CU Buffs Students Declare End of Deion Sanders’ Boulder Honeymoon
The excitement surrounding Deion Sanders and the CU Buffs has shifted from a honeymoon phase into a sobering reality. With student sentiment wavering, concerns are mounting regarding the team’s performance and fan engagement.
Shift in Sentiment Among CU Students
Many University of Colorado students are starting to voice their discontent with the current state of the football program. Elizabeth Stephan, a sophomore from Minneapolis, encapsulated this sentiment during the Black and Gold scrimmage on April 11, 2026. “We’re just kind of a mediocre team that somehow still makes headlines because of our coach,” she stated. The enthusiasm that once surrounded Coach Sanders’ arrival is fading, with students questioning the overall culture of CU football.
Attendance Numbers and Fan Engagement
The recent Black and Gold game drew a reported crowd of 27,772, although many observers noted the actual attendance appeared closer to 17,000 to 18,000. This figure significantly decreased from the previous year’s reported attendance of 47,277. The event had no national television coverage and missed the usual celebrity appearances, causing the atmosphere to feel more subdued in comparison to prior seasons.
Comparison to Previous Years
- 2023 Attendance: 47,277
- 2024 Attendance: 28,424
- 2025 Attendance: 20,430
- 2026 Attendance (claimed): 27,772
Last year’s attendance marked a decline, indicating a waning interest in spring football events. Coach Sanders acknowledged the diminishing value of spring games across college football, citing a trend where major programs are either skipping these exhibitions or struggling with attendance.
High Expectations vs. Reality
With the Buffs’ recent performance, fans express a reluctance to invest emotionally in the team. Many students remember the excitement of earlier seasons, especially when stars like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter played pivotal roles. However, the past year has not met the pre-established expectations.
Students Reflect on Recent Seasons
Students like Colin Chow, who observed lower attendance and a lack of competitive spirit, lamented the stark contrast between previous seasons and recent performances. “We were competitive in ‘23 and ‘24, but now it feels like we’re down 30 points too often,” Chow noted.
The Future of CU Football
As the Buffs look ahead, the challenge lies in rekindling fan excitement and improving team performance. Both Sanders and fans recognize the need for change and hope that the Buffs can regain traction in a changing college football landscape.
Despite current challenges, there remains a committed base of fans dedicated to supporting CU football, eager for future developments under coach Deion Sanders.
