Deion Sanders shares strong 2-word message before Colorado-Georgia Tech showdown

Deion Sanders makes it clear: "I'm back." USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Deion Sanders shares strong 2-word message before Colorado-Georgia Tech showdown

By Steven Kubitza | Last updated Sep 3, 2026 9:14 PM ET

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders has never been someone to shy away from making bold claims. That remained true Thursday night as his Colorado team was getting set to kick off the season against Georgia Tech.

Sanders was interviewed before the game and had a succinct message for the entire college football world.

Deion Sanders shares 2-word message for all of college football

ESPN's sideline reporter pulled Sanders aside before Thursday's game and asked him how excited he was for the season.

"I'm back."

Coach Prime is LOCKED IN for the CFB season pic.twitter.com/DncX85UpTH
— ESPN (@espn) September 4, 2026

"I'm back," was his reply.

The NFL legend has a lot to prove as a head coach with his Buffaloes in 2026. The team went 9-4 in his first season in 2024 when his son Shedeur Sanders was the quarterback. Future No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter was a two-way player as well.

Things came crashing down in 2025 once both players left, as Colorado finished a dismal 3-9 and 1-8 in the Big 12. A drop-off was expected, but a 3-9 record is considered a failure in the world of college football.

The 2026 season is a fascinating one for Sanders as he no longer has any real tie to the Colorado program. His kids have moved on from college football and at this point he may be trying to prove his mettle as a coach.

A great season could mean he receives a better job, while another losing mark could mean he decides to lessen his stress and leave his post.

For now, he's "back" and seems thrilled about it.

Steven Kubitza

Steven Kubitza is a Cleveland, Ohio, native with over a decade in the news industry. His work has been featured on Yahoo Sports, FOX Sports, and FanSided, among other outlets. He is a lifelong Browns fan who is convinced the team will turn things around at some point in the next 50 years

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