Fran Brown says Syracuse-Colorado spring game 'possibly' happens in 2026: 'There'll be a chance'

Last spring, Syracuse coach Fran Brown and Colorado coach Deion Sanders had an idea to play a joint spring game. It required NCAA approval, though the FBS Oversight Committee opted not to recommend a waiver for it to take place.

However, Brown is optimistic that might not be the case next year. He said the game could “possibly” happen in 2026.

Brown shared his optimism during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show Wednesday afternoon. He’s hopeful the joint game will take place after last year’s failed attempt to have Syracuse take on Colorado.

“We were trying to get a spring game to play against each other,” Brown said. “I think it’s going to go through next year, possibly. There’ll be a chance.”

Sanders first floated the idea of Colorado playing another team last spring, and Brown jumped at the opportunity to throw Syracuse’s hat in the ring. Such a move needed a sign-off from the NCAA, and though both sides were hopeful, it didn’t happen.

Afterward, Brown joked the idea should have come from Bill O’Brien and Bill Belichick to have a higher chance of approval. He quickly made it very clear he was kidding and understood why the NCAA made its decision.

Fran Brown ‘thankful’ for bond with Deion Sanders

But Fran Brown also saw an opportunity to work closely with Coach Prime to bring the game to reality. They share a close bond, and Brown said he doesn’t take that relationship for granted.

“Prime is one tough guy, man,” Brown said. “Just all the stuff that he’s dealing with and that he’s dealt with, and he just overcomes it because of his Lord and savior. He’s been a huge guy in my corner that I can just call and talk to and just ask him different questions. He just tells you the truth. He tells you when you’re right, he tells you when you’re wrong. But he always lets you know he’s praying for you and makes sure he tells you he loves you before you hang up.

“But I think he’s doing an amazing job down there. He’s developing young men, he’s teaching them everything that he’s supposed to. Who could you learn the game from more than arguably the best athlete to ever walk this earth? One of them. I’m very thankful to have him in my corner to be able to talk to him.”