Sports
Colorado and Deion Sanders are winning in a way few saw coming — quietly
He hasn’t grilled any reporters on whether they believe. None of his postgame interviews have gone viral.
He hasn’t shared a stage with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson or had Lil Wayne lead his team onto the field. His team is garnering around half the TV viewers it did a season ago.
But Deion Sanders and Colorado? The team that finished alone in last place in the Pac-12 last season?
The Buffaloes have been handing out beatings, quietly fielding an improved 5-2 team that has played its way into the thick of the Big 12 title race with five games remaining.
“We’re not who we used to be. But we sure ain’t where we wanna be,” Sanders said Saturday after routing Arizona 34-7 in Tucson.
Shedeur Sanders (2) and wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) have helped Colorado open 3-1 in Big 12 play. (Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images)
Of course, it’s not like he’s avoiding headlines. He did go out of his way to needle former president Barack Obama after Obama told a crowd last Friday in Tucson that Colorado has “a couple good players” and people shouldn’t “bet against the Wildcats.”
“President, I heard what you said. Come on,” Sanders said after the Buffs’ win the next day. “We got more than two good players. … Somebody gave him some great statistics, but President, come on, man. You my man. I love you, appreciate you, but come on, dog.”
It’s easy to go after a former president (and it lands a lot better) when your team is playing the way the Buffaloes have played since a disastrous loss at rival Nebraska in Week 2, when the Cornhuskers ran up a 28-0 halftime lead in a 28-10 win.
Nebraska sacked quarterback Shedeur Sanders six times. The Buffaloes ran for 16 yards. Sanders threw an ugly pick six early in the game and lobbed criticism at his offensive line afterward. It looked a lot like the 4-8 team from a year ago. The season looked like it had the simmering potential to go awry.
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In Deion Sanders’ second year at Colorado, what will resonate most? Results
Since then?
Colorado routed rival Colorado State in Fort Collins, beat Baylor on a miracle Hail Mary and went to UCF as a two-touchdown underdog and won by 27.
It hosted Kansas State, a Big 12 title contender, and rallied from a 10-point, fourth-quarter deficit to take the lead before surrendering a game-winning touchdown pass with just over two minutes to play.
And last week, as an underdog, it went to Arizona and smacked another conference opponent to improve to 3-1 in Big 12 play, with already two more conference wins logged than a season ago.
A bowl game looks near certain. It would be Colorado’s first since going 4-2 in the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season. Competing for a conference title doesn’t appear likely but is still possible. The Buffs are one of six league teams that are undefeated or have one loss in conference play.
Of the remaining games, only the next two — at home against Cincinnati and at Texas Tech — come against teams with more than one conference win this season.
Colorado has done it while weathering a host of injuries to its best position group and best player. Receivers Jimmy Horn Jr. and Travis Hunter — a two-way star who is also the Buffaloes’ best defender and in contention for the Heisman Trophy — have been sidelined. Sophomore receiver Omarion Miller is out for the season.
The offensive line is still the team’s biggest issue. It allowed quarterbacks to be pressured on 36.7 percent of dropbacks last season, which ranked 110th nationally, per TruMedia. This year, with four new starters, it improved to just 100th, at 34 percent.
Despite that though, Shedeur Sanders, one of Deion’s two sons on the team, has kept playing at an elite level. He’s fourth nationally in completion percentage and 16th in passer rating, with 19 touchdowns and six interceptions. Other than the interceptions, his passing numbers are up in every area compared with last season.
Sanders has still been sacked 25 times, more than all but three teams. And in the run game, backs are gaining just 1.29 yards before contact (117th nationally). That number was 1.74 last year, good for 95th.
But despite those continued struggles, Colorado has found something close to a functional running game. Last year, it was a non-factor for the entire season. Since the loss to Nebraska, the Buffs have rushed for at least 90 yards in four of five games after doing that three times all last season. In three of those games, they averaged more than 3.75 yards a carry. The offense did that twice all last season.
The biggest difference, though, has been the addition of transfers on defense such as linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green, cornerback DJ McKinney to start opposite Hunter and edge rusher additions BJ Green II, Samuel Okunlola and Dayon Hayes.
The Buffaloes took 52 scholarship transfers in Sanders’ first offseason and followed it up with 43 this year. One way or another, the defense turned over all but three starters from last year. One of those is Sanders’ son Shilo, who missed three games after breaking his arm in the loss to Nebraska and struggled when he returned in the loss to Kansas State.
“I thought he played horrible,” Deion Sanders said. “I thought he was rusty.”
Sanders brought Shilo with him to his postgame news conference after the win at Arizona, though, and said he was proud of how he rebounded.
