Dominiq Ponder, Colorado’s quarterback, died early Sunday morning in a single-car crash according to police reports.
Ponder was 23 years old.
The quarterback spent his final two seasons with Colorado after transferring from Bethune-Cookman. He appeared in two games during the 2025 season, attempting one pass and rushing twice for the Buffaloes.
Fatal crash occurs in Boulder County
Ponder lost control of his 2023 Tesla Model 3 around a curve at approximately 3 a.m. Sunday, March 1, in Boulder County. Police reports indicate the vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane before striking a guardrail.
The car then hit an electrical pole and rolled down an embankment before catching fire.
Ponder was pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary investigation suggests speed was a factor in the accident, though a thorough investigation remains ongoing.
From the Colorado State Patrol, on the single-vehicle crash early Sunday that claimed the life of Colorado football player Dominiq Ponder, 23. pic.twitter.com/QhB61JOHZO
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) March 2, 2026
Sanders announces death on social media
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders first confirmed the news Sunday evening through his official X account. Sanders posted a statement remembering his quarterback.
“God please comfort the Ponder family, friends & Loved ones. Dom was one of my favorites! He was Loved, Respected & a Born Leader. Let’s pray for all that knew him & had the opportunity to be in his presence. Lord you’re receiving a good 1. Comfort us Lord Comfort us.”
God please comfort the Ponder family, friends & Loved ones. Dom was one of my favorites! He was Loved, Respected & a Born Leader. Let’s pray for all that knew him & had the opportunity to be in his presence. Lord you’re receiving a good 1. Comfort us Lord Comfort us. #CoachPrime pic.twitter.com/2R7BAVyZ8u
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) March 1, 2026
College football community responds
Teammates and coaches shared tributes across social media following the announcement of Ponder’s death.
Colorado offensive coordinator Brennan Marion posted about receiving the call from Ponder’s father.
A joy to be around & coach! gonna be tough but man this one hurts Lord, getting that call from his dad today didn’t feel real. Love you Dom! God cover his family & our team, especially our qb room! 22 https://t.co/Cw5smDqMdc
— Coach Marion (@BrennanMarion4) March 1, 2026
Quarterback Colton Allen shared a tribute on Instagram remembering his teammate.
The Big 12 Conference released an official statement extending condolences to Ponder’s family.
The Big 12 Conference is deeply saddened by the passing of Colorado football student-athlete Dominiq Ponder.
We extend our condolences to the Ponder family and Dominiq’s loved ones. Our thoughts are with the entire CU community during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/W7v2MyBZKl
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) March 2, 2026
Conference opponent West Virginia also offered support to the Colorado program.
West Virginia Football is keeping the Colorado football program, the Ponder family and everyone who loved Dominiq in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. https://t.co/KQEnj5HkVU
— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) March 2, 2026
University mourns student-athlete
The University of Colorado’s football program posted an official tribute to their quarterback.
The Colorado Football family mourns the passing of Dominiq Ponder.
We honor his life, his spirit, and the light he brought to Boulder.
Forever a Buffalo.https://t.co/FwASG1uM8I pic.twitter.com/yGSLOXZCYC
— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) March 2, 2026
Athletic Director Fernando Lovo released a statement praising Ponder’s character.
“The entire CU Athletics family is devastated at the tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder. He epitomized the values of passion, enthusiasm, leadership, toughness, and intelligence that were revered by his teammates and coaches alike. Our hearts go out to his family and all of his teammates during this difficult time.”
Offensive analyst Justin Houlihan described coaching Ponder as a pleasure.
It was a pleasure to get to coach Dom for the last couple of months. A dedicated leader, loved by so many and was a light for our QB room and Team. A joy to be around every single day. Devastated. God please put your love over Dom’s family and our community. https://t.co/XVDvhTExpQ
— Justin Houlihan (@CoachHouli) March 2, 2026
Former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, now with the Cleveland Browns, posted “Hurt about this” with a broken heart emoji on his Instagram story.
