Key Highlights:
- Colorado fell to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in Big 12 play after surrendering 29 unanswered points in a 29-7 home defeat to No. 12 Texas Tech.
- Starting quarterback Isaac Wilson threw three costly interceptions, including a fourth-quarter pick-six, following Julian Lewis’ benching earlier in the season.
- Head coach Deion Sanders addressed the team’s struggles in a tense press conference, acknowledging an open competition at quarterback heading into a critical bye week.
Quarterback Turbulence Mounts as Colorado Drops Third Straight Game
Deion Sanders has spent much of his Colorado tenure trying to convince everyone that the program is moving forward, but the Buffaloes’ latest setback reveals an agonizingly familiar shortfall. Colorado’s 29-7 home defeat to No. 12 Texas Tech on Saturday highlighted a persistent void under center that has plagued the program since Shedeur Sanders departed for the NFL. The Buffaloes held a 7-3 lead at the break and held Texas Tech to modest production early, only for the game to completely unravel during the second half as the Red Raiders rattled off 29 unanswered points.
The turning point arrived courtesy of offensive miscues from Isaac Wilson, the Utah transfer who took over starting duties after Julian Lewis was pulled from the lineup. While Colorado actually outgained Texas Tech 375-315 in total yardage, turnovers proved disastrous. Wilson completed 26 of 44 passes for 290 yards and a touchdown, but his three interceptions directly shifted momentum, culminating in a game-sealing pick-six that placed the contest far out of reach.
The Lingering Void Left by Shedeur Sanders
The absence of Shedeur Sanders continues to cast a long shadow over Boulder. During the 2024 season, Shedeur provided vital offensive continuity that steered the Buffaloes to a 9-4 record. Since his jump to the pros, the Buffaloes have lacked stability at the position. Colorado endured a 3-9 campaign last year while cycling through three different starting quarterbacks, and that carousel has continued into the 2026 season with Lewis and Wilson.
Wilson took full accountability for the offense’s stalled drives and critical turnovers following the final whistle. It’s me,
Wilson said. I had my chance tonight.
He later added: I did not make smart decisions tonight.
Sanders Confronts Media Scrutiny Amid Bye Week Decisions
Facing mounting outside pressure, Coach Prime addressed the obvious deficiency during his post-game media availability, making it clear that the quarterback job remains unsettled heading into the team’s upcoming open date. It’s always an open competition,
Sanders said.
During an exchange with reporters, Sanders did not mince words regarding the primary issue hampering his offense, even as he avoided calling out the position directly by name. Let’s stop the shenanigans, man,
Sanders told reporters. We’ve got one glaring problem. You guys know darn well what that is. Let’s stop the foolishness. We’ve got to play better at one specific position. That’s it.
When pressed further on the matter, Sanders declined to provide a soundbite, telling members of the press, If I say it you’re gonna run with it,
before adding, I’d respect y’all a lot more if you just said it yourself.
Why This Matters
Colorado’s slide to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in the Big 12 intensifies the spotlight on Deion Sanders’ future in Boulder. While the university signed Sanders to an extension through 2029 featuring an estimated 2026 buyout of around $25.5 million, back-to-back losing campaigns create significant program pressure. The defense has proven capable of keeping ranked opponents within striking distance, yet the offense’s ongoing failure to protect the ball threatens to derail another season.
The upcoming bye week gives Sanders and his staff crucial time to evaluate their depth chart before squaring off against No. 13 Utah on Oct. 17. Sanders must decide whether to stick with Wilson, turn back to Lewis, or turn to true freshman Kaneal Sweetwyne, who has yet to make a collegiate start. Solving the quarterback equation is no longer just a weekly tactical challenge—it is central to the viability of Sanders’ long-term rebuilding effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colorado’s current record this season?
Following their 29-7 loss to Texas Tech, the Colorado Buffaloes are 2-3 overall and 0-2 in Big 12 conference play, having dropped three consecutive matchups.
Who are Colorado’s options at quarterback moving forward?
Head coach Deion Sanders noted that the position remains an open competition. The team’s options include current starter Isaac Wilson, former starter Julian Lewis, and freshman Kaneal Sweetwyne, who has not yet started a game.
What does Deion Sanders’ contract situation look like at Colorado?
Sanders is under contract with Colorado through the 2029 season. Reports indicate his buyout figure for 2026 sits at approximately $25.5 million, representing a substantial financial hurdle should the university ever consider a coaching change.
