- NCAA. The emotional reason why Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter played the entire Alamo Bowl: "We had to finish it"
- NCAA. Jay Feely targets Deion Sanders's leadership after Alamo Bowl fiasco
The Alamo Bowl brought an emotional milestone for Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders.
The game marking the final college football contest he would coach his sons, quarterback Shedeur Sanders and safety Shilo Sanders.
Related:
- CFP National Championship 2025: Date, start time, location and everything you need to know
- CFP National Championship Halftime Show 2025: Who is performing this year and all the details
- College Football Playoff winners list: check out every National Championship winner updated until today
- College Football Playoff 2024-25: matchups, schedule, dates and everything you need to know
- College Football Playoff 2024-25 dates, how to watch every game, kickoff times
Coach Prime's last ride with Shedeur and Shilo
Facing BYU in a much-anticipated matchup, the game also signified the end of a transformative chapter for Colorado football under Sanders' leadership.
"It's gonna be something to behold," Sanders shared ahead of the game.
"I don't know how I'm gonna handle it. I know Travis [Hunter] is gonna trigger me. I know it because he always does, and he's gonna bring tears out of my eyes. But I don't look forward to it. But I do, because that means they're going to another level, another chapter of life. And they're gonna soar."
Despite the sentimental undertones, Colorado fell short against BYU, losing 36-14.
The Buffaloes struggled offensively, managing only 210 total yards, including just two net rushing yards.
Shedeur Sanders completed 16 of 23 es for 208 yards and two touchdowns but faced significant pressure, being sacked three times and throwing two interceptions.
The Alamo Bowl was more than just a game for the Sanders family.
It marked the culmination of a journey that began in youth football and continued through high school, Jackson State, and finally Colorado.
It was also a testament to Deion Sanders' vision for the Buffaloes, a program that finished 1-11 before his arrival in December 2022 and climbed to a 9-4 record this season.
Coach Prime grateful for opportunity at Colorado Buffaloes
Sanders reflected on the program's transformation and the opportunities it provided.
"I'm thankful that Rick [George] gave me the opportunity, because if not, we wouldn't have had a Heisman Trophy winner,"Sanders said, referring to Travis Hunter.
"We wouldn't have had a guy that's [projected] to be the first or second pick in the whole draft ... It wouldn't have happened here if I hadn't accepted that calling."
For Shedeur Sanders, the week's festivities, including pep rallies and Riverwalk events, underscored the balance between celebration and preparation.
"Dad, can we stop going to all this stuff so I can focus and lock in?" he reportedly told his father.
While the loss marked the end of the season, it also celebrated a legacy that will shape the future of the Sanders family and Colorado football.
"This is a blessing,"Deion Sanders said.
"It's bittersweet, but it's beautiful."