Colorado Sets Applications Record After Deion Sanders' First Season
Business is booming at the University of Colorado, and there is one man might who might be playing a significant role:
Sanders brought a massive spotlight to the university after being hired as the head coach of the Buffaloes. While the football team had a very disappointing 4-8 first season under his leadership, there's no question he generated an incredible amount of attention for the school in Boulder.
Now, applications at the school are at a record high.
Deion Sanders went 4-8 in his first season at Colorado. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
University of Colorado receives record number of applications.
The University of Colorado received a staggering 68,000 applications from prospective students for the fall of 2024, according to the Daily Camera.
That's a 20% increase from last year. Most interestingly, applications from black students are up more than 50%. However, the school is a bit hesitant to give Primetime all the credit.
"No doubt the exposure that CU Boulder has received since Coach Prime was hired has been tremendous. It obviously showcases that a number of our national media outlets are attracting applicants from all over the world, but it’s really difficult for us to draw that causational line between Coach Prime and this application increase," Jennifer Ziegenfus, assistant vice chancellor of admissions, told the Daily Camera when discussing the uptick in applications.
Is Deion Sanders responsible for Colorado's record applications? (Credit: Christopher Creveling-USA TODAY Sports)
Let me go ahead and stomp out any doubt, despite it being "really difficult" for UC to draw a direct line. Deion Sanders has had a MONSTER impact on the school and its brand.
Nobody outside of Colorado cared about the Buffaloes prior to Sanders arriving. He showed up and Boulder was flooded with national media attention.
GameDay and Big Noon Kickoff both made trips out west to watch the Buffs play. That wouldn't have ever happened without him.
Now, is he solely responsible for the record number of applications? Of course not, but it's not a secret having an exciting football team is great for the school. There's no better example than what Nick Saban did at Alabama. Kids from New York, Chicago and Los Angeles weren't rushing to Tuscaloosa prior to his arrival.
Deion Sanders brought new energy to Boulder. (Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports)
Now, more than 67% of the University of Alabama reportedly comes from out of state. You can absolutely draw a direct line from sports to interest in the school from potential students.