Colorado wants to begin the Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders era in Boulder with enthusiasm for one of its oldest rivalries.
During Sanders’ introductory press conference, CU athletic director Rick George said that he expects Colorado fans to show out for Sanders’ first home game against rival Nebraska on Sept. 9.
“We need to sell out, and we need the Nebraska game to be all black and gold — no red!” said George. “We expect everybody to come up and show up. Don’t sell your tickets, ’cause we know who you are and that’s not gonna work.”
George is referring to the fact that the Buffaloes’ last home game against the Cornhuskers — an overtime victory for CU in 2019 — was overwhelmingly occupied by Nebraska fans: More than half the fans in attendance were rooting for the Huskers, per the Denver Post.
Colorado and Nebraska have been playing football against each other since 1898 — but their matchups have become more infrequent since both departed the Big 12 after the 2010 season.
Before the 2022 renewal of the rivalry, though, Coach Prime and his Buffs could have their hands full.
That’s because they’ll face College Football Playoff participant TCU on Sept. 2 in Fort Worth.
![Florida head coach Jon Sumrall speaks after spring practice at Sanders Practice Fields in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]](https://frontofficesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/USATSI_28676620_168416386_lowres-e1779828437389.jpg?quality=80&w=300)
