"This the worst we're going to be”: When Deion Sanders openly challenged haters before Colorado's massive transformation 

Deion Sanders has been the face of the massive transformation of Colorado's football program. From revamping the entire roster to finally earning the rewards for it this season, Coach Prime always knew he had it in him to bring the glory days back to Folsom Field.

In 2023, Sanders came to Colorado along with his two sons Shedeur and Shilo Sanders, and two-way star Travis Hunter from Jackson State. The hype train got off to a good start, winning the first three games, before ending the season on a disappointing note. The Buffaloes finished 4-8.

Following the end of the 2023 season, Sanders reminded everyone to take a good look at him and the program because he believed that that would be their last chance to see the team performing poorly.

"I understand what we're up against, what we have, and what we need. One thing I can say honestly and candidly: you better get me right now. This is the worst we're going to be. You better get me right now," Sanders said in his 2023 press conference.

True to his word, Deion Sanders made a massive overhaul and in just his second year, he has secured bowl eligibility for the program. The Buffaloes have achieved this feat for the first time since 2016. They are also on the brink of playing in the Big 12 Championship game.

The team is currently ranked No. 16 (8-2, 6-1 Big 12) and if they win the remaining two games, they might challenge for a playoff spot.

Deion Sanders' Colorado to face Kansas this week

Travis Hunter scores a touchdown: Utah at Colorado - Source: Imagn

This Saturday, Deion Sanders's unit will be up against the Kansas Jayhawks at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 23
• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Arrowhead Stadium -- Kansas City, Missouri
• TV: FOX

Colorado will need to win this game in order to keep up their prospects of playing in the conference championship game. The Buffaloes are slight favorites to pick a win on the road here, thanks to their ongoing four-game winning streak.

A lot of eyes will be on Travis Hunter, who is leading the Heisman race over Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty and Oregon Ducks QB Dillon Gabriel. Given that Hunter plays both as a cornerback and wide receiver, he has played nearly 1200 snaps and is on pace to reach 1,000 receiving yards.

After this week's game, Colorado's final regular season game will be against Oklahoma State.