Keyshawn Johnson Predicts Colorado Will Win the Big 12

Former NFL star and ESPN analyst Keyshawn Johnson believes that the Colorado Buffaloes, led by head coach Deion Sanders and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, will win the Big 12 Conference this year.

Former NFL star and ESPN analyst Keyshawn Johnson is bullish on the Colorado Buffaloes' chances of winning the Big 12 Conference this season.

Speaking on ESPN's "First Take," Johnson said, "I got Colorado winning the Big 12. They're for real."

Keyshawn Johnson Predicts Colorado Will Win the Big 12

Johnson's prediction is based on the Buffaloes' strong start to the season. Colorado is 4-1 overall, including 2-0 in Big 12 play. The Buffaloes have wins over Nebraska, Texas A&M, and Cal.

Shedeur Sanders, the son of head coach Deion Sanders, has been a big part of Colorado's success. Sanders leads the nation in touchdown passes with 14 and has a completion percentage of 70.1%.

Keyshawn Johnson Predicts Colorado Will Win the Big 12

The Buffaloes' defense has also been impressive. Colorado is allowing just 17.8 points per game, which is second in the Big 12.

Johnson believes that Deion Sanders has brought a winning mentality to Colorado. Sanders is a College Football Hall of Famer and was a two-time All-American at Florida State.

Keyshawn Johnson Predicts Colorado Will Win the Big 12

"Deion Sanders is a winner," Johnson said. "He knows how to win, and he's going to bring that winning attitude to Colorado."

Johnson's prediction may seem bold, but the Buffaloes have the talent and the coaching to make it happen. Colorado has a favorable schedule down the stretch, and if Sanders can continue to play at a high level, the Buffaloes could be a dark horse to win the Big 12.

* Colorado has not won a conference championship since joining the Pac-12 in 2011. The Buffaloes' last outright conference title came in 2001, when they won the Big 12 North.

* Deion Sanders is in his second season as head coach at Colorado. Sanders led the Buffaloes to a 1-11 record in his first season, but the team has shown significant improvement in 2023.

* Shedeur Sanders is a true freshman, but he has already shown that he is one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Sanders is a five-star recruit and was the nation's top quarterback prospect in the 2023 recruiting class.

* Colorado's defense is led by linebacker Evan Hull. Hull is a two-time All-Pac-12 selection and is one of the best defenders in the conference.

* The Buffaloes have a favorable schedule down the stretch. Colorado's remaining games include Kansas State, Arizona, Utah, Washington State, Oregon State, and Arizona State.

* If Colorado can win the Big 12, it would be a major upset. The Buffaloes are not ranked in the AP Top 25 and are picked to finish fifth in the Big 12 preseason poll.

* However, Johnson believes that Colorado has the potential to be a special team. "This is a program on the rise," Johnson said. "Don't be surprised if they win the Big 12 this year."