Deion Sanders evaluates four Colorado Buffaloes for larger roles
Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders faces a 2-3 record and a three-game losing streak following a 29-7 defeat against Texas Tech, prompting an evaluation of freshman quarterback Kaneal Sweetwyne, running back Damian Henderson II, offensive lineman Xavier Payne, and defensive back Naeten Mitchell for larger roles before the team hosts Utah on October 17, 2026.
Evaluating Freshman Quarterback Kaneal Sweetwyne
Sweetwyne logged limited action against Texas Tech, completing a seven-yard pass on the opening snap after lining up at receiver and later throwing an incomplete pass on fourth down from the Red Raiders’ four-yard line late in the game. Those two throws do not establish readiness to lead the offense, but the performance justifies extended practice evaluation during the bye week to judge his reads, timing, and ball security.
Older quarterbacks Isaac Wilson and Julian Lewis have started games this season without sustaining enough scoring during the team’s current slump. Giving Sweetwyne work beyond a specialized package allows the coaching staff to determine whether his presence can support whichever quarterback claims the starting assignment next.
Expanding Damian Henderson II In The Ground Game
Running back Damian Henderson II gained 19 yards on three carries against Texas Tech, including a 12-yard run. That production stands out against the rest of the Colorado running backs, who combined for just 13 yards across 11 attempts.
Henderson also converted a third-and-10 situation with a 20-yard reception while the team trailed 29-9. His second-quarter runs of 12 and five yards occurred while the Buffaloes still held the lead, creating a statistical argument for the coaching staff to evaluate his production across a higher volume of possessions.
Developing Xavier Payne On The Offensive Line
True freshman offensive lineman Xavier Payne made his first career start against Texas Tech, providing 6-foot-7, 320-pound size to an offensive line coached by Gunnar White. The offense managed an average of just 2.4 yards per rush during the matchup, while the team allowed a single sack.
That lone sack statistic fails to capture Payne’s individual assignments across the game. Maintaining his involvement through the bye week gives the newcomer a chance to refine his technique as the coaching staff prepares the line to face Utah.
Balancing Naeten Mitchell Across Defense And Special Teams
Safety Naeten Mitchell recorded five tackles against Texas Tech, highlighted by a four-yard loss on a fourth-and-1 play in the second quarter that immediately regained possession for Colorado after a failed fake punt. Mitchell also carried the ball on that fake punt for a four-yard gain when the team needed seven yards, caught a three-yard pass, and drew a deep target late in the contest.
Defensive coordinator Chris Marve and the coaching staff will use the bye week to balance Mitchell’s offensive touches with his primary defensive responsibilities. Sanders addressed the roster’s outlook following the Texas Tech loss, noting that the final score does not reflect the identity of the players or the program.