It’s farewell time in Colorado. Exactly a week from now, over 20 players will leave the Buffaloes after playing the Alamo Bowl against the BYU Cougars on Dec. 28. Among them are quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who, along with his brother Shilo Sanders and his friend Travis Hunter, will declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Shedeur Sanders Proud of the Fact He’s Leaving Colorado on a High
Sanders had an impressive season in 2024, leading the program to 9-3 overall and 7-2 in the Big 12 Conference. If not for the upset loss in Week 13 against Kansas, Colorado could have played in the Big 12 championship game and had a chance at a seat in the 12-team College Football Playoff field.
Sanders, who transferred from Jackson State to Colorado ahead of the 2023 season, went 4-8 in 2023. His father and coach Deion Sanders, often referred to as “Coach Prime,” did a massive overhaul to the program ahead of the ongoing season, and the result was there for everyone to see with the Buffs securing their first 6+ win season since 2016.
During a recent interaction with CBS Sports anchor, the Buffs QB reflected back on his legacy with the Buffs as “legendary.”
“Legendary,” Sanders said. “That I was able to turn everything around and get everything back on the right track, like it was in the past. And just bringing Colorado back to the glory days.”
“One last thing is, I feel like throughout everything, I was myself, and I gave it all I had. So it’s really just continuing the last game, continuing to be who I am as a player and as a leader of the team. That’s really it. There’s no final words or final anything because throughout my whole career, game by game and season by season, I gave everything I had.”
🔥 The Final Message. Shedeur Sanders Reflects on His Legacy as a Buff
"Legendary. That I was able to turn everything around, bringing Colorado back to the glory days. Throughout everything, I was myself and I gave it all I had"
🔄 @Romi_Bean
📽️ https://t.co/LNM8w70owb pic.twitter.com/2OHgh0vjFb— JaKi 🇺🇸 (@JaKiTruth) December 19, 2024
Sanders Left Off Heisman Trophy Finalist List
It came as a surprise to many when the finalist list for the coveted Heisman Trophy came out on Dec. 9. While it included his cornerback/wide receiver teammate Hunter, Sanders’ name was missing from the list, which included Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward, and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Hunter was crowned the 90th winner of the trophy on Dec. 14 in New York.
Sanders finished eighth, receiving 47 points and one first-place vote for the honor. Among quarterbacks, he trailed Gabriel (516 points, 24 first-place votes), Ward (229 points, six first-place votes), and Army Black Knights QB Bryson Daily (69 points, three first-place votes).
Though he may not have attracted the attention of voters for Heisman, NFL scouts and analysts view him as one of the best quarterbacks for the 2025 NFL Draft. If a quarterback-needy team like the New York Giants and the Las Vegas Raiders ends up getting the first pick, they could potentially look Sanders’ way.
