“Controversy Unfolds as NCAA Blocks Deion Sanders’ Bold Spring Game Plans for Colorado”

Deion Sanders has always been known for shaking things up—and his vision for Colorado’s spring game is no exception. Just imagine the excitement of an actual competitive matchup instead of the usual intra-squad scrimmages! Sanders made a compelling case for scheduling an opponent, specifically targeting Syracuse and its head coach, Fran Brown, to bring a little zest to the event. After all, who wouldn’t find it monotonous to watch familiar faces tackle each other year after year? Unfortunately, though, the NCAA’s recent decision to block this innovative idea has left Sanders, and potentially many fans, waiting in limbo for at least another year. The governing body cited various reasons, including academic concerns and recruiting advantages—a real bummer for anyone hoping for a little spring spice! Let’s dive deeper into this decision and what it means for Sanders and the Buffaloes moving forward. LEARN MORE

Deion Sanders, Colorado Band Story Isn’t True (1:28)

Deion Sanders will have to wait at least one more year to see his idea for Colorado’s spring game became a reality.

For the past few weeks, Sanders has made it known that he’d like to schedule an actual opponent for Colorado’s spring game. He was hoping he could work out a deal with Syracuse head coach Fran Brown.

“To have a competitive (game) against your own guys kind of gets monotonous,” Sanders said, via On3. “You really can’t tell the level of your guys because, you know, it’s the same old, same way. Everybody kind of know each other. Towards the end, I would like to style it like the pros. I would like to practice against someone for a few days, then you have the spring game and I think the public will be satisfied with that tremendously. I think it’s a tremendous idea. I’ve told those personnel who should understand that it’s a tremendous idea.”

Unfortunately for Sanders, the NCAA doesn’t agree that it’s a tremendous idea.

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 23: Head coach Deion Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes watches his team warm up prior to a game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Arrowhead Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)

Ed Zurga/Getty Images

On Friday, the NCAA denied Sanders’ request to have a scrimmage against Syracuse. The FBS Oversight Committee mentioned academic concerns and possible recruiting advantages as reasons for this decision.

“The committee raised concerns regarding: (1) The timing of the request, noting most institutions have already planned their spring practice periods and some are at the end of, or have completed, their spring practice period; (2) The competitive and recruiting advantage gained by the applicant institutions if a waiver was approved to allow these institutions to engage in activities no other institutions are permitted to do; and (3) The potential academic impact associated with student-athletes missing class time to participate in practice activities,” the NCAA’s FBS Oversight Committee said.

Maybe, just maybe, Sanders will get his way next spring.