BOULDER — Colorado head coach Deion Sanders had only praise for Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham ahead of the teams’ matchup on Saturday.
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Oct 11, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders is interviewed by ESPN during a time out in the first quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Sanders, a football legend as both a player and coach, commended Dillingham’s commitment to the ASU program and said he speaks highly of the Sun Devils when discussing options with players who choose not to stay with the Buffaloes.
“Love him to life, man,” Sanders said on Tuesday, according to FOX 10’s Blake Niemann. “One of my classmates… What he’s done with that program is unbelievable. Well deserved, should’ve ran away with [Big 12 Coach of the Year Award], shouldn’t even been close last year.”
Arizona State players celebrate on the field after a win over TCU during a game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Sept. 26, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Sanders’ comments come as the regular season winds down, with both teams heading in different directions. Colorado is out of bowl contention, while Arizona State is hoping to keep its conference championship hopes alive with a win in Boulder. Still, Sanders said he has deep respect for ASU and for Dillingham’s coaching.
During the presser, Sanders also praised Dillingham’s character, especially amid the injuries ASU has dealt with this year. The Sun Devils have lost key players throughout the season but are still guaranteed a bowl berth and a winning record.
That level of resilience, not only from the head coach but from the team as a whole, reflects what Dillingham asks of his players, Sanders said. It’s not about who’s hurt, but whether the team can keep winning despite the losses.
Both coaches have long expressed appreciation for one another, often speaking publicly about the respect they share.
Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham reacts during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
“He is one of my favorites,” said Sanders. “I’m proud and happy for the opportunity to play against this team this week. It’s gonna be fun because I got love for the coach and everything he exudes to that program.”
While Sanders and Dillingham may enjoy coaching against each other, the Sun Devils won’t be focused on only fun. They’re aiming to take a win back home before facing Arizona in the Territorial Cup next week. A victory would help keep them in contention to defend their Big 12 title.
Game Time Announcement:
🆚: Colorado
🗓️: November 22
⏰: 6:00 PM
📍: Boulder, CO
📺: ESPN 2 pic.twitter.com/rWh8C2aUOO— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) November 16, 2025
Both head coaches will be playing for different reasons, but it’s clear that regardless of the outcome, they will continue to respect one another.
Arizona State and Colorado will face off on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 6 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
