Deion Sanders‘ has to impress this season! Joining the Big 12 conference means that the Buffs must face some serious offensive powerhouses. Last year, Colorado’s struggles weren’t just a 4-8 record; their weak offensive line dominated the headlines.

Their star quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, got sacked a high 52 times! Somehow, those four wins felt like a miracle. Deion’s not messing around this year. He’s revamped the offense, boosting everyone’s confidence for the upcoming season.

But forget just a slight improvement. “For them to feel it’s a successful season,” says FOX Sports’ Veejay Huskey, “they need nine wins.” Huskey believes a strong offensive line is key: “They could protect and run the football and keep guys off their quarterback where he can actually scan, see it, read it, and throw it. I think they will be fine.”

Deion was on a shopping spree for months, bringing in a dozen O-line stars averaging a whopping 6’5″ and 300 pounds. With this kind of offensive muscle, Huskey thinks eight or nine wins are a must. “Six wins? No one will call it a successful year for Deion.” He’s right — jumping from one win to four wins and now six wins isn’t a giant leap. “Two games isn’t a leap,” Huskey says bluntly. But amidst the warnings, there’s optimism. “Eight or nine wins can be doable for Colorado,” he says, “IF they protect their quarterback.” That “if” seems to be the big question.

A few days ago, CFB insider Bruce Feldman echoed the same sentiment: “As long as Shedeur stays healthy and protected, I think they can get to eight wins.” However, Deion seems unfazed by these numbers. 

Deion Sanders strives for success in all aspects

Deion Sanders is dealing with some big expectations this season! After taking Colorado from just one win to a decent four wins last year, experts are throwing big numbers like eight or nine wins at him. But Coach Prime isn’t playing that game. On the Big 12 media day, Deion clarified that he had a different vision. “I’m judged on a different scale,” he said. “My wins are totally different than your wins. You judge football… I can’t win nine games and our GPA suffer.”

He’s got a point. While the wins improved, so did academics. The Buffs’ student-athletes achieved their second-highest GPA ever, a 3.2 overall! Deion is clearly focused on developing well-rounded players. However, experts deliver a brutal reality check that wins matter, too. Their high GPA is getting attention because they’re part of a prominent program. So, to stay relevant or reach new heights, they need victories. 

Now, Deion isn’t oblivious to this. “Our GPA can’t be high and we lose another eight games,” he admitted. Low wins mean less talent in the transfer portal next season, and Coach Prime wants “a win in every area,” which is an ambitious plan — but one he’s committed to.