How Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes Escaped a $50,000 Disaster Against Iowa State—And What It Means for Their Future

Deion Sanders and his Colorado Buffaloes just dodged a hefty $50,000 fine after fans surged onto Folsom Field following that thrilling 24-17 victory over Iowa State. Turns out, the Big 12 gave the nod to CU’s handling of the chaotic moment, confirming the team followed proper storm-the-field protocols. Now, if you know Coach Prime, you know he was ready to rally fans to help cover the cost — a real community hustle straight from the heart. It’s that gritty spirit that’s been fueling this squad’s turnaround from doubters to contenders. With this win shaking up their season trajectory, the Buffs find themselves rebuilding confidence — their offense firing and defense stepping up when it counts most, challenging any notion that the season’s already lost. They might be sidelined from the Big 12 title chase, but there’s plenty of room for a respectable finish, bowl games in sight if they can keep the momentum. It’s a story about redemption, resilience, and a team hungry to prove its worth on a big stage. LEARN MORE.

Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes football program won’t be fined $50,000 for fans at Folsom Field storming the field after a 24-17 win over the Iowa State Cyclones, as BuffZone’s Brian Howell reported.

The Big 12 reportedly told CU that it “executed its field storm management procedures,” and thus, won’t receive any punishment from the conference. Coach Prime was preparing to crowd-source funding from fans to cover the costs.

“C’mon man. That ain’t right. I mean, these kids, well, we have 50,000 (fans at the game), right? We can chip in. Let’s chip in. That’s how it was when I grew up. You know, we going somewhere, everybody, before you get in the car with some gas, you gotta chip in,” Sanders said, per USA Today.

Colorado changed season outlook with win over Iowa State

Sanders’ Buffs reshaped the 2025 season’s narratives with the upset over the Cyclones on Saturday. Kaidon Salter went for 312 all-purpose yards and threw two touchdown passes, proving he can get the job done in a major conference game. Tulsa Golden Hurricane transfer Joseph Williams, Salter’s top target in the win, had eight catches, 128 yards, and a touchdown, and is now challenging Omarrion Miller for the WR1 title. Once again, the WR room is serving as the backbone of the offense.

Perhaps more impressive was the defensive performance. Robert Livingston’s unit won the turnover battle and held Iowa State to converting on just two of 13 third- and fourth-down opportunities.

The Buffs were more disciplined on all sides of the ball, committing fewer penalties. It was an all-around strong performance from a CU squad many had given up hope on after consecutive losses to the TCU Horned Frogs and BYU Cougars.

Beating Iowa State is a major notch for a program that’s out of the Big 12 championship picture, but could still finish the season with a respectable record.

Though it’s not the most exciting goal after a 9-3 season in 2024, reaching a bowl game is within reach for Colorado. The Buffs need to find three wins against the Utah Utes, Arizona Wildcats, West Virginia Mountaineers, Arizona State Sun Devils, and Kansas State Wildcats over the next month and a half.