Deion wants Colorado to play spring game against another opponent

Head coach Deion Sanders is looking to shake up Colorado's spring game this year by forgoing the intrasquad scrimmage in favor of the Buffaloes playing a different program.

"Actually, I would like to play against another team in the spring. That's what I'm trying to do right now, to have it be competitive," Sanders said. "Playing against your own guys kind of gets monotonous, and you really can't tell the levels of your guys because it's the same old, same old. Everybody kind of knows each other toward the end."

Sanders' preference to change the spring game format comes as several schools nationwide are nixing it. Ohio State, Texas, and USC are among the many teams that are replacing the traditional scrimmage this year with a different event.

While some teams have opted not to hold a spring game to maintain a competitive advantage, Sanders said he's advocating for spring practices to reflect the NFL's training camp model, where clubs typically conduct joint practices.

Sanders added that he doesn't believe schools are ending the spring game because of concerns about other teams poaching their players before the spring transfer window.

"Everybody's moving to stop spring games, I don't know why. You're not gonna stop nobody from leaving your program by not having a spring game," Sanders said. "If you wanna save money, just say that."

However, given the growing uncertainty around spring games, Sanders called on Colorado's fan base to cram the stadium for the Buffaloes' April 19 scrimmage.

"We've got to sell this thing out and pack this thing because the way the trend is going, you never know if this is going to be the last spring game," Sanders said.

Syracuse head coach Fran Brown is ready to take Sanders up on his request.

"We will come to Boulder for three days," Brown posted on X in response to Sanders' preference of practicing against another team this spring. Colorado and Sanders have yet to respond to Brown's offer.

Colorado opens its season Aug. 29 against Georgia Tech.