Deion Sanders had a simple message before Colorado opened its season against Georgia Tech.
“I’m back.”
A few hours later, Coach Prime had plenty more to say.
Colorado pulled off a dramatic 14-13 road victory over Georgia Tech on Thursday, giving Sanders and the Buffaloes a statement win to begin the 2026 season after going just 3-9 last year.
Freshman quarterback Julian Lewis connected with Charlie Williams for a touchdown with 37 seconds to go, then Boo Carter blocked Georgia Tech’s potential game-winning field goal as the clock expired.
Colorado entered the season facing questions about its size and physicality, which Sanders evidently took note of.
Georgia Tech appeared equipped to test that weakness, with a rushing attack featuring Justice Haynes and Malachi Hosley in the backfield.
However, Colorado put on a banner performance in the trenches.
“We rushed for 183, my God. They rushed for 51. I thought we were small?” Sanders remarked after the game. “I think this is the first sellout they had in how long?
“I think we had a little something to do with that.”
Colorado’s rushing attack was led by Damian Henderson, who had 65 rushing yards on 12 carries, followed by Micah Welch, who had 58 on 13 carries and a touchdown. JaQuail Smith contributed another 42 on 10 carries.
Colorado’s defense held Georgia Tech to 1.7 rushing yards per attempt, allowing the aforementioned 51 yards on just 30 carries. New quarterback Alberto Mendoza — the younger brother of Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza — was sacked three times for a net loss of 22 yards.
Colorado entered the year unranked and isn’t expected to be among the strongest teams in the Big 12.
But expectations don’t matter to Sanders, who is already two wins away from matching his 2025 total.
