The Colorado football community is in shock after backup quarterback Dominiq Ponder died early Sunday morning in a devastating car crash. He was just 23.
The University of Colorado confirmed Ponder’s death Sunday evening, hours after the single-car accident in Boulder County. According to the Colorado State Patrol, the crash happened around 3 a.m. on March 1.
Authorities say Ponder was driving a 2023 Tesla westbound on Baseline Road near Newland Court when he lost control while navigating a right-hand curve. The vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane, smashed through a guardrail, struck an electrical pole and rolled at least once before going down an embankment. The car landed upright and caught fire. Ponder was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say speed is suspected to have been a factor in the crash.
The tragic news came just one day before Colorado’s spring football practice was scheduled to begin, leaving teammates and coaches stunned.
Head coach Deion Sanders shared an emotional message on X, calling Ponder “one of my favorites” and describing him as loved, respected and a born leader. “Lord you’re receiving a good one,” Sanders wrote. “Comfort us.”
Teammates also paid tribute. Fellow quarterback Colton Allen wrote on Instagram that Ponder was “a blessing to so many people” and said the loss feels “heavy” and “final.”
Ponder, one of Sanders’ so-called “Florida boys,” played high school football at Carol City High in Opa-locka, Florida, before starting his college career at Bethune-Cookman. He transferred to Colorado in 2024 as a non-scholarship player and served as a fourth-string quarterback in 2025. He appeared in two games last season and would have been a junior in 2026.
Colorado athletic director Fernando Lovo said the entire athletics department is devastated by the loss, praising Ponder’s passion, leadership and toughness. The university is making counseling resources available to players and staff as they process what officials called an “unimaginable loss.”