Dominiq Ponder, a 23‑year‑old quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes, died in a single‑car crash in Boulder County in the early hours of Sunday, March 1, 2026.
According to the Police and the Colorado State Patrol, Dominiq was driving a 2023 Tesla Model 3 around 3 a.m. when he lost control on a curve in Boulder County. The car crossed into the opposite lane, struck a guardrail and then an electrical/utility pole, rolled down an embankment, and caught fire.
He was the only person in the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. A preliminary investigation by the Colorado State Patrol suggests speed is a factor, with a full investigation pending.
The Buffaloes’ head coach, Deion Sanders, broke the news on Sunday via X.
“God please comfort the Ponder family, friends & Loved ones,” Sanders wrote. “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”
Others joined in to pay their tribute to the quarterback.
“Getting that call from his dad today didn’t feel real. Love you Dom! God cover his family & our team, especially our qb room!” Buffaloes offensive coordinator Brennan Marion said.
“Dom, you were a blessing to so many people. You had a presence about you that just made everything better,” Buffaloes QB Colton Allen wrote. “You brought so much joy to me and everyone around you. I’m grateful for every lift, every practice, every rep, every conversation we got to share. I’ll carry those with me for the rest of my life.”
Dominiq Ponder’s Football Career
He played high school football at Carol City and Naples, Florida, and spent time at Myrtle Beach Collegiate Academy before his college career. Ponder was a three-star prospect. As a high school sophomore at Naples High, he showed his dual-threat potential by throwing for 511 yards and 10 touchdowns while rushing for 356 yards and 3 TDs.
Ponder began his college career at Bethune‑Cookman, where he was a 6‑foot‑5, 195‑pound freshman quarterback and appeared in two games, completing 2 passes for 33 yards with 2 interceptions against Jackson State and Florida A&M.
He later transferred to Colorado as an undergraduate transfer with four years of eligibility, redshirted in 2024, and did not see game action that season. In 2025 in Colorado, he played in two games as a sophomore, making his debut against Arizona and finishing the year 0‑for‑1 passing with two rushing attempts for minus‑4 yards, all in late‑game duty.
