Jun 15, 2026, 08:32 AM ET

DENVER - Deion Sanders has long embraced the high-risk elements of athletics throughout his career.

Yet the Colorado coach draws a firm line against gambling in college sports, an issue that has sparked controversy in his conference. Betting has taken center stage after Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby secured a court ruling last week to regain eligibility following an NCAA suspension for wagering on professional and collegiate events. Colorado faces Big 12 opponent Texas Tech on Oct. 3 during homecoming events.

"A player betting on a sport they participate in? Does that not seem off?" Sanders remarked in a recent chat with The Associated Press prior to the Sorsby decision. "Consider it: A teammate is placing bets on the very competition we are about to enter. That feels problematic."

Sanders offers several ideas for updating the sport amid the transfer portal and name, image and likeness opportunities. These include a salary cap to balance NIL resources, appointing a former coach like Nick Saban as commissioner, setting an age minimum, growing the College Football Playoff to 24 squads and firmly opposing betting, a topic he has addressed with his players.

"The essence of the game remains," Sanders noted. "It is simply framed in new ways. With money at stake, individuals often focus on personal gains rather than contributions, which is regrettable."

Bladder cancer diagnosis

Last year, Sanders underwent treatment for bladder cancer that involved reconstructing part of his intestine to serve as a bladder. During Men's Health Month, he collaborates with Depend underwear to promote routine medical visits and introduces "Depend Wake Up Calls," a service offering video messages from Sanders through June.

This spring, Sanders took brief time away from the team to manage blood clots. He reports feeling excellent and having regained his characteristic confidence.

With this comes a fresh perspective, including embracing time off. Sanders recently acquired a beachfront spot in St. Croix alongside his son, Shedeur, who begins his second year as Cleveland Browns quarterback.

"I would never have considered it before, as I rarely travel," the 58-year-old Sanders explained. "Now I am venturing out and enjoying life."

Sanders skipped football camps in Boulder last summer during his cancer care. The Buffaloes ended with a 3-9 record after a prior bowl appearance featuring Shedeur Sanders and Heisman winner Travis Hunter.

This offseason brings a more involved Deion Sanders.

"I have the entire locker room because we chose them," he said. "I reviewed their film and decided these are the players I want. So we pursued them."

The new landscape of college football

Sanders found amusement in how his heavy use of the transfer portal once raised eyebrows.

"Now everyone follows the approach I took," he said. "Yet it seemed unusual at the time, correct?"

He has reviewed conference strategies and legislative ideas for adjusting to the evolving scene. The complexity prompts his call for a strong leader to guide the sport.

"Someone like Coach Saban or other coaches who left not due to inability but frustration with operations," he said.

Sanders supports a salary cap modeled on the NFL.

"This would bring balance," Sanders said. "In the pros, spending limits are equal, and success depends on smart management. College football differs, with one squad spending $40 million against another at $10 million, making the result predictable."

This leads to his suggestion of an age limit.

"A 30-year-old competing against a 21-year-old lacks fairness," he said. "A transfer policy should exist too. Allowing multiple transfers teaches avoidance of challenges instead of resilience."

Regarding NIL, he briefly considered how it might have affected his Florida State days.

"It likely would not have altered much," said Sanders, a hall of famer in both college and pro football. "My path has been solid. I continue forward with high steps, likely in the third quarter of life and ahead by 21 points. Life is good."