Deion Sanders gets surprising news that proves his immense value to Colorado

The University of Colorado made a fateful decision last year to hire Deion Sanders and rebuild its flailing football program. Despite a disappointing 4-8 record following a 3-0 start in 2023, the Buffaloes still improved massively from a one-win campaign in 2022...and have plenty of reasons to be excited for 2024 and beyond.

Sanders, a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee celebrated as much for his playing career as he is for his unapologetic flair, has prompted a revolution at Colorado. He culled the roster of more than 50 players in 2023 and sparked a three-win improvement, cultivating genuine NCAA stars in son Shedeur Sanders and cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter. Now, Coach Prime has set out to make Boulder a premier destination in college football, on par with Athens, Tuscaloosa, or Ann Arbor.

The top recruiting class in the nation

According to the recruitment analysis platform Rivals, Sanders has signed and sealed the top-ranked transfer class in NCAA football entering the 2024 season. This group of portal pickups (not exclusively high school recruits) has been ranked ahead of other rebuilding programs at Lousville (#2), Arizona State (#5), and Michigan State (#6), showing that Colorado is an attractive location for college football players seeking a new experience.

Sanders received commitments from 41 transfers, 10 more than Louisville. While Coach Prime did not land any "five-star" transfers, he did get plenty of balance with this class -- the Buffs acquired eight four-star players (five of these players are linemen) and 27 three-star transfers to build depth in the program.

Colorado was criticized as being too "top-heavy" in 2023, which led to a decline in performance -- and results -- as the season moved along. Sanders prioritized beefing up the offensive and defensive lines, while he handed Shedeur a four-star running back in Ohio State transfer Dallan Hayden in addition to four-star receivers LaJohntay Wester and Will Sheppard.

Although off-field controversy continues to plague the program in some respects, Sanders has been able to lure a ton of talent to a once-great program. Now, it remains to be seen whether this talent can form a cohesive whole that portends a bowl berth -- or more -- in 2024.