‘This year is going to be much better’: At rainy spring game, fan optimism remains for Deion, Colorado
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Andrea Adelson, ESPN Senior Writer
BOULDER, Colo. — Rain pelted Deion Sanders as he walked out of the tunnel onto Folsom Field for his second spring game as head coach. Fans in the lower bowl cheered and clamored for him to get a little closer. Sanders waved hello before walking out to the water-logged field to check out the drills his players were running.
Last year, a sold-out record crowd of 47,277 braved snow and frigid temperatures for their first glimpse of Coach Prime, a man whose presence alone made Colorado football relevant again and the talk of the college football world. This year, the stadium is not filled, with vast open spaces in the end zones and upper decks. But replicating Sanders’ debut last spring would have been hard to do, even if it had been a clear day in Boulder.
This spring, off a 4-8 season, some of that hype has died down. Sanders remains an outsized celebrity presence, with his own dedicated team of videographers and media and marketing representatives, deliberate in their every move. He has a new shoe line coming out later this year and joked Saturday he wants his own jet ski line. They would be called Prime Mobiles, he said.
But when it comes to football, the play on the field last year drew more questions than answers — particularly after a 3-0 start ended with losses in eight of nine games, including a 46-43 loss to Stanford in which the Buffs blew a 29-0 halftime lead. With a roster overhaul underway, perhaps the hype invites more skepticism than enthusiasm.
Yet it is hard to say enthusiasm has completely disappeared considering 28,424 people — the second-largest crowd in Colorado spring game history — bought tickets and stood in cold, soaking rain to see Coach Prime and his new team.
Mareon Chapman and his high school friends Janyissa Bannister and Layla Goshorn loaded up their car with a snack-filled cooler and drove 30 minutes from their hometown of Aurora, pulling into a garage across the football stadium at 3 a.m., thinking the entire area would be packed. Instead, they were the first fans to the stadium. They decided to eat pancakes and then come back, standing in line to go through metal detectors two hours before kickoff.
Chapman, wearing a gold cowboy hat and CU poncho, said the three decided to come check out Colorado football for the first time, thanks in part to the Lil Wayne concert being held later that night that was part of a Black & Gold weekend Sanders arranged to drum up excitement across the entire campus.
Still, Chapman was in line wet and cold, his teeth chattering, wanting mostly to see Sanders.
“His history, his legacy and his coaching — I like how he runs things,” he said. “I was already excited last year. That was the first year of the program being rebuilt. But in the future, the program’s going to be really successful because we’re getting a lot of transfers and top recruits.”
Behind them in line, Michael Shelton flew in from St. Louis with Kennetha Paris and her daughter, Mariah, for the second spring game in a row. Shelton, who said he has followed Sanders since his NFL career, believed the excitement is still there.
“I know this year is going to be much better,” he said. “We’re in a fast-paced world. Everybody wants it to happen right now. People want to see him fail. I see what people say about him. He knows, too. He keeps receipts.”
Spoken just like Sanders.
Last year, everyone — both in the crowd and on the team — seemed happy to just be a part of what felt like a historical moment. This year? Those in attendance, on the field and in the stands, made an effort to show they were putting in the work.
That goes for quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who practiced and played this spring after fracturing his back at the end of last season. He also is spearheading a new offense under coordinator Pat Shurmur, one Shedeur describes as “quarterback friendly.”
It goes for two-way player Travis Hunter, who has practiced at the inside nickel slot this spring in addition to receiver and his usual cornerback positions. It goes for the new transfers who have arrived since January, starting with receiver LaJohntay Wester, a player Shedeur said he approached himself on social media.
“We’re in a way better place both mentally and physically than last year,” Shedeur said. “I feel like we’re getting quality guys now, and they’re doing full background checks on everybody and we’re getting exactly who we want. I watched LaJohntay Wester and I went after him, so we just collectively know what type of players we’re getting overall and then we just play them to their strengths.”
Deion made headlines a year ago for the way he overhauled his team in his first year. Only 10 scholarship players returned from the 2022 team; 53 players signed from the transfer portal for 2023, the most any team had ever added in one offseason.
