The Colorado Buffaloes’ official X (formerly known as Twitter) profile announced on Nov. 26 that star quarterback Shedeur Sanders was a finalist for the Davey O’Brien Award. Between 1977 and 1980 (four seasons), the trophy was named the Davey O’Brien Memorial Trophy and was given to the best college football player in the Southwest, regardless of position.
However, the 1981 campaign saw the name changed to its current one and awarded only to the quarterback position — and the best one at that. Since the change, the trophy has been won by Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees and current NFL superstars. Should Sanders become the latest name added to the distinguished trophy, he will join the likes of Troy Aikman, Peyton Manning, Joe Burrow, and Kyler Murray.
What Did the Colorado Buffaloes Post About Their Superstar QB?
Earlier today, the Buffaloes released two photos of Sanders alongside the caption “On another level.”
On another level
Shedeur Sanders is a finalist for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award@ShedeurSanders x #LEGENDARY pic.twitter.com/I4bOpO3WJI
— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) November 26, 2024
As is clear, Shedeur, the son of legendary NFL player and inspiring coach Deion Sanders, has made a name for himself and gained the respect of his football program, something on display in the recent post.
In addition, his nomination for this award signals that his unique skills and noteworthy season were not overlooked or underappreciated.
How Good Has Shedeur Sanders Been This Season for Colorado?
Sanders has enjoyed a prolific statistical season and boosted his NFL Draft stock in the process. In the campaign, Sanders has thrown for 3,488 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and only committed seven interceptions. Furthermore, he has added four additional touchdowns on the ground.
While his personal stats are phenomenal, Sanders also possesses a strong IQ for the game and has been an instrumental force behind the Buffaloes improving their record to 8-3 after going 4-8 last season.
According to Dalton Miller’s 2025 NFL Draft Top 100 Big Board, Sanders projects to be taken in the first round of this season’s draft while being the top quarterback selected as well. As Miller notes, “Shedeur Sanders is the evolution of the pocket passer. He’s athletic enough to get on the hoof and pick up first downs with his legs, but many might be surprised to hear he’s not close to the athlete his father was. Instead, he fits into the Geno Smith or C.J. Stroud-like mold.”
While it remains to be seen which team drafts Sanders, it is clear that his standout college football season has not gone unnoticed through his nomination as a finalist for the Davey O’Brien Award.