SAN ANTONIO — The Colorado Buffaloes concluded their season with a disappointing performance, falling 36-14 to BYU in the Alamo Bowl, which marked the last college game for stars Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders. Despite the loss, their contributions to the program, both on and off the field, are profound and far-reaching.
Colorado coach Deion Sanders recognized the end of an era, commenting, “That’s a wrap. It’s over. They’re on to the next. They are going to have tremendous careers. They are going to move on. They flush it. They may analyze it on the way home, but they are going to flush it.” Travis Hunter, a Heisman Trophy winner and two-way player, delivered an impressive performance, catching four passes for a game-leading 106 yards and a touchdown. His notable 43-yard touchdown reception cut BYU’s lead to 27-7 in the third quarter. Hunter not only showcased his offensive skills but also contributed defensively, recording four solo tackles.
Shedeur Sanders also made significant strides in the game, completing 16 of 23 passes for 208 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions, despite being sacked three times in front of a sold-out crowd of 64,261 attendees. Both young stars are projected to be selected early in the upcoming NFL draft.
Reflecting on their time, Shedeur Sanders expressed pride in representing Colorado, saying, “It felt great representing Colorado and bringing it back to where it was in the past. We laid the foundation of the program and it’s safer for the other players coming in to pick up where we left off.”
Since Deion Sanders took on the head coach role in December 2022, the Colorado program has experienced a remarkable transformation. His arrival brought a surge of excitement, not only due to his reputation from Jackson State but also because of the influx of talented transfers, including his son Shedeur and Travis Hunter. These changes propelled the Buffaloes from being largely unnoticed in the college football landscape to becoming a sought-after team, known for thrilling games and high stakes.
While the final game didn’t end as planned, hope remains high for Colorado. Deion Sanders acknowledged the bittersweet transition, affirming, “I don’t look forward to it, but I do because that means they are going to another level, another chapter of life, and they’re going to soar. I’m thankful that I feel we’ve equipped them with all the tools necessary to be successful.”
In anticipation of the future NFL draft, both Hunter and Shedeur Sanders are projected to be top picks. There are discussions about them potentially joining the ranks of past college teammates picked at the very top of the draft, such as Penn State stars Courtney Brown and LaVar Arrington in 2000.
Under Deion Sanders, Colorado’s record stands at 13-12, but the season included a return to bowl games after a three-year absence and a notable upsurge in fan engagement. The past two seasons were marked by sell-out crowds for home games, a first in the program’s long history, with the Buffaloes averaging 4 million viewers per game during this time.
Besides the enthusiastic fans, celebrity attendees included a range of stars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and basketball legends such as Kevin Garnett and Kyle Lowry. Coach Sanders not only garnered a following for the program but Hunter and Shedeur made the games exciting to watch through their exceptional performances.
Throughout the 2024 season, Hunter achieved impressive stats with 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, along with a rushing score. Defensively, he made four interceptions, 32 tackles, and played a crucial role in securing a victory against Baylor. He joins the ranks of Colorado’s elite, being the second player to win the Heisman Trophy for the program.
Shedeur Sanders excelled in two seasons with the Buffaloes, completing over 71% of his passes and throwing for a staggering 7,156 yards with a remarkable 62 touchdown passes. He was recognized as the Big 12’s offensive player of the year and finished eighth in the Heisman voting, solidifying his place in college football history.
The remarkable comeback of the program aligns with Colorado athletic director Rick George’s vision when hiring Deion Sanders. “I’m thankful that Rick gave me the opportunity,” Deion stated, emphasizing the pivotal role of Hunter and Shedeur in the current success.
As they take the next step in their careers, the influence of Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders on the future of Colorado football is already evident. The program now welcomes top quarterback prospect Julian “JuJu” Lewis, an early enrollee hailed as the No. 2 overall recruit by ESPN for the Class of 2025. Having excelled in high school, Lewis worked closely with Hunter and Shedeur in preparation for the Alamo Bowl, setting the stage for a new chapter in the program’s story.
The transition is underway, and the lasting legacy of these two athletes will shape Colorado’s path forward.