Again this offseason, there has been significant turnover. Since the spring portal window opened April 16, 22 players have left, including former five-star recruit Cormani McClain and leading rusher Dylan Edwards. Running backs Alton McCaskill and Sy’veon Wilkerson also left, leaving cornerback Isaiah Hardge to start at running back in the spring game Saturday.
But there is one key difference between this year and last year when it comes to the portal. Last year, Colorado was trying to improve the talent level after fielding a 1-11 team in 2022; this year, the Buffs are being much more selective about who they add. That includes fixing their offensive line, which had five new starters Saturday but still lacks depth. Expect more additions to that group through the portal in the coming weeks.
“Even with the portal going on, I feel like we got all the negative energy out of the building,” Shedeur said. “So now it’s just a positive vibe. No one’s really complaining. I just want to win this year.”
So does Deion. In his postgame press conference, he expressed confidence that this would be a much better year. He seemed happy and jovial, fielding questions about the way Shedeur has handled the new offensive system, what becoming even more versatile has done for Hunter and what his message is to recruits and portal players. He, obviously, sprinkled in a few one-liners along the way. The best one may have been, “I don’t really fly fish, but I’ve been known to be fly when I fish.”
There is, of course, a sense of urgency — beyond living up to the hype that has surrounded him and his program. With Shedeur and Hunter likely playing their final collegiate seasons, there is pressure to surround them with players that can help them win.
Deion does have a methodical plan to get there, based in large part on the lessons he learned under Bobby Bowden and his defensive coordinator, Mickey Andrews, at Florida State. Deion may be flashy, but his practices are far from it. Players are starting to understand that.
“These young men want to practice, they want to have each other’s back, they want the physicality, they want all the smoke, so to speak,” Deion said. “I love what we’re building in this locker room, and if you’re not a part of that thought process or that desire, you don’t fit.”
Those comments echo what Deion said several weeks ago, after the departures of the spring portal window. He noted most of the players in the portal were not significant contributors, and asked reporters then, “Please have some faith in me.”
At least outside the program, there are enough questions — whether it’s about the 4-8 record in Year 1, revolving roster door, Deion’s recruiting style and how he’s gone about using the portal. There also has been rampant speculation about whether Deion will still be interested in coaching Colorado after Shedeur and Shilo, who plays safety, leave. It has become enough of a question that he was asked about it during his post-spring news conference. Deion tamped that down, saying, “I do not plan on following my kids to the NFL.”
Plans always change, of course. The plan for this season, as Shedeur said, is to win. Armed with lessons learned during Year 1, Deion promised as much when he took the microphone to greet the crowd before the game kicked off. He thanked them for showing up despite the inclement weather and called them awesome. The crowd roared its approval.
Then he asked, “Where’s Miss Peggy?” referring to 99-year-old superfan Peggy Coppom, who has been going to Colorado games since the 1940s. The two struck up a friendship shortly after Deion arrived in Boulder, when he learned about her fandom and went to her house to introduce himself. She handled the ceremonial kickoff at the spring game last year. But in the pouring rain Saturday, Miss Peggy was safely sheltered far from the elements. That did not stop Deion from delivering a message directly to her.
“We’re going to get you to a bowl game, lady.”
There has been no shortage of excitement already this NHL offseason. Following the Florida Panthers‘ second consecutive Stanley Cup championship — and seemingly never-ending celebration — the annual period of roster modification has begun.
The 2025 NHL draft included 224 prospects finding new homes, and the weekend included trades for Noah Dobson, Charlie Coyle and John Gibson. On Monday, a slew of re-signings, and the trade of Mitch Marner, took several big names off the free agent big board.
Below you will find our continuously updated free agency tracker for 2025, featuring a list of every player signed, including average annual value of the contract in most cases. Analysis of the biggest deals can be found here.
Note that the newest deals are on top, denoted by date.
Draft recap: All 224 picks
Grades for all 32 teams
Winners and losers
July 2
Salmon Arm, British Columbia, native Curtis Lazar is headed back to Western Canada, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Oilers.
Veteran winger Anthony Mantha has made the rounds in recent seasons, and his next NHL home is in Pittsburgh, inking a one-year, $2.5 million pact.
July 1
After a brief stint for an American-based team, Andrew Mangiapane is back in Western Canada, inking a two-year, $3.6 million AAV deal with the Oilers.
