Paul Finebaum reveals what a successful season looks like for Deion Sanders, Colorado

There are plenty of question marks surrounding Colorado as it enters the 2025 campaign without stars Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders. During an appearance on First Take on Tuesday, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum revealed what he believes would be a successful season for Colorado head coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes.

“Seven or eight wins would be considered very good, and I think getting to a bowl game,” Finebaum said. “The most important thing right now is his health. And I know that’s a common feeling of all of us here, but he has a lot more important things to deal with than just not coaching his son.

“I think the public is watching him and cheering for him, perhaps like they have never before. So, I don’t think the curve is going to be nearly as steep as it was last year when he had Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders.”

In July, Sanders announced he’d had bladder cancer and had undergone surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. The college football world poured out support for the 58-year-old head coach, who’s had previous health issues.

Now, Sanders is preparing for his third season at the helm of Colorado and the country is supporting his bounce-back story. Alas, fans aren’t sure what to expect from the Buffaloes’ new roster.

The team’s two best players from last season are gone and they’re not the only ones. Colorado is returning just eight starters from last season. The program reeled in 31 transfers this offseason to soften the blow of its losses.

However, only time will tell if those players are up to the task. After all, they have big shoes to fill after Colorado posted a 9-4 record last season and were in College Football Playoff contention until the end of the regular season.

Colorado will immediately be put to the test this season. The Buffaloes are facing off against Georgia Tech in their season-opener. Finebaum believes the showdown will have significant implications for the rest of Colorado’s season.

“The problem is really the back end of that schedule,” Finebaum said. “Away against Georgia Tech, like some of his early season wins, is going to propel the enthusiasm and the interest. And one thing is certain, whether this is a great team or not, they’re selling out. They are going to be must-see TV.

“I know everybody’s made a big deal about Belichick, but Prime is still the attraction, in terms of outside of CFP teams. I think that Georgia Tech win on that Friday night would be critical to get that win.”

Colorado and Georgia Tech will square off at 8 p.m. ET on Aug. 29. The game will air live on ESPN.