Colorado Enforces Strict Secrecy at Open Football Practice

Colorado football fans recently had an unusual opportunity to get a glimpse of the 2026 roster before the upcoming season. The open practice was an event announced by Coach Deion Sanders, but it came with strict guidelines. Media and fans who attended received clear instructions prohibiting them from sharing any information about what they observed.

Coach Prime’s Strict Rules

When Sanders invited supporters and media to the practice, the invitation included many restrictions meant to keep other programs from learning about their strategies. The practice was open for viewing but closed for any kind of reporting, recording, or documentation.

This practice is open for viewing purposes only. It is closed for all reporting, recording and documentation purposes.’

No note-taking, photography, videography, or audio recordings were allowed. Attendees even had to leave all recording devices at the gate.

Fans’ and Reporters’ Experience

Before heading into the practice, fans relinquished their phones. Though some social media users grumbled about this inconvenience, most attendees remained positive. The event’s tickets sold out quickly.

Media members who attended were unable to report any details of the practice. Brian Howell from BuffBlitz.com noted how they watched the practice yet couldn’t discuss it due to restrictions. Colorado’s staff had forewarned that nothing observed was reportable.

If you are uncertain whether something is reportable, the answer is that it is not,” the school emphasized.

A Different Approach to Open Practices

Sanders stands out for opening practices to fans and media, ordinarily limited to select portions. Most coaches, like Nick Saban from Alabama, tightly control practice exposure. Sanders’ approach gave attendees a unique experience despite stringent rules.

Attendees could not share any observations about players like quarterback Julian Lewis and others. Colorado ensured that what transpired during practice would remain confidential.