Forward Justin Brazeau has chosen the Penguins as his next NHL destination, inking a two-year, $1.5 million AAV contract.
The Devils continued adding to their forward depth, adding veteran scoring winger Evgenii Dadonov via a one-year, $1 million deal.
The July 1 goalie rush continues. The Mammoth are the latest team to make an addition in the crease, inking Stanley Cup champion Vitek Vanecek via a one-year, $1.5 million deal.
Offensive defenseman John Klingberg is headed to San Jose, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $4 million pact with the Sharks.
One of the top remaining free agents available, veteran forward Mikael Granlund has landed with the Ducks on a three-year deal.
Veteran bottom-six forward Lars Eller has chosen the Senators as his next team, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $1.25 million deal.
The Penguins have extended their business relationships with Philip Tomasino (one year, $1.75 million) and Connor Dewar (one year, $1.1 million).
As part of the effort to retake the title of Florida’s best hockey team, the Lightning have inked Pontus Holmberg to a two-year, $1.55 million AAV contract.
The Wild have added Nico Sturm. The former Panther has signed a two-year, $2 million AAV contract.
The Sabres have entered the chat! The club’s first big deal of the day is inking goaltender Alex Lyon to a two-year, $1.5 million AAV contract.
The Kraken add to their goaltending depth, adding former Stanley Cup winner Matt Murray on a one-year, $1 million contract.
The Islanders had themselves a great draft weekend, and they continue the momentum in free agency, adding veteran forward Jonathan Drouin on a two-year, $4 million AAV deal.
The Stars are on the board. Hours after announcing the official hiring of Glen Gulutzan as the club’s new head coach, the Stars have brought back forward Radek Faksa on a two-year, $3 million AAV contract.
Earlier on Tuesday the Kings lost defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to the Rangers. To help fill that blue-line gap, they signed Cody Ceci (four years, $4.5 million AAV) and Brian Dumoulin (three years, $4 million AAV). They also signed goaltender Anton Forsberg for two years, $2.25 million AAV.
Defenseman Nick Perbix has thus far only known NHL life as a member of the Lightning. He’ll head to Nashville next, agreeing to a two-year, $2.75 million AAV deal with the Predators.
The Panthers have gone to the veteran defenseman well again, signing Jeff Petry to a one-year, $775,000 contract.
Fresh off a Stanley Cup with the Panthers, defenseman Nate Schmidt is joining the Mammoth by way of a three-year, $3.5 million AAV contract.
The NHL career of James van Riemsdyk will continue, as he has agreed to terms with the Red Wings on a one-year, $1 million deal. Separately, the Wings added Jacob Bernard-Docker on a one-year, $875,000 contract.
The Bruins add to their depth, agreeing to terms with Sean Kuraly on a two-year, $1.85 million AAV pact.
Another key member of the Panthers’ championship roster is returning. Veteran forward Tomas Nosek has agreed to a one-year deal.
After completing the 2024-25 season with the Jets, veteran forward Brandon Tanev is sticking in the Central Division, but heading to Utah by way of a three-year, $2.5 million AAV deal.
Take another goalie’s name off the big board! Kaapo Kahkonen has agreed to terms with the Canadiens on a one-year deal worth $1.15 million. In a separate deal, the club also signed forward Sammy Blais.
The winner of the 2020 Hobey Baker Award as the top player in NCAA men’s hockey, defenseman Scott Perunovich has signed a one-year deal with the Mammoth.
In need of some backup goaltending depth, the Islanders agreed to terms with “Big Save” Dave Rittich on a one-year deal.
Diminutive, versatile forward Kailer Yamamoto is the latest player added by the Mammoth, by way of a one-year, $775,000 pact.
Veteran center Nick Bjugstad has made his decision: He’s joining the Blues by way of a two-year contract.
Veteran defenseman Ryan Lindgren finished the 2024-25 season with the Avalanche, and he’ll head northwest for his next NHL home, agreeing to terms on a four-year, $4.5 million AAV contract.
The Senators haven’t been able to lure any new free agents to the club yet, but their re-signing game remains strong. After re-upping with Claude Giroux, the Sens also continued their business relationship with Nick Cousins via a one-year, $825,000 pact.
