The Colorado Buffaloes have undergone a radical transformation over the past two years. While it might seem short-sighted to place all the praise on Deion Sanders, the proof is already in the pudding. When the NFL Hall of Famer became their head coach, the Buffaloes were coming off a 1-11 season. They immediately started the 2023 campaign with three consecutive victories.
Last year, they hosted Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter while going 9-3 en route to a first-place tie in the Big 12 Conference. The success also boosted the profile of several players, including Coach Prime’s two sons, Shilo and Shedeur. As a result, Colorado became a prevalent name in the 2025 NFL Draft. Four months later, a number of players from the program made official 53-man rosters for various NFL teams.
Former Colorado Buffaloes In the NFL
Beginning with Hunter, who was taken with the fourth overall pick, four Buffaloes were drafted in late April. Additionally, a large contingent, including Shilo Sanders, signed as undrafted free agents with various organizations.
Now, as teams cut their rosters to 53 players, five athletes from the two-time Super Bowl champion’s program have made the final rosters this year. Here’s a look at each of them.
Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns
One of the biggest stories on draft day, Shedeur Sanders was taken with the 144th overall pick after being projected as a first-rounder. Throughout the summer, he competed for the Browns’ quarterback position and enters the year as the third-string quarterback behind Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.
Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars
Part of a blockbuster draft-day trade, Hunter was the centerpiece acquisition for the Jaguars, a franchise undergoing a transformation this offseason. With his two-way abilities, the Jaguars plan to utilize Hunter extensively as they aim for a playoff run under a new head coach.
BJ Green II, Jacksonville Jaguars
BJ Green II was the only undrafted free agent from Colorado to make the 53-man roster. A dynamic defensive weapon, he bolstered a struggling Jacksonville defense. His strong preseason performances helped him earn a spot on the roster.
Jimmy Horn Jr., Carolina Panthers
The 208th overall pick, Horn carved out a role with the Panthers. On a young team lacking top-tier passing options, Horn is seen as a potential long-term partner for third-year quarterback Bryce Young, who the team expects to fulfill his No. 1 overall pick potential.
LaJohntay Wester, Baltimore Ravens
LaJohntay Wester, taken 203rd overall, joins a Ravens team frequently in contention for the Super Bowl. After a 1,100-yard season at FAU, he recorded 931 yards and 10 touchdowns in his lone year at Colorado, sharing duties with Heisman winner Travis Hunter..
Honorable Mention: Shilo Sanders
The elder son of Deion Sanders played six collegiate seasons, including two at South Carolina. A strong safety prospect, he did not secure a role with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with a poor preseason showing against the Buffalo Bills possibly signaling the end of his tenure.
Boulder builds pros. 🦬
More on the way. 📈 pic.twitter.com/JuVvGJD887
— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) August 27, 2025
As an undrafted free agent, Shilo Sanders could still impress teams and potentially earn a spot on a practice squad, given his pedigree as the son of a former Defensive Player of the Year.