Those new faces on defense, combined with first-time coordinator Rob Livingston who arrived from the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason, have revitalized the Buffaloes defense. Livingston had been with the Bengals since 2012 but never called a play.
Last year, Colorado ranked 115th in yards per play and 124th in scoring defense. It gave up 34 points or more in a half four times. More often, it was the Buffs defense being blitzed.
This year, the Buffs are up 53 spots to 62nd nationally in yards per play and 47th in scoring defense, up 77 spots.
Saturday, they sacked Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita seven times and held the Wildcats to a season-low seven points. And they did it playing the second half without Hunter, who sat as a precautionary measure with a shoulder injury.
There were pressing questions about how a team with such a transient roster would hold together after a shaky start against North Dakota State and the beatdown from Nebraska instead of signs this was coming.
But Colorado hasn’t flinched. Instead, it’s playing the best football of the Sanders era by far and racking up wins in a hurry.
Saturday, it faces a Cincinnati team that’s 5-2. A win would put the Buffaloes into a bowl game for just the third time since 2007, in Sanders’ second season after taking over the worst Power 5 team in college football.
Sure, Sanders, behind his Blenders sunglasses, can always shoot back to the forefront of discourse in a second. Continuing to win will do that, too. Though the Buffaloes haven’t stirred the same fascination and aren’t the same television draw as they were a season ago, on the field, they’ve offered far more substance.
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(Top photo: The Washington Post via Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Rams star Puka Nacua has been sued for alleged assault and battery by a woman who alleges he bit her on the shoulder on New Year’s Eve and made an antisemitic remark.
The lawsuit was filed this week in Los Angeles, according to TMZ. The suit also cites gender violence and negligence.
Plaintiff Madison Atiabi and her attorney, Joseph Kar, claim Nacua made an antisemitic exclamation that emotionally distressed her when they were together in Century City.
She says Nacua bit her and left teeth marks on her shoulder when they were in a van together later in the night, and she claims Nacua also bit her friend’s thumb.
Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium on Sept. 28, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, has already strongly denied Nacua made any antisemitic statements. He described the bites as “horseplay.”
McCathern, said “the whole claim is nothing more than a shakedown attempt” and that the bite “left nothing more than a temporary mark,” according to TMZ.
Nacua previously apologized for performing an “antisemitic” act on a YouTube stream in December. Nacua discussed touchdown celebrations on YouTuber Adin Ross’ stream.
RAMS STAR PUKA NACUA ACCUSED OF BITING WOMAN, MAKING ANTISEMITIC REMARKS: REPORT
NFL Network reporter Jamie Erdahl interviews Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua after a game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium Dec. 28, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
Many, however, believed the celebration perpetuated a harmful anti-Jewish stereotype.
In the video, Ross instructed Nacua to spike the ball, flex and then rub his hands together. Ross, who is Jewish, has referred to the movement as his own “dance” or “emote.”
Nacua received pushback and issued an apology.
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Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams runs downfield during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium Oct. 2, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
“When I appeared the other day on a social media livestream, it was suggested to me to perform a specific movement as part of my next touchdown celebration. At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people,” Nacua said in a “Stand Up to Jewish Hate” graphic.
“I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Two future high major-league draft picks, Anthony Murphy of Corona and Striker Pence of Corona Santiago, showed off their talents Wednesday. Corona rallied for a 9-7 victory.
Pence, who touched 99 mph, struck out Murphy for one of his six strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings. He left the game with a 3-2 lead. Then Murphy hit a home run off Pence’s replacement, Thomas Padilla, to tie the score. Murphy was on the mound in the seventh to strike out Pence and get the save. Pence finished with two RBI singles.
“Those are two amazing baseball players and what a treat for them to get after it,” Corona coach Andy Wise said.
Striker Pence of Corona Santiago gets excited against Corona.
(Craig Weston)
The two attended middle school together. Murphy, a senior center fielder, is shaping up as a potential first-round pick. Pence, a sophomore, might reclassify to be eligible for the 2027 draft.
Errors played a big part in the game. Corona committed three errors, making it 20 errors in its last three games. An error by Santiago opened the door for a six-run sixth by the Panthers. Danny De La Torre had the big hit, a two-run double. He had two doubles on the day.
Corona’s defense is expected to get a lot better come Friday when infielders Joseph Flores and Kobee Finnikin become eligible after the sit-out transfer period ends.
Southern California teams got their first chance to show how good Southern California baseball is during Wednesday’s opening games of the National High School Invitational in Cary, N.C. Three came away with dominant wins. Aquinas was the only local school to come up short, losing to Tennessee Baylor 9-6.
