Colorado head football coach Deion Sanders has found himself in a bit of hot water during the 2024 season, as reports indicate he committed a minor violation of NCAA rules. The issue arose when Sanders mentioned elite 2025 quarterback recruit Julian “JuJu” Lewis during a livestream of his weekly coaches show. This incident has sparked conversations about the importance of adhering to recruitment regulations in college football.
Colorado self-reports five other minor violations from 2023-24 seasons
In addition to the recent violation involving Lewis, the Colorado athletic department has self-reported five other minor infractions from the 2023-24 seasons. One notable incident occurred in late 2023 when a recent signee interacted with a Buffaloes player and his brother during a vacation in Florida, which fell within a recruiting dead period as defined by the NCAA. Such interactions can be tricky, and this situation serves as a reminder of the strict guidelines surrounding recruitment.
Another violation took place in September 2023, when a recruit attended a go-kart event that cost $67. NCAA rule 13.6.7.4 limits the cost of entertainment for recruits to $60. To rectify this issue, the recruit was declared ineligible for competition until the $7 difference was repaid to a charity. This highlights how even small oversights can have significant consequences in the world of college football.
Why Deion Sanders, Colorado were cited for minor recruiting violations
The violation involving Lewis occurred in November, just before he could officially sign with the Buffaloes on the first day of the early signing period (Dec. 4). During a weekly coaches show, Sanders or another member of the show mentioned Lewis’ name twice in the days following Lewis’ Nov. 21 commitment to Colorado. NCAA rules are clear: coaches and schools are prohibited from publicizing or commenting on recruits before they officially sign. This violation was one of six self-reported infractions processed by the Colorado football program in 2024.
The first mention of Lewis came on the very day he committed, when the show’s host, Mark Johnson, referenced the day’s big news without specifically naming Lewis. This prompted Sanders to share his recruitment strategy, where he directly mentioned “JuJu,” Lewis’ nickname. “Hey, get JuJu on the phone and get his pop on the phone,” Sanders said, illustrating his approach to recruiting Lewis. Such candid remarks can be seen as a breach of NCAA protocol, even if unintentional.
Following this incident, the coaches show was promptly taken down from the program’s YouTube channel. However, the next week brought another challenge. A new host, not employed by the school, mentioned Lewis in a question about bowl preparation. Although Sanders didn’t specifically say Lewis’ name in this instance, the interjection of a university employee to quickly change the subject was not enough to avoid scrutiny. The show was removed from YouTube in less than an hour, demonstrating the swift action taken by the athletic department in response to potential violations.
Corrective measures and institutional controls
In light of the violations, the Colorado athletic department self-reported the incidents and has taken steps to ensure compliance moving forward. They have removed the problematic shows from the internet and imposed “corrective measures” such as additional rules education for Sanders and a reduction of four in-person recruiting days during the Spring 2025 contact period. This proactive approach underscores the importance of maintaining integrity in college football recruitment.
Furthermore, Colorado has committed to “implement new institutional controls on the football weekly coaches show.” According to their report to the NCAA, the content will no longer be livestreamed. This change allows external relations personnel to review and edit content that could be construed as impermissible publicity of recruits, ensuring that future broadcasts adhere to NCAA regulations.
“This time the show was pulled off YouTube within less than an hour,” the school’s report noted, clarifying that both mentions of Lewis were unintentional and “not a direct effort to gain any recruiting advantage.” It’s essential for programs to recognize the fine line they walk when discussing recruits, as even casual mentions can lead to significant repercussions.
The bigger picture in college football recruitment
As college football continues to evolve, the landscape of recruitment becomes increasingly complex. Coaches like Sanders are under constant scrutiny, and even minor infractions can lead to larger consequences for their programs. The NCAA’s regulations are designed to maintain a level playing field, but they also require coaches to navigate a minefield of rules and guidelines.
With the stakes higher than ever, it’s crucial for coaches and athletic departments to stay informed and compliant. The incidents involving Colorado serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in recruitment practices. As fans, we must appreciate the dedication and hard work that goes into building a successful college football program, while also recognizing the challenges that come with it.
In the end, these violations, while minor, highlight the ongoing need for education and awareness in the world of college football recruitment. As the Buffaloes look to move forward, they will undoubtedly learn from these experiences and strive to uphold the integrity of the sport. After all, college football is about more than just wins and losses; it’s about building a legacy and fostering the next generation of talent.