Sure to be a fan favorite in Beantown, veteran forward Tanner Jeannot has agreed to terms on a five-year contract with the Bruins, with a $3.4 million AAV.
A sixth-round pick in the 2016 draft, winger Michael Pezzetta is going from Montreal to Toronto via a two-year, $787,500 AAV contract.
Connor Brown impressed a lot of viewers with inspired play during the Oilers’ run to the Stanley Cup Final. Now, he’ll bring that energy to the Devils, who have signed him to a four-year, $3 million AAV contract.
The defenseman market is one key player smaller, as the Rangers have agreed to terms with Vladislav Gavrikov on a seven-year, $7 million AAV contract.
One of the top goaltending options available is off the board, with Dan Vladar joining the Flyers via a two-year, $3.35 million AAV contract.
Veteran feisty forward Corey Perry is switching sides in the Oilers-Kings rivalry, agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with salary and bonuses worth $3.5 million. Separately, the Kings also signed veteran forward Joel Armia to a two-year deal with a $2.5 million AAV.
One of the top available free agents has made a decision … and he’ll be re-signing. Brock Boeser is back with the Canucks by way of a seven-year, $7.3 million AAV contract.
Parker Kelly will continue his career with the Avalanche, agreeing to terms on a four-year contract with a $1.7 million AAV.
Veteran forward Colin Blackwell will be returning to the Stars, agreeing to terms on a two-year deal with a $775,000 AAV.
Christian Dvorak has moved on from the Canadiens, agreeing to a one-year, $5.4 million contract with the Flyers.
Noah Juulsen, welcome to Philly! The Flyers have inked the 28-year-old defenseman to a one-year, $900,000 deal.
Defenseman Ryan Johnson is sticking with the Sabres, agreeing to terms on a three-year deal with a $775,000 AAV.
The top-rated goaltender slated to hit free agency this offseason will not make it to market; Jake Allen is back with the Devils via a five-year contract with a $1.8 million AAV.
Veteran offensive defenseman Tony DeAngelo will be back with the Islanders for 2025-26, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $1.75 million contract.
June 30
The Red Wings will be continuing their relationship with veteran forward Patrick Kane, inking a one-year, $3 million extension.
The band is getting back together. After re-upping with Sam Bennett last week, the Panthers re-signed both Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand on Monday.
Rumors of a Mitch Marner trade popped up during draft weekend, and they came to fruition Monday, as the Maple Leafs inked Marner to an eight-year, $12 million average annual value extension, then traded him to the Golden Knights for Nicolas Roy.
The Oilers will not be allowing one of their promising young players to leave via offer sheet, as they signed restricted free agent defenseman Evan Bouchard to a four-year, $10.5 million AAV contract.
Veteran defenseman Ivan Provorov would have been one of the most sought-after blueliners on the free agent market. Instead, he’ll be back with the Blue Jackets for the foreseeable future, agreeing to a seven-year, $8.5 million AAV deal.
George Springer had a career-high seven RBIs, including his ninth grand slam, and the Toronto Blue Jays celebrated Canada Day by beating the Yankees 12-5 on Tuesday and closing within one game of American League East-leading New York.
The seven RBIs are tied for the second most by any Blue Jays player in a home game, behind Edwin Encarnación (nine RBIs in 2015), according to ESPN Research.
Andrés Giménez had a go-ahead, three-run homer for the Blue Jays, who overcame a 2-0 deficit against Max Fried. After the Yankees tied the score 4-4 in the seventh, Toronto broke open the game in the bottom half against a reeling Yankees bullpen.
Springer went 3-for-4, starting the comeback with a solo homer in the fourth against Fried and boosting the lead to 9-5 with the slam off Luke Weaver after Ernie Clement‘s go-ahead single off shortstop Anthony Volpe‘s glove. Springer has 13 homers this season.
Toronto won the first two games of the four-game series and closed within one game of the Yankees for the first time since before play on April 20.
New York went 2-for-17 with runners in scoring position, dropping to 3-for-24 in the series, while the Blue Jays were 5-for-7. After going 13-14 in June, the Yankees fell to 10-14 against AL East rivals.
The Associate Press contributed to this report.
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