Adam RittenbergMar 1, 2026, 06:51 PM ETCloseCollege football reporter; joined ESPN in 2008. Graduate of Northwestern University.Follow on XMultiple Authors
Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder died early Sunday morning in a single-car crash, according to police. He was 23.
“The entire CU Athletics family is devastated at the tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder,” Colorado athletic director 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.”
According to the Colorado State Patrol, the crash occurred at around 3 a.m. Sunday in Boulder County. Police said Ponder, who was driving a 2023 Tesla Model 3, lost control on a curve, and the car went across the eastbound lane, striking a guardrail and then an electrical line pole, before rolling down an embankment and catching on fire.
Ponder was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said a preliminary investigation “shows that speed is suspected as a factor,” though a full investigation will take place.
Ponder, a third-year sophomore from Opa Locka, Florida, spent the past two seasons with Colorado after transferring from Bethune-Cookman. He appeared in two games last season, recording two rushes and a pass attempt, after not playing for the Buffaloes in 2024.
“Dom was one of my favorites!” Colorado coach Deion Sanders wrote on X. “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.”
Colorado offensive coordinator Brennan Marion reposted Sanders’ statement and called Ponder a joy to be around and coach.
“Getting that call from his dad today didn’t feel real,” Marion posted. “Love you Dom! God cover his family & our team, especially our qb room!”
Ponder played high school football at Carol City and Naples in Florida, and came to Bethune-Cookman from Myrtle Beach Collegiate Academy in South Carolina.
Adam RittenbergMar 1, 2026, 06:51 PM ETCloseCollege football reporter; joined ESPN in 2008. Graduate of Northwestern University.Follow on XMultiple Authors
CloseCollege football reporter; joined ESPN in 2008. Graduate of Northwestern University.Follow on X
Fellow Colorado quarterback Colton Allen also paid tribute to Ponder on Instagram.
The Big 12 Conference also extended its condolences in a social media post.
Colorado is set to open spring practice Monday in Boulder.