"Gonna get vetted thoroughly by us": Deion Sanders sends a clear warning to transfer portal athletes as he defines Colorado's rules

Deion Sanders had brought the Colorado Buffaloes a long way from his initial days when the team was rooting on the transfers to change its fate. Fast forward to today, under the spotlight of "Coach Prime," Boulder has become a magnet for talent—a prime destination for athletes seeking a fresh start.

The transfer portal is wide open until Dec. 28, and Sanders has made it clear that he’s not just hunting for players anymore, but those who fit well into Colorado’s culture.

As the winter transfer portal swings into action, Coach Prime wasted no time setting the tone for potential recruits via a tweet on Monday.

“To many of the Portal Young Men that’s looking & searching for the right situation,” Sanders wrote. “You’re gonna get vetted thoroughly by us and then I pray u know the difference of being offered a bag & being offered a BLESSING. Ask Grandma-nem what I mean.”

Classic Prime—blunt but soulful. He’s warning athletes not to be blinded by short-term perks and instead recognize the lasting value of being part of something bigger under him at Boulder.

The ask from Deion Sanders comes when Colorado needs to work hard. With Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter likely heading to the NFL draft in 2025, the Buffaloes are approaching a crossroads. Their biggest names are nearing the end of their college chapter, and filling those shoes isn’t a simple task.

The Buffs coach knows the stakes, and he’s not just building for next season—he’s securing Boulder’s future.

Colorado Buffaloes set to welcome new class of recruits for Deion Sanders

The Colorado Buffaloes are entering a new chapter under Deion Sanders, and this week, the coach took a significant step forward by signing 14 high school recruits for the Class of 2025.

Among those joining CU is quarterback Julian "JuJu" Lewis from Carrollton, Georgia, who’s expected to lead the team after stars Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter depart for the NFL. JuJu is ranked No. 6 nationally as a quarterback and turned heads with his decision as he signaled confidence in Sanders’ long-term plans at Colorado.

The class includes other top-tier talent like offensive tackle Carde Smith, who flipped from USC, and edge rusher London Merritt from Florida's IMG Academy. Sanders has managed to address gaps left by outgoing stars with three wide receiver recruits and reload the line with three offensive linemen.

Deion Sanders is known for his intense use of the transfer portal, and his vow to "hit the portal like it hadn’t been hit before" for this class proves he's equally focused on high school talent.