Orange Lutheran received 16 strikeouts from Gary Morse, tying a tournament record, in a 3-0 win over Colorado Regis.
Unbeaten St. John Bosco (8-0) got two hits and two RBIs from Jack Champlin in a 14-1 win over Tennessee Nolensville.
Harvard-Westlake took care of North Carolina Wakefield 16-0 in five innings. Justin Kirchner struck out 10 and Ethan Price had three hits.
In the quarterfinals on Thursday, Harvard-Westlake will play Florida Venice, Orange Lutheran will face Florida Trinity Christian Academy and St. John Bosco will take on Arizona Casteel.
Servite 11, Santa Margarita 2: Eli Rubel had a triple, double and three RBIs for the Friars.
Tesoro 2, Aliso Niguel 1: Corwin Allard threw a complete game with six strikeouts and one walk for Tesoro.
Newport Harbor 8, Edison 2: Keaton Anderson struck out four in six innings. Grant Horsley had two hits.
Huntington Beach 8, Edison 4: Dane Cunningham, Ely Mason and Jaxon Greer hit home runs for Huntington Beach. Cunningham had three hits.
Villa Park 13, Foothill 0: Aiden Young went four for four with five RBIs and Logan Hoppie threw the shutout.
Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 11, Crespi 1: AJ LaSota struck out five, walked none and gave up two hits in five scoreless innings. Troy Trejo and Benett Pace each had two hits and two RBIs. Freshman Anthony Daniel had three hits.
Bishop Alemany 5, St. Francis 1: Matthew Serrano gave up two hits in six innings and Alex Noble contributed three hits for the Warriors.
Sierra Canyon 11, Chaminade 2: Brayden Goldstein went three for three with three RBIs.
Hart 3, Ventura 2: Jaiden Chan had the walk-off hit for Hart. Malachi Wobrock threw a complete game.
West Ranch 11, Canyon 1: Blake Johnson hit a three-run home run for West Ranch. Josh Price had two hits and four RBIs.
Saugus 11, Valencia 2: Joey Nuttall finished with three hits for Saugus. Logan Feldman added four RBIs.
Simi Valley 11, Camarillo 1: Ryan Whitson and Kai Stones each had three RBIs for Simi Valley.
Rancho Christian 3, Valley View 2: Jake Brande struck out 10 in a complete game.
South Torrance 5, El Segundo 3: Leadoff hitter Owen Rhodes finished with three hits for South Torrance.
Monroe 2, Vaughn 0: The Vikings improved to 12-0 behind pitcher Miguel Gonzalez.
Ayala 9, Glendora 1: Caleb Trugman struck out 11 for Ayala.
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The New Orleans Saints have reportedly made an addition to their quarterback room.
The team signed Zach Wilson to a one-year contract, according to multiple reports.
Wilson, 26, spent last season with the Miami Dolphins and will serve as the backup quarterback to Tyler Shough.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Zach Wilson looks to throw a pass against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Jan. 4, 2026. (Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images)
The Saints will be Wilson’s fourth team in four seasons. He spent the first three years of his career with the New York Jets after being selected with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.
After three disappointing seasons with the Jets, they traded him to the Denver Broncos in April 2024. The Broncos declined Wilson’s fifth-year option, and after the season he signed with the Dolphins.
Wilson has seen little game action over the last two seasons, not playing at all with the Broncos in 2024. With the Dolphins last season, he appeared in four games, completing 6 of 11 passes for 32 yards.
COWBOYS STAR DAK PRESCOTT’S EX POSTS ABOUT ‘GROWTH’ DAYS AFTER COUPLE SPLIT BEFORE WEDDING
Miami Dolphins quarterbacks Zach Wilson and Tua Tagovailoa talk on the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 15, 2025. (Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images)
With the Jets, Wilson started 33 games, going 12-21 while completing 57% of his passes for 6,293 yards with 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions.
Wilson will join Shough and 2024 fourth-round pick Spencer Rattler in the quarterback room.
Shough impressed in his nine starts last season. The Saints went 5-4 in his starts while Shough completed 67.6% of his passes for 2,384 yards with 10 touchdowns with six interceptions, while rushing for 186 yards and three touchdowns.
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Miami Dolphins quarterback Zach Wilson looks to throw a pass against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Jan. 4, 2026. (Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images)
However, Shough battled numerous injuries throughout his college career. He sustained a broken left collarbone in 2021, re-injured that same collarbone in 2022, and broke his fibula in 2023.
The Saints hope he remains healthy as they look to win the NFC South next season and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
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