Colorado University Athletics
CU Athletics Mourns the Loss of Football Student-Athlete Dominiq Ponder
March 01, 2026 | Football
BOULDER—The University of Colorado Athletic Department is heartbroken over the loss of Dominiq Ponder, who passed away tragically in a car accident early Sunday morning.
Ponder, a junior from Opa Locka, Florida, was entering his third season as a quarterback for the Buffaloes. He played in two games during the 2025 season and made his collegiate debut against Arizona. Ponder came to Colorado as a transfer from Bethune-Cookman and then Georgia Tech and redshirted his first season at CU.
His family has requested privacy during this time.
"God, please comfort the entire Ponder family during this difficult time," said Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders. "Dominiq was one of my favorites because of his passion, his heart and his willingness to go beyond what was asked. He will certainly be remembered, missed, and in our thoughts and prayers."
"The entire CU Athletics family is devastated at the tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder," said Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo. "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."
CU Athletics is making counseling resources available to student-athletes and staff to assist during this time of unimaginable loss.
Ponder, a junior from Opa Locka, Florida, was entering his third season as a quarterback for the Buffaloes. He played in two games during the 2025 season and made his collegiate debut against Arizona. Ponder came to Colorado as a transfer from Bethune-Cookman and then Georgia Tech and redshirted his first season at CU.
His family has requested privacy during this time.
"God, please comfort the entire Ponder family during this difficult time," said Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders. "Dominiq was one of my favorites because of his passion, his heart and his willingness to go beyond what was asked. He will certainly be remembered, missed, and in our thoughts and prayers."
"The entire CU Athletics family is devastated at the tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder," said Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo. "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."
CU Athletics is making counseling resources available to student-athletes and staff to assist during this time of unimaginable loss.
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