Transfer exodus at Colorado unprecedented in portal era
May 1, 2023 GMTDeion Sanders arrived at Colorado in December with much fanfare and a blunt message to Buffaloes players who had just endured a 1-11 season under the previous coaching regime.
Deion Sanders was the talk of Pac-12 spring
April 26, 2023 GMTColorado fans have been infused with a dose of Prime Time.
The arrival of Deion Sanders as coach created quite a spectacle at the Buffaloes' spring game, which drew more fans than the nine previous spring games combined.
From Sanders to Sauce, NFL draft fashion evolves over time
April 26, 2023 GMTHOUSTON (AP) — Deion Sanders became the NFL draft’s first fashion icon by accessorizing a black and white track suit with loads of sparkling gold jewelry and dark shades when he took the call from the Atlanta Falcons before they selected him fifth overall in 1989.
Coach Prime, Buffs stage quite the show in snowy spring game
April 23, 2023 GMTBOULDER, Colo. (AP) — The cold and snowy day at Folsom Field began with Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders taking off his white cowboy hat near midfield and taking a bow.
It ended in virtually the same spot, with the Buffaloes huddled around their new coach and the crowd cheering.
Coach Prime’s spring game to preview fresh-look Colorado
April 21, 2023 GMTBOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders recently met his match on the football field in the form of an intimidating furry figure named Ralphie VI.
By the end, Colorado's new coach had the roughly 800-pound buffalo mascot eating out of the palm of his gloved hand.
Behind scenes, Schwartz-Morini guiding force for Coach Prime
April 18, 2023 GMTBOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Everyone knows Deion Sanders. Behind the scenes and not as well known is the guiding force behind his evolution from “Prime Time” to “Coach Prime.”
The orchestrator, too, of the deal that brought Sanders to Boulder to revive a University of Colorado football program that's fallen on hard times.
New Colorado coach Deion Sanders already making an impact
April 8, 2023 GMTBOULDER, Colorado (AP) — New Colorado coach Deion Sanders can’t yet point to any on-field wins in Boulder, but signs of a massive shift in mood and expectation abound at this school and in this city around what has been a forlorn football program.
Acing combine tests doesn’t necessarily foretell NFL stardom
March 6, 2023 GMTMichigan cornerback D.J. Turner II posted the fastest time in the 40-yard dash at this year's NFL scouting combine and his 4.26-second performance is the fifth-fastest ever, regardless of position.
Coach Prime comes up big in 1st recruiting class at Colorado
February 2, 2023 GMTBOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders proudly recited the numbers from his first recruiting class at Colorado.
Two five-star recruits. A No. 21 overall class ranking, which was the highest in 15 years, he pointed out.
Signing day ends recruiting sagas for QB Rashada, CB McClain
February 1, 2023 GMTThe opening of college football's traditional signing period for high school prospects brought an apparent end to two of the cycle's most notable recruitments.
Blue-chip quarterback Jaden Rashada, who signed with Florida in December and then asked to be released from the commitment when a name, imagine and likeness deal fell through, announced Wednesday he is going to Arizona State.
New admission rules could spark ‘Prime Time’ at Colorado
January 10, 2023 GMTBOULDER, Colo. (AP) — As much as facilities, Folsom Field or the allure of trying to pull off a seemingly impossible rebuild, it was likely the fine print that brought Deion Sanders to Colorado.
QB Shedeur Sanders, CB Travis Hunter following Prime to CU
December 22, 2022 GMTDeion Sanders' quarterback and top recruit at Jackson State are following Coach Prime to Colorado.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Deion's son, was among Colorado's first class of signees Wednesday with its new coach.
Black head coaches in FBS drop slightly heading into 2023
December 21, 2022 GMTDeion Sanders was the star attraction in this year's class of new Black coaches taking over major college programs.
Of course, he didn't have a lot of competition.
Sanders, who left Jackson State for Colorado of the Pac-12 Conference, was one of just three Black head coaches hired by Football Bowl Subdivision schools in the recently completed cycle for the 2023-24 season.
Deion Sanders assembles veteran staff at Colorado
December 21, 2022 GMTBOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado coach Deion Sanders has assembled a veteran staff that includes 10 coaches who have helped develop more than 350 all-conference players and 85 All-Americans.
Sanders has been busy gathering his staff since being hired by the Buffaloes on Dec.
