This might be the biggest pre-season blow for Deion Sanders and Co. walking into the season. They already got their fair share of motivation from Joel Klatt’s words when he confessed to Colin Cowherd in his show that “There’s a chance that Colorado’s competing to go to the Big XII Championship Game.” After all the preparations that they are boasting, at least making it to the playoffs is expected by the Buffs Nation. Crushing these hopes of Buffs Nation, Deion Sander and Co.’s motivation, and Klatt’s prediction to bits, ON3’s top analyst Andy Staples released his version of the projected teams that would end up in the Big 12 playoffs.

Colorado was nowhere to be found. Among the top 12 teams that would make it to the playoffs this season, Colorado did not secure a spot. Ohio State topped the list, Georgia Bulldogs in the 2nd place, while Alabama, Oregon, and Texas, followed closely, making the top 5. All these teams have created ample buzz in the early season, securing their spots as some of the fiercest competitors this season.

Here is the whole list of teams that would make it to the playoffs this season:

1. Ohio State
2. Georgia
3. Alabama
4. Oregon
5. Texas
6. Michigan
7. Florida State
8. Notre Dame
9. Ole Miss
10. Kansas State
11. Tennesse
12. Penn State

This comes as a major blow to all the revamped spirits Colorado is boasting this season. With the lineup that boasts of fresh recruits and experienced players in the team, Colorado still stands a good chance of ending up in the playoffs. Coach Prime and Shedeur Sanders would try their best since it would be the last season of Shedeur in the NCAA.

Shedeur Sanders expected to try the hardest

Colorado does have players who will be using up their last year of college eligibility along with Shedeur Sanders. Yet the QB is expected to try the hardest. The reason for this is simple. Shedeur’s draft stock has been taking multiple hits since early mock drafts for the 2025 season were released. The QB did not get his QB1 spot, mainly because of the flaws that experts stated in his playing style.

Not only does Shedeur Sanders have the pressure of making himself perfect for the 2025 season so that he gets drafted at QB1 but he also has the responsibility of redeeming his team of the humbling 4-8 score of their previous season. Hence, the QB is expected to give this season his all to make himself shine.