Deion Sanders reclaims his vibrant persona as the head coach of Colorado, following a challenging bout with bladder cancer that sidelined him last offseason. At the Big 12 Media Days, Sanders reflected on his health struggles, emphasizing the importance of regaining his mental and physical sharpness.

Sanders aims to elevate Colorado back into contention for the Big 12 Championship in 2024, after a disappointing 3-9 season marked by quarterback instability and the absence of key players like Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders. Now, Julian Lewis, who recently reclassified and switched his commitment from USC, steps in as the starting quarterback.

In a notable shift in expectations, Sanders stated:

I don't need my quarterback to lead us. I need my quarterback to do what we ask him to do.

• He recognizes the unfairness of asking an 18-year-old to command a locker room of seasoned players, focusing instead on performance and execution.

Lewis, who won’t turn 19 until late September, faces a different challenge than his predecessors under the new offensive scheme led by coordinator Brennan Marion, known for his innovative GoGo offense.

Protection remains a paramount concern, as Colorado has struggled with quarterback sacks during Sanders' tenure. He believes he has a solid offensive line with nine potential starters to support Lewis. Additionally, the arrival of Danny Scudero, a standout receiver from San Jose State, adds depth and leadership to the offense, allowing Lewis to focus on his role without undue pressure.

Sanders praises Scudero’s work ethic and commitment, noting his ability to lead by example rather than through vocal motivation, which will be crucial as the team looks to build a cohesive unit around their young quarterback.