Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Dominiq Ponder died at age 23, head coach Deion Sanders announced Sunday. Ponder, a third-year sophomore from Opa Locka, Florida, had transferred to Colorado from Bethune-Cookman after two seasons with the Wildcats. The 23-year-old appeared in two games for Colorado last season, recording two rushes and one pass attempt.

Ponder did not play in 2024 but was part of the Buffaloes program. Coach Sanders expressed his grief on social media, calling Ponder "one of my favorites" and praising him as "Loved, Respected & a Born Leader." The cause of death has not been released. Ponder's college journey included stops at Carol City High School, Naples High School in Florida, and Myrtle Beach Collegiate Academy in South Carolina before joining Bethune-Cookman.

Colorado was set to open spring practice Monday in Boulder, though it's unclear how Ponder's death might affect team preparations. The 6-foot-1 quarterback's sudden passing leaves the Colorado football community mourning a young player who had yet to fully showcase his potential at the FBS level.