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UPDATE: Deion Sanders never told CU band to cease fight song for Shedeur's rap

Coach Prime allegedly wanted to try a new idea that doesn't sit well with Colorado loyalists

Jason Jones

CU Buffs
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Deion Sanders continues to captivate audiences with his charisma and star power. However, his coaching tenure at Colorado has been marked by challenges, as the results on the field have yet to live up to the hype that surrounds him.

Despite Sanders’ high-profile presence and his aggressive recruiting efforts, Colorado has struggled to achieve a signature win under his leadership. The Buffaloes are coming off a humiliating 28-10 loss to the rival Nebraska Cornhuskers, highlighting the growing pains of a program that has cycled through quick fixes in search of a return to its 1990s glory. Sanders’ approach, which heavily relies on the transfer portal and his celebrity status to attract talent and NIL deals, has so far produced a team that feels disjointed and lacks the fundamental fight that once defined Colorado football.

What Colorado's Deion Sanders said after loss to Nebraska

In contrast, Nebraska’s Matt Rhule, also in his second year, has taken a more traditional approach, slowly building his program around top recruits like Dylan Raiola and emphasizing a deep connection to the school’s storied past. This commitment to tradition was on full display during their game against Colorado, as the Cornhuskers reintroduced symbolic gestures like releasing balloons after scores—something Rhule understands resonates with fans and players alike.

Sanders was reportedly involved in a controversy surrounding the CU band and fight song. Following Colorado’s embarrassing start against Nebraska, a report surfaced from Denver Sports analyst Jake Shapiro, who said that Sanders ordered the band not to play the fight song after his son, Shedeur Sanders, scores a touchdown. Instead, Sanders allegedly wants Shedeur’s rap song, "Perfect Timing," to be played over the speakers at Folsom Field. Shapiro is also noted as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado.

Colorado Football SID Curtis Snyder responded to Outkick and denied that Coach Prime explicitly told the band not to play the fight song, but confirmed that a few seconds of specific songs are played for multiple players after they score. 

Coach Prime needs to refocus with Buffs and forget about personal accolades

FOX Sport commentator and CU alum Joel Klatt and Deion Sanders Jr. has since refuted the report by Shapiro in separate tweets. BuffsBeat reached out to Denver Sports who wasn't available for comment regarding the original report.

The response raises questions about whether Sanders is prioritizing entertainment over traditional football values. Fans and critics alike have expressed concerns, emphasizing that college sports are about traditions, like the fight song, which are integral to the game day atmosphere. Playing Shedeur's rap song seems unnecessary and detracts from the team’s focus, especially after a tough loss.

While Sanders' outside the box ideas efforts have certainly boosted the program's visibility and financial backing, the absence of on-field success and the neglect of long-standing traditions have left some fans disillusioned. The pride of Colorado football seems overshadowed by marketing deals and social media buzz, while the fight that once characterized the Buffaloes is noticeably missing. Sanders' next challenge is not just to win games but to reconnect his team with the values and traditions that made Colorado great.

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Jason Jones
JASON JONES

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