TCU AD Jeremiah Donati excited to share opening day spotlight with Coach Prime’s CU Buffs

When Colorado visits TCU for the football season opener, there will be no question where Jeremiah Donati’s allegiance lies.
The TCU athletic director does, however, have a unique perspective and appreciation for the CU program.
Coming off a national runner-up finish last season, TCU will host CU in the first game of the Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders era on Sept. 2 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. The game has been selected for Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff spot, with a 10 a.m. MT start and Donati is excited to be involved in the showcase event.
“It’s a massive stage. It’s a massive opportunity for both programs,” Donati said in an interview with BuffZone at Big 12 media days last week.
“We’re really just anxious to get back and play again. There’s a little bad taste in our mouth from the way the season ended. It didn’t end the way we wanted it to and that’s good motivation to build on that and to hopefully get back there sooner than later. It starts with Colorado and we know they’re going to be better. We know they’ve done quite a lot of work in the offseason from coaches and player personnel. We know we’ll have our hands full, but we’re just kind of looking forward to it.”
TCU (13-2 last year) had a magical run to the national title game last year, but was blown out by Georgia, 65-7, in the final game. CU is coming off a 1-11 season, but hired Sanders in December to completely change the outlook for its program.
Colorado football coach, Deion Sanders, enters Folsom Field during the University of Colorado Spring football game on April 22, 2023. (Cliff Grassmick/Staff Photographer)
Colorado football coach, Deion Sanders, enters Folsom Field during the University of Colorado Spring football game on April 22, 2023. (Cliff Grassmick/Staff Photographer)
Donati has watched the first eight months of the Prime era with interest because he has family ties to CU and not long ago interviewed Sanders for the head coaching job at TCU.
“(Colorado AD) Rick George is a good friend and I’m really happy for him and the turn they’ve made,” said Donati, whose sister, brother-in-law and uncle all went to CU. “I’m very familiar with CU’s program, with Boulder and I was there for a lot of great football. So, I’m excited for those fans and for that community to have the momentum that Coach Prime has brought. So, we’re happy to be the first ones to officially welcome him (to the Power 5).”
Donati knows a bit about what CU is getting in Coach Prime, as well. During the 2021 season, TCU made the decision to part ways with longtime coach Gary Patterson. In the hiring process, Donati interviewed Sanders, a former Dallas Cowboys star who was the head coach at Jackson State at the time.
Donati eventually hired Sonny Dykes, who orchestrated last year’s remarkable run, but was very intrigued by Sanders.
“First of all, I was blown away by him,” Donati said. “His vision, his energy, Xs and Os. His mindset on what a winning program could look like at TCU. Candidly, he could very well have done the job. Sonny, obviously, we just felt was a better fit in that moment. But I was blown away by (Sanders) and actually spoke to a couple of athletic directors about him afterwards saying that I would strongly recommend him.”
Donati said he hasn’t spoken to Sanders since that process, but looks forward to seeing him in Fort Worth.
“I’ll make sure to go and see him on the sidelines before the game when they come visit Labor Day weekend,” he said. “He’s a man of great integrity, great character. You just can’t help but be motivated and excited about things when you’re in the middle of it. So our interview was incredibly enlightening. I found his vision to be very compelling and, obviously, he shared that and brought that to CU, as well.”
Donati is also excited to welcome CU fans who make the trek to Fort Worth for the game.
“Fort Worth is an unbelievable town,” he said. “Big city, small town, but between the Stockyards and all the things to do … the Rangers are right across the street and there’s just a lot of great concert venues. I don’t know if there’s a better place for live music and food in the country than right here in DFW, but specifically Fort Worth, Texas. (CU fans) are gonna love it. Every fan base that travels to TCU for a game leaves wanting to come back. Right now CU is not on the schedule in the future, but you never know.”