In 2024, Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter solidified their status as college football’s most dynamic duo, leading Colorado to new heights under Coach Deion Sanders.
2025 NFL Draft: The Latest Buzz on Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter’s Stocks
Shedeur, the Buffaloes’ quarterback, broke Colorado’s single-season passing record with 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions despite enduring a league-high 52 sacks. His outstanding season earned him a spot as a Davey O’Brien Award finalist, showcasing his precision and toughness.
Meanwhile, Hunter, a two-way sensation, posted 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns as a wide receiver while contributing 35 tackles, four interceptions, and 11 passes defended as a cornerback, ultimately winning the Heisman Trophy.
Together, they helped transform Jackson State and Colorado, leading the Buffaloes from a one-win team in 2022 to a 9-4 bowl contender in 2024. As both are first-round locks in the 2025 NFL Draft, Hunter’s historic versatility has some projecting him as the No. 3 overall pick.
Colin Cowherd recently discussed how Hunter has surpassed Sanders in the betting odds to be the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Cowherd highlighted that while Sanders has talent, concerns about his maturity and lack of “wow” factor have allowed Hunter’s versatility to gain more attention. Here’s what Cowherd had to say about the shift.
NFL Draft expert extraordinaire @McShay13 joined the show today to talk to @ColinCowherd about where Ashton Jeanty will land, whether Travis Hunter will be allowed to play two ways, and the tight end he says is the next Gronk 👀 pic.twitter.com/ooSmOBIIHg
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) April 2, 2025
Cowherd discussed Sanders’ draft stock and highlighted a few concerns. He noted, “There’s enough video out there… Old School general managers are not going to like it… you’ve got a little bit of immaturity,” pointing to Sanders’ moments of frustration during games.
Cowherd added that there’s not enough “wow” factor for Sanders to be considered a top-tier quarterback, suggesting that he “doesn’t have the arm” or “the athleticism” compared to other top quarterbacks. However, Cowherd was quick to emphasize that Sanders still has great potential, especially in terms of his “instincts” in the pocket and “processing speed,” making him a worthy draft pick for a team with the right coaching staff.
Cowherd also reflected on the NFL draft process and compared Sanders to past quarterbacks who faced similar doubts early in their careers. He said, “Eli Manning wasn’t dominating in college football… Patrick Mahomes wasn’t winning games in college football,” before pointing out that “they were creating offense out of thin air with very average teammates.”
Cowherd acknowledged that Sanders, like those quarterbacks, managed to stand out despite the lack of a strong supporting cast, stating, “He was wildly productive… creating offense on his own running and moving.” Cowherd concluded that while Sanders may not have the flashiness of other quarterbacks, he could still be a valuable asset to an NFL team.
KEEP READING: NFL Mock Draft: Travis Hunter As 2-Way, Shedeur Sanders at Dream Destination
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, both Sanders and Hunter are expected to make a major impact at the next level. While Hunter’s versatility and standout performance have pushed him ahead in the rankings, Sanders’ potential and unique skill set still makes him a promising prospect. Regardless of where they land in the draft, both players are poised to continue their rise as two of the most exciting talents in college football.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
