Colorado QB Dominiq Ponder Dies at 23 After Early Morning Crash

BOULDER, Colorado, March 2, 2026 – University of Colorado backup quarterback Dominiq Ponder has died at the age of 23 following a single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning, university officials confirmed.

The Colorado State Patrol said a 23-year-old man was killed in a crash in Boulder County around 3am on March 1. Authorities did not immediately release the name, but the university later confirmed that Ponder was the victim.

Details of the Crash

According to Patrol Sergeant Ivan Alvarado, the driver was operating a 2023 Tesla westbound on Baseline Road near Newland Court. While navigating a right-hand curve, the vehicle reportedly lost control.

Officials said the car crossed into the eastbound lanes, broke through a guardrail, struck an electrical pole, and rolled at least once. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

Tributes Pour In

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders shared an emotional message on social media.

“God please comfort the Ponder family, friends & loved ones,” Sanders wrote. “Dom was one of my favourites. He was loved, respected and a born leader.”

Teammate Colton Allen also posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, describing Ponder as a blessing who brought joy to those around him.

Football Journey

Ponder served as a fourth-string quarterback for Colorado during the 2025 season. He appeared in two games after redshirting at Bethune-Cookman University in 2023.

He joined Colorado in 2024 as a non-scholarship player and was expected to be a junior in the 2026 season.

Before college, Ponder played high school football at Carol City High School in Opa-locka, Florida. He was known among teammates as one of Sanders’ “Florida boys” in Boulder.

University Response

The university’s athletic department said counseling resources are being made available to student-athletes and staff during what it called “a time of unimaginable loss.”

Athletic Director Rick George said the entire CU Athletics family is devastated. He described Ponder as someone who showed passion, leadership, and toughness both on and off the field.

The tragic news comes just one day before Colorado was scheduled to open spring football practice on March 2.