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It’s hard to forget what Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter brought to the Colorado Buffaloes football program over the last several years. The former was the center of Deion Sanders’ world, having the offense built around him and the play-calling catering to his stat lines, sometimes to the expense of winning games. The latter won the Heisman Trophy last December and was selected No. 2 overall in the 2025 NFL draft this past April.
It’s a little easier to forget what LaJohntay Wester, Jimmy Horn Jr., and Will Sheppard brought to CU’s offense during their 9-4 season in 2024 – specifically, a combined 1,993 receiving yards and 17 touchdown receptions.
Sports Illustrated’s Ben Armendariz stressed that Sanders and Hunter weren’t the only reasons Colorado had the No. 31 offense in the country last year while discussing the current offense’s woes.
“Ryan Staub, tasked with stepping into the void at quarterback, missed on several critical throws against Houston. When he did place the ball on target, receivers dropped catchable passes in big moments,” Armendariz wrote.
“The reliability and sure-handedness of wideouts like LaJohntay Wester, Jimmy Horn Jr., and Will Sheppard are gone.
“The result is an offense that looks like a shell of what fans grew accustomed to over the past two seasons.
“Explosive plays have been almost non-existent, and without that veteran foundation, Colorado's margin for error has shrunk drastically.”
Coach Prime may have sold the country the Brooklyn Bridge in saying the 2025 roster was more talented than last year’s. The trenches don’t yet look improved, and the offense has nowhere near the same punch. The running game is improved, but that’s the extent of the good news.
When reminiscing about what the Buffs used to be, don’t forget to include all four receivers who have gone on to the NFL.
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