BOULDER, Colo. — The University of Colorado football family is reeling after the sudden death of Dominiq Ponder, a 23-year-old junior walk-on quarterback whose presence in the locker room meant far more than any stat line could show.
Head coach Deion Sanders shared the heartbreak publicly on Sunday, asking for prayers for Ponder’s family and calling him “one of my favorites.” Sanders described the young quarterback as loved, respected, and a natural leader. His message carried the kind of weight that goes beyond football. It felt personal.
Ponder had spent the past two seasons with the Buffaloes. He was in the middle of offseason workouts and preparing to begin spring practice with his teammates on Monday. Instead, the program is now preparing to honor one of its own.
Those inside the building say Ponder brought light with him. Offensive coordinator Brennan Marion called him a joy to coach and admitted the loss “hurts.” Running backs coach Johnnie Mack asked for strength and comfort for the Ponder family and the Colorado community. Former kicker Alexander Stoyanovich remembered him as someone who could always spark laughter and lift the mood, no matter the moment.
Ponder’s path to Boulder began in Opa Locka, Florida. He graduated from Carol City High School in 2022 and continued his football journey at Bethune-Cookman for the 2023 season. In 2024, he transferred to Colorado, chasing opportunity and embracing the grind of being a walk-on in a major program.
Over two seasons with the Buffaloes, Ponder appeared in two games. His debut came against Arizona on Nov. 1, 2025. It was a brief appearance, but for a player who earned everything through effort and belief, it mattered.
Now, teammates are left holding onto memories of leadership, energy, and a steady voice in the quarterback room. In a sport built on toughness, the loss has cut deep. The Colorado community continues to mourn, united not just by football, but by the memory of a young man who made his mark in quieter, lasting ways.
