Miami RedHawks quarterback Maddox Kopp, formerly with the Colorado Buffaloes, has raised concerns about Deion Sanders’ focus on his son’s development within the football program.
Sanders, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, took over as the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes after a successful tenure at Jackson State. It was widely anticipated that his son, Shedeur, would become the starting quarterback for the Buffaloes.
Given the situation, Kopp decided to transfer to Miami. Eric Prisbell of On3.com reported that Sanders had advised Kopp to make the move, as his role at Colorado would primarily involve assisting in Shedeur’s development.
When Deion was hired, QB Maddox Kopp was told he should transfer. Otherwise, his job would be to help Shedeur be “best he can be.”
Many schools didn’t want to roll the dice on a two-time transfer waiver. Miami (Ohio) did, but waiver was denied. Kopp is now eligible after finals
— Eric Prisbell (@EricPrisbell) December 13, 2023
The rift between Kopp and Sanders became evident during Sanders’ initial meeting with the Colorado players. Maddox Kopp, sitting in the front row, seemingly learned that he had no future with the Buffaloes under Coach Prime’s leadership.
Kopp expressed his disappointment in August on social media, specifically referencing the NCAA’s denial of his waiver request to play in 2023. In his statement, Kopp also alleged that Sanders had made it clear that previous team holdovers were not welcome.
“Coach Prime made it very clear that holdovers from the previous team were not welcome, especially as I am a quarterback, occupying the same position as his son, whom I train with during the offseason. No disrespect to CU or the coach. Just watch the introductory team meeting that garnered 30 million views. I was in the front row.”
Incredibly disappointed in the @NCAA for denying my waiver today. Another case of the NCAA trying to save face and not caring about student-athletes.
For 3 reasons:
1: I have Learning Disabilities and accommodations/evaluations were not made available to me at Colorado. My…— Maddox Kopp (@maddox_kopp) August 11, 2023
During the 2022 season with the Buffaloes, Kopp had limited playing time, appearing in one game against the No. 14 ranked Utah Utes, where he threw for 123 yards and a touchdown.
Despite a promising 3-0 start under Coach Prime, the Buffaloes struggled in the latter part of the season, losing seven of their final eight games and finishing with a 4-8 record.