Deion Sanders received some unsettling news on Thursday night: The NCAA is taking action against him. According to a report from USA TODAY, the NCAA determined that Sanders and Colorado improperly recruited Class of 2025 quarterback Julian Lewis, leading to penalties for the school over ‘minor recruiting violations.’
USA TODAY reported that “the Colorado athletic department decided to stop livestreaming its weekly coaches show with Deion Sanders and also removed two episodes of the show from YouTube last fall after the name of a prominent football recruit was mentioned on it in violation of NCAA rules,” citing documents obtained from the NCAA. You can read their full report here.
As noted in the report, “According to NCAA rules, schools generally may not publicize or comment on a recruit before officially signing that recruit.” Due to this ruling, Sanders will have fewer opportunities for in-person visits this spring, as the NCAA has restricted him by four visits. Sanders and the Buffaloes learned of Lewis’s commitment to CU earlier this winter on The Pat McAfee Show.
While these are only minor violations and major sanctions are unlikely, they are still significant enough that they could have repercussions for Sanders if he’s not cautious. The NCAA is known for enforcing rules, and those who find themselves in its sights can face serious consequences—just ask Jim Harbaugh.
Sanders’ name had emerged in connection with the Dallas Cowboys coaching search; however, based on recent events, it appears he is likely to remain in Boulder. Colorado could be on track for their best season yet in 2025 if their upward trajectory continues.
