After a rough 2023 season, Coach Deion “Prime Time” Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes have risen from the ashes, putting themselves in the national spotlight. The Buffs’ recent 34-23 win over Cincinnati marked their sixth victory, securing bowl eligibility and affirming their contender status in the Big 12. But as the team’s on-field performance stuns fans and critics alike, a new controversy is brewing, with Coach Sanders himself at the center.
While the Buffs are used to making headlines—thanks to star players and the magnetic personality of Coach Prime—this latest spotlight isn’t solely about football. Recently, the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), a nonprofit advocating for the separation of church and state, reignited accusations that Sanders is promoting Christianity within Colorado’s football program. The FFRF claims that Sanders’ outspoken faith and practices infringe on the principle of keeping religion separate from state-affiliated institutions.
This isn’t the first time Sanders has faced scrutiny over his faith-based approach. When he joined the Colorado program last year, concerns surfaced almost immediately about his open expressions of faith, including praying with players. The university responded by providing Sanders with training on the boundaries of religious expression in a public institution, but the fiery head coach didn’t back down then, and he’s not backing down now.
Sanders, renowned for his confidence both on and off the field, has fired back at these latest allegations. A popular college football fan account shared his recent statement on social media, where Sanders was clear in his intentions: “I’m not going to stop expressing my faith or supporting my players’ freedom to do the same.” His stance has spurred spirited conversations, with supporters and critics debating the boundaries of faith in collegiate athletics.
Some worry that the mounting pressure could affect the Buffs’ momentum, especially with the Big 12 race heating up. But as far as Sanders is concerned, he’s focused on guiding his team to further success—on his terms. As the season progresses, fans can expect the Buffs to stay at the forefront of college football not only for their resurgence on the field but also for the larger-than-life, headline-grabbing journey led by Deion Sanders.
