MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — Saturday’s matchup between West Virginia and Colorado in Morgantown wasn’t just about bowl hopes, final scores, or coaching decisions. As the West Virginia Mountaineers defeated Colorado 29–22, head coach Deion Sanders shared a heartfelt reunion with WVU assistant coach Noel Devine, one of the most electrifying players in Mountaineer history and someone Sanders once considered adopting.
Sanders: “I Love Him Like a Son”
After the game, Sanders spoke emotionally about seeing Devine again — a young man he once mentored, guided, and nearly brought into his own family.
“He brought tears to my eyes. I love him like a son. I really do. And I’m so proud of him for where he is now and where he came from. I knew him as a kid and now I know him as a father. He’s a darn good father and a darn good coach. I’m so darn proud of that man. That shows that you can’t write a kid off, man. Love them, give them time, give them respect, and pour into them what you are capable of pouring into them, and watch the fruit. The main thing is the father he is, that’s what I love the most.”
It was a raw, honest tribute , the kind you don’t often hear in college football postgame pressers.
Noel Devine and Deion Sanders reunited 🔥 pic.twitter.com/HncEhFnp3X
— The Voice of Morgantown (@voicemorgantown) November 9, 2025
A Relationship Built on Love and Second Chances
Before Devine became a 5-star recruit and West Virginia legend, he was a high school star from Fort Myers, Florida, facing immense hardship. Both of his parents had passed away by the time he was young. That’s when Deion Sanders stepped in, mentoring the gifted running back and trying to give him stability.
Sanders even started the adoption process, hoping to give Devine a permanent home. Ultimately, the arrangement fell through, and Devine returned to Florida. But their bond didn’t break — it solidified.
Devine went on to become a star at West Virginia, finishing his career with over 4,300 rushing yards, making him one of the most electric backs in school history. Now, he’s come full circle, helping coach the next generation of Mountaineers.
Years Later, A Reunion on Opposing Sidelines
On Saturday, they stood on opposite sidelines — Sanders coaching Colorado, Devine assisting West Virginia, but their reunion was one of the most meaningful moments of the day.
While the Mountaineers walked away with the 29–22 win, it was the emotional embrace between Sanders and Devine that left a lasting impression.
Two men. Nearly 20 years of history. Mentor and mentee. Father figure and son in every way but legally.
Bigger Than Football
In a sport often defined by wins, rankings, and bowl projections, Sanders’ words served as a reminder that football also shapes lives.
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Devine lost both parents but found guidance in Sanders.
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Sanders didn’t just coach him — he fought for him.
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Devine is now a father, mentor, and coach himself.
And on a cold afternoon in Morgantown, that legacy came full circle.
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West Virginia (4–6) remains alive for bowl eligibility with games at Arizona State and home vs. Texas Tech.
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Colorado continues searching for answers after another close loss — but Sanders made time to honor one of the young men who changed his life.
In a game filled with storylines, this one stood above them all as a reminder that sometimes the most important victories in football aren’t on the scoreboard.
WATCH: Colorado coach Deion Sanders talk about WVU great running back Noel Devine and seeing him today. Sanders helped develop Devine years ago.
Sanders: “He brought tears to my eyes. I love him like a son.” (🎥:@CUBuffs) pic.twitter.com/IKix0IyPKD
— Spencer Ripchik (@RipchikSpencer) November 9, 2025
