Week 1 of the 2026 college football season is upon us, and we are just three short days away from Colorado kicking off its season against Georgia Tech.
In traditional game week fashion, Deion Sanders took the podium Monday morning to deliver his game week press conference, where he discussed a variety of topics, including Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key, the Yellow Jackets' squad, his team's preparedness, and a few revelations, one of which raises some question marks heading into Thursday's game.
Here are a few takeaways from Deion Sanders' Week 1 press conference ahead of Colorado's matchup against Georgia Tech.
Challenges Georgia Tech presents
Sanders compliments Brent Key and his staff, highlighting Yellow Jackets star running back Justice Haynes.
"He's dynamic. He can score
from anywhere on the field," Sanders said. "He's tough, he's physical. The kid can play man. We are fully aware of wherever he's going to line up Thursday night."
As for the rest of Georgia Tech's team, he knows it will be a challenge but is glad a certain quarterback is no longer on the roster.
"Truly a task [on facing Georgia Tech]," Sanders continued. "Thank God that quarterback [Haynes King] is gone. Tough, hard-nosed, detailed coach...it is going to be a tremendous challenge."
Coach Prime on Georgia Tech RB Justice Haynes:
— DNVR Buffs (@DNVR_Buffs) August 31, 2026
“We are fully aware of wherever he’s gonna lineup on Thursday night…
We will be aware of who he is” pic.twitter.com/hmP3SmX69u
His coaches and players are ready for Week 1
Sanders noted that his coaches and players have ramped up their focus and intensity now that game prep mode has fully started.
"The intensity is there," Sanders said. "They have been consistent on who they are since the beginning. It's a multitude of things, lots of inspiration, encouraging, challenging… These coaches are really good at communicating with the young men on our roster. It's second to none."
"These young men are excited," Sanders said about his roster. "They can't wait to go."
No field goal kicker decided yet
A notable and perhaps worrisome revelation is that Sanders and company have yet to decide on a field goal kicker. Coach Prime ended spring camp by saying freshman Elliot Arnold was "the guy," but that appears not to be the case anymore. CU brought in Cadel Ayala from the JUCO level, and he clearly is putting pressure on Arnold.
Coach Prime pinpoints what he's most excited to see with his team against Georgia Tech
A new roster and a bunch of new faces make Thursday night's opener that much more special because it is the first chance Sanders has to see the roster he assembled perform on the field.
He pointed to one thing that he is especially looking forward to watching: his defense's explosiveness.
"I want to see how they get to the ball defensively," Sanders said. "I want to see the explosiveness of some of the [defensive] backs. When you fly to the ball like that you should see turnovers."
Running back rotation confirmed
Brennan Marion's Go-Go offense utilizes several two-back sets, making a running back rotation more likely, and Sanders confirmed as much on Monday.
"You’re going to see at least four, possibly five [running backs]," Sanders said.
The four or five backs are likely to include Micah Welch, Damian Henderson II, JaQuail Smith, DeKalon Taylor and Richard Young.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Biggest takeaways from Deion Sanders' Colorado-Georgia Tech presser