NC Central wins Celebration Bowl in Sanders’ Jackson finale
December 18, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Quarterback Davius Richard scored on a 1-yard plunge in overtime and North Carolina Central beat Jackson State 41-34 on Saturday in the Celebration Bowl to spoil coach Deion Sanders’ bid for an undefeated season in his final game with the Tigers.
NC Central beats Jackson State in Deion Sanders’ final game
December 17, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Deion Sanders was sentimental before his final game at Jackson State, and those emotions grew after coming up short in the Celebration Bowl for the second straight year.
Quarterback Davius Richard ran for 97 yards and two touchdowns, including a 1-yard scoring plunge in overtime, and North Carolina Central beat Jackson State 41-34 on Saturday in the Celebration Bowl to spoil Sanders' bid for an undefeated season in his farewell.
Deion Sanders aims for perfect finish with Jackson State
December 16, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — It goes without saying that Deion Sanders is eager to win his last game with Jackson State.
The Tigers (12-0) aim to beat North Carolina Central (9-2) in the Celebration Bowl on Saturday and cap an unbeaten season.
Sanders aims for Celebration win in Jackson State farewell
December 16, 2022 GMTCelebration Bowl: Jackson State (12-0) vs. North Carolina Central (9-2), Saturday, Noon EST (ABC)
FanDuel Sportsbook College Line: Jackson State by 15 1/2
Kent State hires Minnesota assistant Burns as new coach
December 15, 2022 GMTKent State has turned its program over to Minnesota associate head coach Kenni Burns, who will try to build on the success started by Sean Lewis.
“I am excited and humbled to lead the Kent State football program," Burns said Wednesday.
Hall of Famer Croom: ‘Not enough progress’ for Black coaches
December 7, 2022 GMTLAS VEGAS (AP) — Sylvester Croom had a Hall of Fame career as an offensive lineman at Alabama, and was among the first Black players to become a star and team leader under coach Bear Bryant.
Three decades later, Croom became the Southeastern Conference's first Black head football coach with Mississippi State.
Deion Sanders’ arrival swipes buzz from bungling Broncos
December 6, 2022 GMTDENVER (AP) — Deion Sanders sauntered into the Arrow Touchdown Club for what felt more like an old-fashioned tent revival than a news conference to introduce the University of Colorado's splashy new hire of “Coach Prime” as its head football coach.
AP Source: Kent State’s Lewis joining Sanders at Colorado
December 6, 2022 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — Kent State's Sean Lewis is leaving the school after five seasons to become new Colorado coach Deion Sanders' offensive coordinator, a person familiar with the hiring told The Associated Press on Monday night.
Coach Prime delivers pizzazz to college football’s wasteland
December 5, 2022 GMTBOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Part politician, part preacher and part pitchman, Deion Sanders fired up a crowd of alumni, boosters, former players and other VIPs celebrating his hire as Colorado's coach on Sunday.
Colorado hires Deion Sanders to turn around football program
December 4, 2022 GMTBOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Deion Sanders is taking over as head coach at Colorado, bringing his charisma and larger-than-life persona to a beleaguered Pac-12 program that’s plunged to the bottom of college football.
Deion Sanders leads Jackson St to SWAC title
December 4, 2022 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Shedeur Sanders threw for four touchdowns and Jackson State routed Southern 43-24 on Saturday in the Southwest Athletic Conference championship, hours before Colorado hired father Deion Sanders away from the Tigers.
SWAC rematch: Jackson State, Southern meet in title game
December 1, 2022 GMTSouthern (7-4, 5-3 SWAC) at Jackson State (11-0, 8-0), Saturday, 4 p.m. EST (ESPN2)
FANDUEL.COM SPORTSBOOK COLLEGE LINE: Jackson State by 18 1/2.
Deion Sanders says report of job offer from Colorado is true
November 28, 2022 GMTBOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Deion Sanders said Monday that a report stating Colorado has offered him its head coaching job is true and he has also received interest from other schools.
The Jackson State coach didn’t say whether he’s considering any of the opportunities, including trying to turn around the Buffaloes’ beleaguered program.
Deion Sanders forbids Jackson St from leaving Houston hotel
November 2, 2022 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Jackson State coach Deion Sanders has forbidden his players from leaving the team hotel while they're in Houston for Saturday’s game against Texas Southern after the rapper Takeoff was fatally shot in the city early Tuesday.
Jackson State handles Southern 35-0 on College GameDay
October 29, 2022 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Shedeur Sanders handled prime time just fine, leading Jackson State to a 35-0 victory over Southern on Saturday for its best start in more than 40 years.
