Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders is hoarding for the future. It’s a bittersweet moment for the Buffs as it’s the last season for their phenoms, Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. While the Buffs QB’s backup is yet to be decided, Hunter’s backup has been confirmed. It’s none other than Kole Mathis, one of the fresh and talented faces in Boulder.

And Deion is offering some royal treatment to the two-way star who will take up Hunter’s place soon. But what makes Mathis so special to Coach Prime? It’s the long connection of the athletes’ family with the Buffs. Did you know Mathis addresses Deion as “uncle”?

Kole Mathis hailed from Grace Prep Academy in Arlington (Texas). While the two-way star spent his senior year at Boulder’s Fairview HS, he lapped up success. The notable numbers he amassed included 31 total tackles (2 for loss), four INTs, and four PDUs in 11 games. But what makes Kole Mathis stand out in the crowd? His ambidextrous antics land him the gold star. For the cornerback position, the prodigy added depth while he raged as a receiver. And Deion could not be any less proud. On August 25, Coach Prime dug through some old snaps to post one with Kole Mathis when he was in his teens. The caption is enough to melt the Buffs fans’ hearts, “This is @KoleMathis when he was a shorty! We’ve been doing this. God bless u all. #CoachPrime.”

Deion is spotted dearly holding the athlete’s face and sporting a broad smile in the picture. It appeared as if the Buffs HC was imparting some nuggets of advice. The picture had the quintessential father-son bonding touch. Until now, Colorado wasted no chance in boasting about their dual threat, Hunter. As he would soon board the NFL wagon, the Buffs were fretting over who would fill his shoes. But not anymore, as Kole Mathis becomes the ultimate substitute as a prototypical multi-position player that fits the Prime mold. Plus, he now has Uncle Deion’s back.

Family ties bind Kole Mathis with Buffs

On February 3 this year, Kole Mathis committed to Colorado. But why the Buffs? After all, the player has a heart-to-heart connection with Deion. The 5-foot-8, 140-pound college fresher stated the reason: “I’ve been around him my whole life. He’s been there since I was born so I see him as an uncle and just another father figure in my life.”

However, Coach Prime is not the only reason for Kole Mathis to enroll with the Buffs. He is the son of the former NFL standout Kevin Mathis, who now serves as the defensive backs coach in Deion’s army since December 12, 2022. To be on the same team as his father, Hunter’s backup sees this as an opportunity to unleash his highest potential. “I know it’s going to be extremely hard because his standards are overly high, and trying to meet those standards will be challenging. But I refuse not to meet them,” claimed an excited Kole Mathis. 

He’s got another family tie in the Buffs’ squad.  Kole Mathis is the younger brother of Colorado’s receiver, Kaleb Mathis. Woah, that’s interesting! After the Sanders siblings Shilo and Shedeur, it’s time for brothers Kole and Kaleb to light up the field.