Deion Sanders takes no accountability for play script leak before Texas Tech game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Deion Sanders had an opportunity to address a potentially serious concern surrounding Colorado football following a disappointing loss to Texas Tech. Instead, the Buffaloes head coach downplayed the situation, questioned the premise of the reporting and suggested there was little reason to investigate.
The controversy began nearly two weeks ago when a sheet containing what appeared to be Colorado’s opening scripted plays surfaced online. Initially dismissed as potentially fake, the leak gained credibility after videos emerged showing the plays on paper alongside footage of Texas Tech executing the corresponding plays during the game.
During Tuesday’s media availability, Sanders was asked about the situation. He immediately challenged the characterization of the leak.
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“A whole playbook?” Sanders said. He clarified that Colorado uses weekly scripts rather than maintaining a single playbook for opponents to obtain. Sanders also pointed out that Colorado scored on its opening drive as evidence that the leak had not compromised the offense. However, that argument overlooks an important detail: the opening drive was the Buffaloes’ only scoring possession against Texas Tech.
When asked whether he planned to investigate or discipline anyone responsible, Sanders dismissed the idea.
Coach Prime on Colorado’s opening script being leaked before the Texas Tech game: “That happens sometimes… I think we scored on the first drive so I guess it didn’t work” https://t.co/dJBV40d7gN
— DNVR Buffs (@DNVR_Buffs) October 13, 2026
“Why would we? It’s over, Sanders said. “We probably know more than you think we do.”
He said the incident was a mistake, noting that similar situations occur at both the professional and collegiate levels. Sanders also questioned whether an opposing coach would even trust a leaked script. He suggested the material could have been deliberately planted or otherwise inaccurate, making it difficult to know whether the information was legitimate.
That possibility is worth considering. However, it does not eliminate the need to determine how the material became public in the first place. Sanders’ response to dismiss criticism rather than engage is concerning.
The issue is not simply whether Colorado lost because of the leaked plays. It is whether the program has been compromised.
Sanders and the Buffs need a win to quiet the growing criticism. Colorado has limited opportunities to prove it can compete with ranked opponents, and another disappointing performance would only heat up Coach Prime’s hot seat. However, Sanders appears content to move on. Whether that confidence is justified will ultimately be determined on the field.
Colorado hosts No. 11 Utah on Saturday at 10:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.