Deion Sanders Warned of Potential BIG 12 Championship Threat as Fox Analyst Confirms Stance on Rival School’s $10M Pull

Deion Sanders doesn’t say sorry for being Deion Sanders. Because he owns it. Yes, he shows up bold, loud, and always sharp. But when he took the CU job, the school couldn’t even afford to pay him. However, that didn’t matter because he saw the vision. As of now, look – as 2025 hits, he’s bagging a $54 million deal. Given that he is one of the top 10 highest-paid coaches in CFB. Why? Because he turned a 1-11 mess into a must-watch show. Right now, Colorado is all headlines, highlights, and hype. However, the craziest part? He’s just getting started. But now there’s talk of a serious threat looming for Deion Sanders in the Big 12 title race. Consider this a warning.

On the April 6 episode of The Number One CFB Show, RJ Young dropped that warning. Although Colorado’s on the rise—but there’s a catch—a real threat. We all know Coach Prime reloaded. Sure, Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter are gone, but no problem – there is Kaidon Salter steps in at QB. Moreover, Jahiem Oatis brings the muscle up front, and Makari Vickers locks down the secondary. And the sidelines? Stacked with Warren Sapp (Pass Rush Coordinator), Marshall Faulk (Running Backs Coach), Domata Peko (Defensive Line Coach), and former Bengals assistant Robert Livingston (Defensive Coordinator). Honestly, all NFL minds are in. But RJ made it clear—the Big Ten won’t be a cakewalk. The giants are lurking, and the powerhouses are built for postseason runs. However, Prime’s crew is flashy, fast, and fearless. But the question is – Can they outlast the grind?

Here’s where RJ Young lit the fuse, stating, “It could be Colorado versus Texas Tech in a Big 12 Championship, playing for the opportunity to play in the College Football Playoff…” Yeah, you heard that right. Prime Time in a title fight, because a shot at the Playoff is on the line. And Young made it plain, stating the SEC and Big Ten might only sneak in one or two. However, that opens the door. But Colorado—they’re knocking loud, and Texas Tech is right there too. Don’t sleep on them. Undoubtedly, it’s a potential showdown with everything on the table, per Young.

However, here’s why RJ Young couldn’t hold back. Simply put, the David Bailey news hit and caused a spark. Bailey, a 6’3″, 250-pound edge rusher from Stanford, committed to Texas Tech. Well, the man racked up 111 tackles and 14.5 sacks in 3 years with the Cardinal. So, he is a certified game-changer. Following that, Young knew he had to talk about Texas Tech—he couldn’t dodge it anymore. Even if no one watched, it had to be said. You know, he covers what hits, and now, Texas Tech? They’re starting to hit loud.

But that’s not all—Young made his stance crystal clear, pointing out the mastermind. Well, the man behind Texas Tech’s rise? None other than head coach Joey McGuire. You know, for years, folks said Tech couldn’t land elite talent because Lubbock wasn’t the spot. Even die-hard Red Raiders braced for mediocrity. And competing on the national stage felt like a dream too far. But not anymore. Look, McGuire changed the mindset, and top donors stepped up. As of now, NIL is organized. While the excuses are gone, the doubt is dead. Now, you can say, Texas Tech is building differently, and the rest of CFB is starting to notice.

The ascent of Deion Sanders’ rival

Texas Tech is cooking—big time. Right now, they hold the No. 1 transfer class in college football, per 247Sports. And why not? Out of 18 new transfers, 12 are rated as 4-stars. To be honest, that’s not just good—that’s elite. Here Stanford edge rusher David Bailey stands as one of the biggest recruiting wins. And yes, the $10 million NIL boost played a part. You can say the Red Raiders are playing the NIL game like pros. Fueled by a wave of booster support—led by West Texas oilman and former Tech lineman Cody Campbell—the program is stacked. As of now, this isn’t just the best roster in Lubbock; it might be the best Texas Tech has ever had.

And here comes the mastermind behind Texas Tech’s rise. The man making waves—with or without NIL—is head coach Joey McGuire. As of now, RJ Young had nothing but praise for him. And he didn’t hold back, stating, “If you’ve ever met Joey McGuire, you know the man exudes exuberance. He’s joyful. He’s spirited. He loves his work. He loves his players. If there is a white version of Deion Sanders, it might be Joey McGuire. You know what I’m saying? And by that, I mean a guy that is going to tell you what he thinks. He’s not going to hide it from you. He’s not going to hide what his players are capable of. And he is going to be very clear about what he expects.”

Let’s be real: McGuire isn’t just building a team—he’s building belief. And it’s working. But there’s a real concern—and it starts in the trenches. Yes, Texas Tech needs an elite offensive line and defensive line to truly compete. However, the problem? Big, strong, athletic, and nimble linemen are hard to find. So, there’s always a shortage, especially at the tackle spots. And the few who can really play? They usually end up in places like Alabama, Georgia, or Texas.

So, acquiring a top-tier tackle could solve Texas Tech’s biggest problem—and make them a serious test for Deion Sanders’ program this season.