.

Carter added that creating turnovers and becoming a more vocal presence will define his success in Boulder. Sanders has never been shy about embracing expectations, and entering his fourth season in Boulder, those expectations remain as high as ever. With his health restored and a retooled roster featuring impact additions on defense, Coach Prime believes Colorado has the pieces necessary to compete in a demanding Big 12 conference.

The spotlight will continue to follow Sanders and the Buffaloes, but he believes this team is built for more than headlines.

“We’re not here to just show up. We’re here to win,” Sanders said.

That’s the Coach Prime that CU fans know and love. And the one they hope returns the Buffs to winning ways in 2026.