"You pay the $37M": Deion Sanders to Ohio State makes perfect sense to Stephen A. Smith

Deion Sanders has done a magnificent job of turning things around for the Colorado Buffaloes program in just two seasons on the job. After the Buffaloes finished 1-11 the year before his arrival, they improved to 4-8 in his first season. The team broke out in 2024, finishing the regular season with a 9-3 record, including a 7-2 mark in their first season of Big 12 play since 2010.

It marked CU's best regular season finish and best conference record, since 2016 – which was also the last year the Buffaloes finished a full season with a winning record. If they are able to beat the BYU Cougars in the Alamo Bowl, it will mark their best finish since 2001 – when they also finished 10-3.

While many believed that Coach Prime would leave the program following the departure of his sons -– Shedeur Sanders and Shilo Sanders – and Travis Hunter, he has indicated that he will be back with the Buffaloes next season. Stephen A. Smith recently chimed in, suggesting that he should be a target of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

"I understand that $37 million is a lot of money when it comes to (Ohio State coach) Ryan Day," Smith said on ESPN's "First Take" on Wednesday (Timestamp: 5:55). "If you can get your hands on Deion Sanders to bring him to the Ohio State, you pay the $37 million.

"They'll pay the driver $37 million to ride him out of town. I just had somebody text me and say that, OK? That's how much money they got in Columbus. That ain't a lot of money to overcome. You can come up with the money to do that."

Smith noted that Sanders is appreciative of the opportunity that the Buffaloes have given him. He added that the Pro and College Football Hall of Famer wants to see things through by leading them to the postseason.

Stephen A. Smith doesn't believe Deion Sanders will be at Colorado forever

Deion Sanders has suggested that he wants to remain with the Colorado Buffaloes forever. Stephen A. Smith recently said that he's not buying those claims (Timestamp: 6:43):

"I don't believe him when he says he wants to stay forever. I think when an SEC team comes calling, I think when a Big Ten team comes calling, one of those blue chip programs as (ESPN's) Paul (Finebaum) alluded to, I find that impossible for a guy like Prime Time Deion Sanders to turn down."

Smith noted that joining such a program would give Sanders an advantage in recruiting. He added that Coach Prime is confident in his abilities as a recruiter.