Georgia Tech defensive back Clayton Powell-Lee is unfazed by the spectacle waiting for the Yellow Jackets in their 2025 season opener against Colorado on Friday night. Folsom Field is set to buzz under the lights, with Deion Sanders leading the Buffaloes on the sidelines in his third season as coach, all while a celebrity presence has become routine under Coach Prime. Yet, Powell-Lee asserts that such buzz will not distract him.

“Everybody says it’s a different experience, but I’ve experienced some crazy stadiums since being here,” Powell-Lee mentioned. “So just knowing that and not trying to overhype it, honestly. Like, it’s another game. I know they bring out celebrities, they do all this crazy stuff, but we’re playing football. None of them playing. They could hype people all they want to, but you’re on the field not them.”

Past games in Boulder since Sanders took the helm before the 2023 season have showcased former NFL stars, musicians, and other notable personalities such as Lil’ Wayne, Offset, Shannon Sharpe, Terrell Owens, Warren Sapp — now a Colorado defensive assistant — Michael Irvin, The Rock, and Kawhi Leonard, contributing extra flair to an already intense ambiance. MC Hammer was also a guest at a 2024 game, exemplifying celebrities’ continued attraction to Boulder.

Sanders’ impact at Colorado has not only drawn national attention but also elevated Folsom Field into a cultural hub on game days. The Buffaloes boasted a 5-1 home record last season, remaining undefeated in non-conference home games under Sanders.

This matchup marks the first-ever clash between Georgia Tech and Colorado, drawing national attention toward both programs. Despite losing Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and star quarterback Shedeur Sanders to the NFL, the Buffaloes maintain high-profile status thanks to Sanders and a roster enriched with transfers.

Colorado enters the game as 4.5-point underdogs at FanDuel amidst an ongoing quarterback duel between Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter and freshman Julian Lewis, combined with significant personnel changes on both teams.

Georgia Tech is coming off back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in a decade, entering the 2025 opener with an appealing mixture of returning talent and newcomers under coach Brent Key. Powell-Lee stands out as one of the Yellow Jackets’ most seasoned defensive backs. A junior, he started every game last season, racking up 53 total tackles, including 1.5 for loss, along with a sack, a fumble recovery, three pass breakups, and a quarterback hurry.

The kickoff is scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. ET.