The son of “Prime Time” Deion Sanders, now known as Coach Prime of Jackson State and the reason College GameDay was in town, ran for two scores and threw for another to lead the Tigers to a weather-delayed win.
Deion Sanders says HBCUs can be path to NFL for top players
October 19, 2022 GMTJackson State coach Deion Sanders says historically Black college football programs can be a path to the NFL for top recruits, but it is difficult to compete with the wealthier, traditional power schools.
Sanders, Robinson Jr. trade barbs after teams clash
October 9, 2022 GMTMONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Jackson State coach Deion Sanders and Alabama State's Eddie Robinson Jr. had a tense exchange during their postgame handshake Saturday night after the Tigers' 26-12 win.
Sanders did his fair share of talking in the week that led up to his team's win, dampening the Hornets' homecoming festivities.
On Football: Could Coach Prime jump from SWAC to big-time?
August 30, 2022 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Sitting on a metal folding chair just beyond the end zone of Mississippi State's practice field, Deion Sanders is alone watching the Bulldogs scrimmage on a muggy spring day.
Coach Prime snagged his new offensive coordinator for Jackson State from Bulldogs coach Mike Leach's staff this offseason.
It’s Prime time in Mississippi, with dose of Kiffin, Leach
August 26, 2022 GMTMississippi’s Big Three are anything but boring.
Deion Sanders, Lane Kiffin and Mike Leach are big-name coaches who aren’t shy to voice their opinions.
Sanders, SWAC’s Jackson State aiming for better finish
August 22, 2022 GMTThe Deion Sanders era got off to a great start at Jackson State. Now, the Tigers' focus is on a better finish.
PICK SIX: Freshmen with high expectations to watch in 2022
August 18, 2022 GMTTravis Hunter was likely the most talked about recruit in the 2022 class, if not before signing day, certainly after he opted to play at Jackson State.
The two-way player from Suwanee, Georgia, became the first five-star recruit to sign with an FCS school since the ratings system was developed, and the first to sign with a program in the Historically Black College and University ranks.
Prime time in the SWAC? Deion Sanders & Co. think so
July 21, 2022 GMTBIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — It’s prime time in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
Jackson State football coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders has emerged as the most high-profile advocate for the league and HBCUs in general, but his colleagues are embracing potential change and celebrating the status quo as well.
Wednesday Sports in Brief
May 19, 2022 GMTCOLLEGE FOOTBALL
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Alabama coach Nick Saban called out Texas A&M on Wednesday, saying the school was “buying” players with name, image and likeness deals.
The Aggies signed the top recruiting class in the country earlier this year.
Deion Sanders highlights HBCU prospects ahead of NFL draft
April 25, 2022 GMTDeion Sanders did his part to make sure NFL teams don’t overlook players from historically Black colleges in this week’s draft.
The Jackson State coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer released his “Prime Prospects” on Monday, featuring 16 players from 12 HBCUs.
Deion Sanders has 2 toes amputated after medical setback
March 8, 2022 GMTDeion Sanders had two toes on his left foot amputated due to blood clots stemming from a previous surgery.
The Jackson State head coach and NFL Hall of Famer revealed the severity of his foot injury in an episode of his “Coach Prime” documentary series that will air Tuesday night on Barstool Sports.
HBCU players hoping combine, Legacy Bowl boost NFL chances
February 1, 2022 GMTMOBILE, Ala. (AP) — Javon Frazier and other HBCU players have something to prove in 2022, and more opportunity to prove it.
Nearly a year after none of their peers were selected in the NFL draft, Frazier and others participated in the first HBCU combine this past weekend, a week before Saturday's Senior Bowl.
Fields throws 4 TDs, S Carolina State wins Celebration Bowl
December 19, 2021 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Deion Sanders and his Jackson State Tigers were riding high entering the Celebration Bowl. There was not much to celebrate afterward.
Cory Fields Jr. threw for four touchdowns, three to Shaquan Davis, and South Carolina State stunned Jackson State 31-10 on Saturday in a game considered to be the national championship of historically Black colleges and universities.
‘Coach Prime’ looks to add bowl win to conference title
December 17, 2021 GMTCelebration Bowl: South Carolina State (6-5) vs. Jackson State (11-1), Dec. 18, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, 12 noon EST (ABC).
Line: Jackson State by 10.5, according to FanDuel SportsBook.
Top recruit spurns Florida St to play for Prime, Jackson St
December 16, 2021 GMTThe No. 1 high school football recruit in the country pulled a signing day shocker Wednesday, deciding to attend Jackson State and play for coach Deion Sanders after being verbally committed to Florida State for months.
