BOULDER – The Colorado Buffaloes held their weekly press conference today, featuring Head Coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, Athletic Director Rick George, running back Dallan Hayden, and defensive lineman Chi Dozie Nwankwo. Each spoke about the team’s progress, upcoming challenges, and the evolving landscape of college athletics as Colorado continues to navigate its first season in the Big 12 Conference.

Coach Prime’s Vision and Expectations

Coach Prime started the session with his characteristic blend of high standards and motivational insight. When asked about his expectations for the team, he emphasized the difficulty of reaching them, highlighting his big-picture vision for both the players on the field and their personal growth off it.

“You’re never going to reach my expectations… I think big, you know, I have big, lofty dreams and lofty aspirations for each and every one of these kids on the field as well as off the field. But the one thing that I can honestly and wholeheartedly say, we’re getting better every week in different facets of the game,” Sanders said.

Sanders also addressed the defense’s performance, acknowledging a few lapses against deep passes in recent games but expressing confidence in his secondary’s potential. He emphasized the need for improvement in the pass rush, stressing the importance of “getting home more” to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

The Buffaloes, currently sitting at 4-1 in the Big 12, have shown steady progress. Coach Prime remains focused on maintaining consistency, even with the challenges of travel and weather disruptions. “Our guys like consistency, so being settled and having a consistent plan in place works in our favor,” he remarked when discussing adjustments made due to travel complications from an incoming storm.

Rick George on Colorado’s Future in the Big 12 and NIL Changes

Athletic Director Rick George also took the podium to discuss the broader state of the Colorado athletic program. He expressed optimism about the Buffaloes’ successful start to their Big 12 journey, with football leading the charge at 4-1 and other programs, such as men’s golf, volleyball, and soccer, making strong showings.

George highlighted the importance of Colorado’s alignment with the Big 12, noting that the university’s transition from the Pac-12 is already paying off. He emphasized the need for the football program’s continued growth to maintain competitiveness within the Power Five landscape, saying, “We all know the importance of football in the Power Five, and we need football to be successful.”

The discussion also touched on the evolving NIL landscape, particularly in light of recent changes with the House settlement. George mentioned Colorado’s efforts to integrate NIL opportunities in-house by 2025, with the 5430 Foundation playing a key role in their current approach. “I feel like we’re in a good spot today. We probably weren’t a couple of years ago, but I feel like we’re in a really good position,” he noted.

In terms of future facilities upgrades, George addressed the need to enhance the football stadium and other athletic infrastructure, emphasizing that generating new revenue streams will be crucial. Despite the challenges, he reiterated Colorado’s commitment to competing at the highest levels across all sports.

Dallan Hayden on the Run Game and Team Chemistry

Running back Dallan Hayden spoke about the improvements in Colorado’s rushing attack. Hayden, who has faced his share of setbacks with injuries, expressed his gratitude for being back on the field and contributing to the team’s recent success.

“I hated not being out there because I wanted to help the team and the run game, and I believe we get better each and every week,” Hayden said, emphasizing the progress in their ground game. He credited the offensive line for their role in recent games, including a strong performance against UCF.

Hayden also shared his thoughts on the bye week and the team’s ability to stay focused during the break. “Everybody wanted to get their bodies right, you know, but get away from it. It was still a thing where we remained focused on the main goal,” he explained.

Chidozie Nwankwo’s Impact on Defense

Defensive lineman Chi Dozie Nwankwo discussed the team’s focus on stopping the run and adjusting to physical offenses. Reflecting on the challenges posed by UCF and upcoming opponents like Kansas State, Nwankwo highlighted the importance of staying disciplined and adapting to different blocking schemes.

“Most definitely, we’ve faced a lot of teams that want to run the ball… but we definitely get stronger each and every week,” Nwankwo said. He noted that the defensive front is working hard to ensure consistency, particularly as they prepare for physical matchups in the Big 12.

Nwankwo, who transferred from the University of Houston, has quickly assumed a leadership role within the team. He credited his experience at Houston for helping him mentor younger players at Colorado, saying, “I was that guy who didn’t know how to do certain things… so I know how to talk to them and stuff like that.”

Building for the Future

Throughout the press conference, a common theme was the Buffaloes’ commitment to progress and preparation for a promising future. Coach Prime’s ambitious vision, George’s strategic planning, and the players’ resilience have positioned Colorado as a team to watch in the Big 12.

As they head into a bye week before facing No. 23 Kansas State on October 12, the Buffaloes have a chance to regroup, heal, and fine-tune their game plan. With a record of 4-1, they remain in the thick of the Big 12 race, and their future looks bright both on and off the field.

For Coach Prime and the Buffaloes, the mission is clear: continue the hard work, stay focused, and keep aiming high. As Sanders put it, “We’re getting there. We’re getting closer… but I know we’re trending in the right direction.”