The Colorado Buffaloes football program continues to capture the attention of fans and media, not only for their performance on the field, but also for their academic standing. The Buffs’ weekly press conference included comments from athletic director Rick George, who discussed both the team’s success and recent developments regarding upcoming NCAA decisions. George highlighted how the Buffaloes are proactively preparing for these changes, working to ensure compliance with what will be allowed once the NCAA’s decisions are finalized.

Head coach Deion Sanders, commonly known as Coach Prime, is at the center of the Buffaloes’ football success. Over the past few weeks, Sanders has led his team through tough matchups, where they were often considered underdogs. Despite the obstacles, Coach Prime continues to uphold his philosophy of “winning at everything,” including academics. This is where the Buffaloes currently find themselves facing some difficulties.

During Big 12 Media Days, Coach Prime highlighted his team’s academic accomplishments, stating that in 2024, the football program achieved the second-highest GPA in team history, and that in 2023, they had the highest average. However, as the Buffs progressed into the sixth week of the season, some players began to struggle academically.

Addressing these issues, Sanders made clear that he takes academics seriously and is prepared to take action if necessary. In a candid statement to his team, captured by Well Off Media, Sanders said: “Those who miss out have until next week, otherwise you’re going to quit football and throw yourself into school and not have a issue. more responsibilities in football. I care more about your life than this game because 95 percent of you won’t play this game when your time is up.

Coach Prime’s direct approach reflects his commitment to the long-term success of his players beyond the football field. While Sanders expressed pride in his athletes’ overall performance, acknowledging that they should be applauded for their positive behavior off the field and maintaining a high team GPA, he also acknowledges that some players have failed. These academic difficulties forced Sanders to walk back some of his previous statements and address the shortcomings head-on. The reality is that if student-athletes do not maintain their academic standards, the university risks violating the NCAA’s academic progression rate regulations, which could result in sanctions.

Shedeur Sanders never took classes on campus and didn’t miss any, according to Coach Prime

This situation raises important questions for the Buffaloes program and their future. Are players struggling with their grades considering redshirting to focus on their studies, or are they considering transfers to other schools? Those concerns persist as the team prepares for its next game and considers roster changes, with Shilo Sanders potentially returning to the lineup.

Coach Prime’s stance on academics is clear. No athlete is above standard and he believes in enforcing strict academic rules to ensure his players are prepared to succeed in life, not just on the field. His proposal to allow struggling athletes to leave the team rather than remain ineligible while continuing to participate in training speaks to his commitment to prioritizing their education over athletics.

As the Buffaloes continue their 2024 season, all eyes will be on the players facing academic issues and how they address their shortcomings. Coach Prime’s tough-love approach could serve as a turning point for some of these athletes, helping them rise both in the classroom and on the field. The hope is that with their grades in order, the team can continue to progress and build on the success they have had thus far under Sanders’ leadership.