Receiver Jack Hestera is back with the Colorado Buffaloes. The Boulder native returned to his roots following productive stints at Charlotte and Utah State, giving the Buffs a seasoned playmaker for the 2025 season.
His journey embodies courage, adaptability, and a deep connection to CU, where his family has left a mark. His return couldn’t come at a better time for a team looking to shore up its wide receiver group. It’s a smart move.
Jack Hestera Returns to Colorado, Bolstering Buffaloes’ WR Depth
His college career kicked off in Boulder. He joined the Buffaloes as a walk-on in 2021, redshirting the first year before breaking out in 2022. In the season, he featured in 11 games, snagging 14 catches for 157 yards. This wasn’t a headline-grabbing stat line, but it showed he could hang at the FBS level. Still, like many young players, he wanted more playing time, so he proceeded to the transfer portal after the season ended.
The next stop was Charlotte in 2023. He stepped up for the 49ers. He featured in nine games, started seven, and led the team in catches and touchdown grabs, finishing the year with 28 receptions for 349 yards and three scores. Then came 2024, and he took his talents to Utah State. He kept the momentum going, playing in 11 games and pulling in 24 passes for 340 yards and four touchdowns.
As announced yesterday, He is back in Colorado. He’s not the same wide-eyed walk-on he was a few years ago. He’s a veteran with nearly 700 receiving yards and seven touchdowns under his belt from his time away.
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Hestera’s Role in the 2025 Season
So, what’s next for Hestera and the Buffs? It is not easy to pinpoint what is next this early, but the pieces are there for him to make a significant move next season.
For one, he is not entering unfamiliar territory. He knows Colorado’s vibe, even if the playbook has changed since 2022. That familiarity should still help him hit the ground running.
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His track record speaks for itself. Leading Charlotte in catches and scores in 2023, then putting up steady numbers at Utah State in 2024, he’s got a knack for finding the ball. He might climb the depth chart fast if he can gel with the quarterbacks during camp.
The Buffs’ receiver situation could also play in his favor. With some players gone and new ones still finding their feet, there is room for a proven veteran like him to carve out a role.
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