Deion Sanders says Colorado football is ‘not an ATM’ and won’t recruit players with money

Deion Sanders says Colorado football is 'not an ATM' and won't recruit players with money

Colorado football coach Deion Sanders rebuilt the Buffaloes’ roster by importing a significant number of players through the transfer portal, which has earned a reputation from fans associated with buying plays through name, image and likeness.

While Sanders doesn’t shy away from his program having glaring needs, specifically on the offensive line, he said Colorado won’t fix the roster by influencing players with money.

“We’re not an ATM. That’s not gonna happen here,” Sanders told reporters Tuesday. “If you come to Colorado to play football for me and the Colorado Buffaloes, it’s because you really want to play football and receive a wonderful education.

“All the business stuff will be handled on the backend. But we are not an ATM. You’re not coming here to get rich unless you’re really coming here with a plan to go to the NFL and get your degree. Not to come here and be Moneybagg Yo. That’s a rapper, right?”

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The Buffaloes (4-7, 1-7 Pac-12) have improved from their 1-11 finish a season ago, but still have a long way to go entering Saturday’s season-finale against Utah, especially before they transition to the Big 12 for next season. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the coach’s son, has been a revelation but is consistently pressured as Colorado ranks last nationally in sacks allowed this season (54).

Deion Sanders says Colorado football is 'not an ATM' and won't recruit players with money

Colorado closes out its season against Utah on Saturday, as it is short of the six-win qualification to earn a bowl game bid.

“We want players that want us,” Sanders said. “Trying to convince somebody and doing that, being held hostage financially, we ain’t with that. We’re not going to buy anybody whatsoever. We have tremendous needs. I’m pretty sure everybody in the country knows what we need and how much we need. That’s not a secret and recruits are responding.

“Trust me, there’s not a day that goes by that kids aren’t blowing our recruiting staff up. They’re calling and we’re responding.”

Colorado had 71 players enter the transfer portal after Sanders took over, and Sanders said the 2023 season has served as a benchmark to see what needs the team has going forward. The Buffaloes are presumable set to be one of the most active programs in college football in transfer portal recruiting, as they have just nine current high school commitments in their 2024 recruiting class.

Michael Allen Transfer Portal: 5 landing spots for North Carolina State RB ft. Colorado, South Carolina and more

Michael Allen announced that he will not participate in the North Carolina State Wolfpack’s final game of the season and will transfer at the conclusion of the regular season. The true sophomore running back, who joined the Wolfpack as a four-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class, took to X, formerly Twitter, to say:

“After much consideration and discussion with my family, I have decided not to participate in the season’s final game. I will be entering the transfer portal as a true sophomore at the conclusion of the regular season. Thank you Wolfpack Nation for this opportunity.”

Allen has carried the ball just 105 times over his first two seasons, totaling 519 rushing yards and one touchdown. He has added 22 receptions for 163 receiving yards and one touchdown. Here’s a look at five landing spots for the former Wolfpack running back:

Top 5 landing spots for Michael Allen

#1: Colorado Buffaloes

If last offseason is any indication, the Colorado Buffaloes will likely be major players on the transfer market once again. While Deion Sanders’ program took a big step forward in his first season as head coach, there is plenty of work to be done, as evident by their poor second half of the season. While they rank 12th in passing yards, Colorado ranks last among FBS programs in rushing yards. They will likely look to bring in help via the transfer portal and Michael Allen could be a target.

#2: South Carolina Gamecocks

Despite having a top-15 passing offense, the South Carolina Gamecocks have also fielded a bottom-five rushing offense this season. Meanwhile, coach Shane Beamer recruited Michael Allen out of high school. Joining the Gamecocks would likely allow Allen to have a larger role in the offense while staying close to home and playing in front of plenty of eyes in the SEC.

#3: Duke Blue Devils

The Duke Blue Devils have been a strong rushing team, however, leading rusher Jordan Waters is in his final season of eligibility. Coach Mike Elko, who recruited Michael Allen out of high school, will likely be in the market for at least one more running back and could offer the former four-star prospect the opportunity to play close to home.

#4: Virginia Cavaliers

The Virginia Cavaliers are another team that recruited Michael Allen out of high school. They have also been poor at running the football this season and could use a spark in their backfield. Despite his lack of touches, Allen would be amongst the Cavaliers’ leading rushers this season.

#5: Vanderbilt Commodores

The Vanderbilt Commodores are yet another bottom-ten rushing offense. Meanwhile, coach Clark Lea also recruited Michael Allen out of high school. Similar to South Carolina, playing on the SEC stage would allow him to garner the attention of NFL scouts on a weekly basis.