Sanders Drops in Coach Rankings, Faces Newton Criticism Ahead of 2026 Season

Deion Sanders heads into the 2026 college football season with Colorado facing elevated scrutiny on multiple fronts. USA TODAY Sports ranked all 16 Big 12 head coaches entering the year, and Sanders fell a few places in that assessment compared to prior standings ^[1]. The drop reflects lingering concerns about the program following a disappointing 2025 campaign ^[3].

The 2025 season prompted pointed commentary from outside the coaching ranks. Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton publicly advised Sanders to step back from his head coaching duties after Colorado's rough year, adding another high-profile voice to the chorus questioning the program's direction ^[3].

Sanders Acknowledges Quarterback Mistake

Sanders himself has not deflected all criticism. The Colorado head coach admitted he made a major mistake in replacing Shedeur Sanders at quarterback last season, and he has since reflected on what the experience taught him about managing the position ^[4]. The acknowledgment is notable for a program that has frequently leaned on bold declarations and confident public messaging ^[3].

Despite the turbulence, Colorado enters 2026 with a roster stocked with transfer portal additions as Sanders attempts to reload the depth chart ^[2]. The question for the Buffaloes is whether that collection of newcomers can translate into wins in what remains a competitive Big 12 conference landscape ^[1][2].

Sanders built his early tenure at Colorado on momentum and surprise, generating national attention with a strong start before the program's trajectory leveled off ^[3]. Whether the lessons drawn from 2025 — including the self-identified error at quarterback — will produce a course correction in 2026 remains to be seen as preseason preparations continue ^[4][2].