Deion Sanders Moved by Player's Gesture Before Tough Season Opener Loss

On August 30, 2025, Colorado football coach Deion Sanders admitted he had tears in his eyes before the season-opening game against Georgia Tech. In previous years, Sanders would take a pregame walk on the field with one or two of his sons, quarterback Shedeur and safety Shilo. But with both sons now pursuing other endeavors, Sanders found it touching when receiver Isaiah Hardge came up to him before kickoff and said "let's take the walk" in their place.

"That was a wonderful moment, man," Sanders said after the 27-20 loss. "It's a moment that I will never forget, never, because it was not like I initiated it." Despite the defeat, Sanders remained optimistic about his team's potential, praising quarterback Kaidon Salter's performance. Salter completed 17 of 28 passes for 159 yards and one touchdown, and also had a 7-yard rushing touchdown to tie the game in the fourth quarter.

However, Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King's 45-yard touchdown run with just over a minute remaining ultimately decided the game. Sanders acknowledged his team's defensive struggles, giving up 463 total yards, including 320 rushing yards. But the coach said he "felt darn good during the game" and is confident his Buffaloes will bounce back.