University of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders dismissed reports on Tuesday that a leaked playbook contributed to the team’s 29-7 loss against No. 10 Texas Tech on Oct. 3, 2026. Sanders characterized the event as a minor incident that would not be further investigated, stating that the game was over and the team had moved forward.
The reports originated from a Red Raider Sports message board, where users posted images of offensive plays reportedly found at the Omni Interlocken Hotel, where Colorado stays before home games. The documents reportedly matched the plays the Buffaloes executed during their opening drive. Colorado scored on that nine-play, 75-yard drive before Texas Tech responded with 29 unanswered points.
During a Tuesday press conference, Sanders questioned the authenticity of the find, suggesting an opposing coach would likely view such a document as a trap. He noted that even if a team possessed an opponent's script, they would still be required to execute defensive stops. Sanders stated that similar leaks occur at both the professional and collegiate levels and emphasized that Colorado's successful first drive suggested the leak did not hinder their performance.
The scale of the loss was attributed by Sanders to 19 points resulting from team errors, including a "pick-6" interception return for a touchdown by Texas Tech linebacker John Curry. Individual student-athletes are directly impacted by performance decisions following the game; quarterback Isaac Wilson, who threw three interceptions in the loss, will remain the starter for the next game. The team also experienced failures in special teams, including two missed field goals and a failed fake punt, which Sanders attributed to personnel execution rather than schematic flaws.
Looking ahead, the Buffaloes are scheduled to face No. 11 Utah (5-0) on Saturday night at Folsom Field. The Colorado offense currently averages 18.6 points per game, which ranks last in the Big 12 conference. Sanders indicated that the coaching staff will focus on personnel adjustments to address recent performance issues rather than conducting an inquiry into the hotel document incident.