"I think this team can compete for a Big 12 championship": Deion Sanders' Colorado squad draws bold prediction from former coach 

Before Deion Sanders joined the Colorado Buffaloes, they had a disappointing 2022 season, putting up a 1-11 overall record. Mike Sanford was the offensive coordinator and interim head coach for that season. That single victory came under Sanford's regime as head coach, where the Buffs secured a win over the California Golden Bears.

Unfortunately, Mike Sanford and the Buffs went on to lose the remaining six games, and after just one season, Sanford parted ways with the program following Deion Sanders' arrival. Sanford recently attended the Big 12 Media Days, where he talked about how the newly revamped Colorado team can potentially go on to compete for a Big 12 title in 2024. He also detailed his opinions about the Buffs after watching their spring game performance.

"It's going to be really an interesting season. There's a lot of things from a schematic standpoint I'm really interested to see. I went to the spring game this year. And I think a lot of the concepts that were being run were intentionally from last season. I don't think that they were going to run the full Pat Shurmur offense. So I'm anxious to watch how it all unfolds," Sanford said.

"I think fair expectations are, without question a bowl game. And I think that's expected, certainly by the guys inside of that building. ...I think if the offensive line is as advertised, if they're able to find effective tight ends in the run blocking side of things, and as dynamic pass catchers, I think this team can compete, especially in this league being as wide open as it is, I think this team can compete for a Big 12 championship," Sanford added.

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Sanders will start a new journey this year as the Buffs rejoin the Big 12 conference. After transferring from Jackson State to Boulder last year, "Coach Prime" secured a disappointing 4-8 overall campaign amid all the hype.

He subsequently put in the effort to revamp the coaching staff and the roster this offseason, bringing changes to strengthen the team's chances of being a contender for the college football playoffs. Sanders especially focused on a massive overhaul of the O-line to provide better protection to quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

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Deion Sanders confident with Colorado's Big 12 reunion preparations

While recently speaking with Joel Klatt, Sanders opened up about his confidence in the program's efforts and preparations following last year's disappointing campaign. "Coach Prime" said that he is optimistic about a successful debut Big 12 campaign based on how things have been looking in the offseason:

"I think we're better, not only on the field, we're better off the field. And that's not an insult to the guys that were here the previous year. But I think we got better man. I think I'm better. I think the whole thing is better. And we're not done. I love what I'm seeing in spring practice. I love where I know we're headed," Sanders added.

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Deion Sanders seemingly has a golden opportunity to redeem himself with the new 12-team playoff format being implemented this upcoming season. It will be interesting to see if the Buffs emerge as a tough contender for a playoff berth as a member of the Big 12 in 2024.