‘Coach Prime’ leads Jackson State to SWAC championship
December 5, 2021 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Deion Sanders checked the primary objective off his coaching to-do list with a Southwestern Athletic Conference championship, leading Jackson State to a 27-10 victory over Prairie View A&M on Saturday.
Schools reap benefits of hiring Coach Prime, Eddie George
November 25, 2021 GMTNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Deion Sanders has been all over national TV, putting Jackson State in the spotlight every time his insurance commercials air.
Sanders throws for 3 TDs, Jackson State wins 24-10
November 20, 2021 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Shedeur Sanders passed for three touchdowns and Jackson State defeated Alcorn State 24-10 on Saturday to finish unbeaten in the Southwestern Athletic Conference regular season.
Balanced offense, stingy defense lead to Jackson State win
October 16, 2021 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Shedeur Sanders threw for two touchdowns, Santee Marshall rushed for 96 yards, and Jackson State won its homecoming game 28-7 over Alabama State on Saturday.
The Tigers, who have not allowed more than 17 points in any game this season, held Alabama State to 157 yards and eight first downs.
Fans celebrate revived Classic with big-name pro coaches
September 12, 2021 GMTMEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Fans at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium had much to celebrate Saturday night at the first Southern Heritage Classic in two years.
It’s always a party at the HBCU showcase. The two-year gap between games made fans anxious while the matchup of Tennessee State’s Eddie George and Deion Sanders of Jackson State had them saying why not us.
Eddie George, other former All-Pros, making impact at HBCUs
September 9, 2021 GMTNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Eddie George picked a good time for a career change.
He's one of several high-profile former pro athletes to give up their lavish retirement lifestyles, roll up their sleeves and accept historically Black colleges and universities coaching positions at a time when the country seems ready to embrace social change.
Sanders, defense help Jackson St. beat Florida A&M 7-6
September 5, 2021 GMTMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Shedeur Sanders scored the only touchdown of the game and the Jackson State defense got two fourth-down stops in the closing minutes to help the Tigers beat Florida A&M on Sunday in the Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium.
Coach Prime eager to raise profile of Jackson State, HBCUs
August 25, 2021 GMTCoach Prime, aka Deion Sanders, sauntered into the office of Nick Saban with a marching band following his lead.
“Coach Prime, what, no smoke machine?” the Alabama coach quizzically asked.
Yep, that happened — in a scene for an Aflac commercial featuring the two high-profile college head coaches.
Deion Sanders: “Treat me like Nick” Saban
July 20, 2021 GMTBIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Jackson State coach Deion Sanders walked out of the Southwestern Athletic Conference media day after a reporter twice called him by his first name.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback/return man and second-year head coach compared it to calling Alabama coach Nick Saban “Nick.”
Amid uncertainty, schools prepare for paid athlete endorsers
June 8, 2021 GMTThere is Arizona Edge and Buffs with a Brand. Oklahoma State rolled out OSU Elite and Texas Tech launched Beyond Verified.
Florida State unveiled Apex in April with a social media video that included clips of former Seminoles sports stars from Deion Sanders to Burt Reynolds.
Lil Wayne, Kodak Black get clemency; Joe Exotic does not
January 20, 2021 GMTTwo rappers were among the entertainment figures included in a list of 140 people who were pardoned or had their sentences commuted by President Donald Trump in a last-minute clemency flurry early Wednesday...
‘Match made in heaven’: Deion Sanders to coach Jackson State
September 21, 2020 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Deion Sanders wiped away tears of joy and passion before speaking.
Jackson State’s new football coach then stated “I believe” many times about what he envisions happening on and off the field...
Barry Frank, sports TV, marketing pioneer, dies at 87
October 30, 2019 GMTBarry Frank, the pioneer sports programmer who negotiated Olympic TV deals and represented broadcasting stars John Madden, Bob Costas and Jim Nantz, has died...
Murray followed his heart to choose football over baseball
March 1, 2019 GMTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — When Kyler Murray joined the Heisman Trophy club in December, Charlie Ward thought about his initiation in 1993.
Back then, the Florida State quarterback was the shiny new star, ready to embark on a world full of options.
Green becomes 1st Humble ISD student in Jan. 3 Under Armor All-American game
December 31, 2018 GMTKenyon Green is the first Humble ISD football player to play in the Under Armour All-American football game.
The five-star senior Atascocita offensive lineman will be coached by former NFL players and head coaches like Deion Sanders and Steve Mariucci.