BOULDER, Colo. — From around the Centennial state, to around the world, Deion Sanders' positive effect on CU Boulder is spreading.
CU Boulder said interest in becoming a Buff is spreading, too, with applications for next year on the rise – with recruiters being asked constantly, "How can I meet Coach Prime?"
"Oh yeah. Let's go Buffs. We love them," said Jared Preyer, a junior at CU Boulder.
Coach Prime famously ain't hard to find.
"It's definitely been a really big deal," said Maddy Merritt, a junior at CU Boulder.
For the past year, Deion Sanders has been making Buffs games a must watch in Boulder.
"It was exciting this year, better than last year," Preyer said.
"We're already doing like 400% better than we were last year so that's pretty cool," Merritt said.
And thanks to the spotlight from nationally broadcast games, interest in the Buffs is rising around the country, too.
"Of course. I mean, he's big, he's brought a ton of media attention, obviously," said Matthew Baumgartner, a junior at CU Boulder.
Now, it seems Coach Prime is helping ensure CU Boulder ain't hard to find for future students.
According to CU Boulder, applications from potential students to attend the university next year are up more than 25%.
"That's awesome, I mean that's great for the school what he's doing," Baumgartner said. "Twenty-five percent, that's a lot more applications coming in to CU Boulder so obviously he's had a massive impact there."
The university said while you can't measure exactly how much the "Prime Effect" is swaying potential students, many on campus feel the connection is clear.
"I mean, if you have nationally televised games, you'll get more students," Preyer said.
Students are applying to become Buffs from all 50 states and 97 countries. CU Boulder reports international applications are up 38% from last year.
And applications from African American students are up a massive 80%, according to CU Boulder.
Students said they aren't surprised.
"No. Not at all," Preyer said. "I think it's just marketability, so it's pretty cool to see."
And many said it's exciting that the "Prime Effect" could help make Boulder's campus more diverse.
"It would be awesome to see, you know, it would be great to see more diversity," Baumgartner said.
"People coming here, diversity is a big deal. It's healthy. Absolutely, I think that's important," Merritt said.
But with the expected boom in Deion-driven future students, some Buffs said they're already feeling the pinch.
"Yeah, the rent did go up by about $365 total for the whole unit. So we're not happy about that but it's the "Prime Effect" so we gotta deal with it," Preyer said.
With pride in last season's performance and hope for what's ahead, students are ready to see what Coach Prime has in store.
"I'm excited, yeah," Baumgartner said.
"It's pretty good entertainment so we're going to be excited for next year," Preyer said.
"Come to CU Boulder!" Merritt said.
Thursday, Amazon Prime will recognize Deion Sanders's impact on the football team with a docuseries. Coach Prime himself will accept the 2023 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year award Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Sports
