“Dom was one of my favorites! He was Loved, Respected & a Born Leader,” Colorado head coach Deion Sanders said.
BOULDER, Colo. — Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Dominiq Ponder has died at age 23.
The Colorado State Patrol said Ponder was killed in a single-car crash early Sunday morning on Baseline Road in Boulder County.
“God please comfort the Ponder family, friends & Loved ones,” Buffs head coach Deion Sanders said in a social media post Sunday. “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.”
CSP said Ponder was driving a 2023 Tesla Model 3 on Baseline Road near Newland Court at about 3 a.m. when he lost control on a curve. The Tesla hit a guardrail and an electrical pole, rolled, and caught fire, CSP said. Ponder died on the scene. No one else was in the car, CSP said.
Troopers said the preliminary investigation indicates speed may have been a factor in the crash.
Ponder, as a sophomore, played two games for the Buffs during the 2025 season, making his collegiate debut at home against Arizona. He came to Colorado as an undergraduate transfer from Bethune-Cookman University in Florida, his home state. He redshirted his first season at CU.
“The entire CU Athletics family is devastated at the tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder,” Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo said in a statement. “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 said they are making counseling resources available to student athletes and staff.
The Buffs are scheduled to open spring practice Monday.