There’s more on the line for the Colorado Buffaloes this weekend than snapping a three-game skid in Big 12 conference play. As the Buffaloes prepare to host Iowa State, the broader concern looming over Boulder is the uncertain health of head coach Deion Sanders — and whether the “Coach Prime” era can survive without its namesake leader on the sidelines.

Sanders revealed after Saturday’s loss to TCU that he is once again dealing with blood clots and would be seeing a doctor early in the week. His words — “to see what time it is” — were ominous and sparked fresh concern about his ability to continue coaching. At age 58, Sanders is no stranger to health battles. In the past two years, he has undergone multiple surgeries, including emergency treatment for clots in 2023 and the removal of his bladder this summer due to a tumor.

His latest health concerns raise legitimate questions about the sustainability of Colorado’s meteoric rise in national attention — much of it fueled by Sanders’ charisma, media presence, and cultural clout.

Since Sanders took the helm in 2023, Colorado has become one of the most-watched programs in college football. Four of their games this season aired on ESPN and drew massive national audiences, with Colorado reportedly second only to Oregon in television viewership. All of this came despite the Buffaloes’ modest 2-4 start, showcasing the sheer gravity of Sanders’ influence.

His impact extends beyond the football field, as CU Boulder Chancellor Philip DiStefano stated during Sanders’ hiring.

“Deion Sanders’ stature transcends sports.”

His presence elevated not just the team, but the entire university. The question now is whether that influence can persist if Sanders must step aside to focus on his health.

Sanders’ leg was “throbbing” during the TCU game, a reminder of the chronic pain and circulation issues that have plagued him. His resilience and toughness are undisputed — few would question his commitment to the program — but even the toughest figures sometimes must prioritize their health.

If that day comes, Colorado must be prepared. The university needs a plan to preserve the Coach Prime effect, keeping recruits engaged, maintaining fan interest, and sustaining the energy Sanders brought. It will be no easy task — no one replaces a figure like Deion Sanders — but the future of Colorado football may depend on it.

With a critical home game against Iowa State looming and a health update from Sanders expected soon, the program and its supporters are left in limbo. What comes next for the Buffaloes may depend as much on medical reports as it does on game results.