Colorado head coach Deion Sanders has confirmed that two of the top prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft, his son and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, will not be attending the draft ceremony in April.
While both stars are projected to be top-five picks, Coach Prime explained that they have chosen to celebrate the momentous occasion in a more personal setting—surrounded by their Colorado Buffaloes community on campus.
Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, Sanders shared the reasoning behind the decision:
“You won’t see us [at the NFL Draft],” Sanders said. “We’re good, man. We want to celebrate with our people, with our folks, with our wonderful student body.”
Though he didn’t elaborate on the exact plans for draft day, Sanders hinted at a special celebration, teasing viewers: “I’m just teasing you a little bit. We’ll have something planned, don’t worry.”
A Unique Choice
This move deviates from the traditional pomp and circumstance of the NFL Draft, where top prospects typically walk the stage, shake Commissioner Roger Goodell’s hand, and pose for photos with their new team’s jersey.
Instead, Sanders and Hunter will prioritize a more intimate celebration, marking the milestone with the Colorado community that has supported them throughout their collegiate journey.
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Draft Projections and Stellar Performances
Both Sanders and Hunter have been pegged as top-tier picks by analysts. According to CBS Sports, Hunter is projected to be the first overall pick, likely heading to the Cleveland Browns. Meanwhile, Sanders is slotted at No. 4. ESPN, however, ranks Sanders as the top quarterback in the draft class, predicting him to go No. 1 overall, with Hunter at No. 3.
Shedeur Sanders had an impressive senior season, completing 353 of 477 passes for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns. His performance solidified him as one of the premier quarterback prospects entering the draft.
Travis Hunter, known for his extraordinary two-way ability, made 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns on offense while adding a rushing touchdown. On defense, he recorded 24 solo tackles, 11 assisted tackles, and four interceptions, contributing to his historic Heisman-winning season.
A Season to Remember
Despite their individual brilliance, the Buffaloes faced challenges in their season, finishing with a 9-4 record and securing the top spot in the Big 12 before losing to BYU in the Alamo Bowl. However, the team’s turnaround under Coach Prime was one of the biggest stories in college football.
A Draft Night Like No Other
While fans and analysts may miss the sight of Shedeur and Travis walking across the stage in Green Bay, their decision to celebrate on campus highlights their deep connection to the Colorado Buffaloes program and the community that supported them.
For now, the football world awaits not only the draft itself but also how the Sanders-led celebration will reflect the unique path they’ve forged at Colorado.
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