Colorado Spring Practice Leaves Key Questions for Deion Sanders

Deion Sanders (Image Credits: Imagn)

Colorado Spring Practice Leaves Key Questions for Deion Sanders

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Sarthak Khanna | Last updated Apr 25, 2026 10:08 AM ET

While spring football offered moments of promise, there were also some lingering concerns for head coach Deion Sanders. Most of the spotlight remains on five-star freshman QB Julian Lewis, who is expected to take over the offense eventually.

While Lewis arrived with elite high school credentials, spring practice showed that the transition to the college level may not be seamless right away. Analysts and observers noted both encouraging plays and moments where timing and decision-making still need refinement.

Kevin Borba of Locked on Buffs summed up the mixed impressions, saying, “There were some bright moments. There were some concerning moments… I have questions about the defense, the portal, and the quarterback.” His biggest concern revolves around whether Lewis can adapt quickly enough to lead the offense early in the season.

Colorado opens the year with a challenging stretch, including a road game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. For a freshman quarterback still learning his second offensive system in as many years, that’s a tough ask.

Deion Sanders Faces Key Decision as Julian Lewis’ Readiness Comes Into Focus

Ever since his arrival in Colorado, Deion Sanders has leaned heavily on the transfer portal to reshape the roster, a strategy that has produced immediate talent improvements but also led to constant turnover.

Borba pointed out that even though the portal window officially closes, activity doesn’t truly stop: “The portal is technically closed, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t players in it.”

Deion Sanders (Image Credits: Imagn)

While the coaching staff has added pieces through recruiting and transfers, cohesion remains a work in progress. Ultimately, the questions facing Sanders aren’t unusual for a program still in transition. While spring didn’t provide all the answers, it came with extra pressure for Julian Lewis to perform in order to redeem himself.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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