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Deion Sanders and Colorado Deal With Sudden Changes After Shedeur and Travis Hunter

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Corder | Last updated May 28, 2025 5:30 PM ET

The stars have departed. The spotlight hasn’t.

As Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter take their talents to the NFL, Colorado football enters the 2025 season with more questions than answers, and a golden opportunity for reinvention. With Coach Prime still leading the charge, the Buffaloes must navigate a high-stakes transition without two of the most electrifying players in college football.

Shedeur Sanders, who threw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns last season, was the heartbeat of Colorado’s offense. His ability to extend plays and deliver in the clutch helped the Buffs finish 9-4, a stunning turnaround from a 1-11 record just two years prior. Meanwhile, Travis Hunter, a true two-way force made history by winning the 2024 Heisman Trophy while recording 1,258 receiving yards, 15 touchdowns, and four interceptions on defense. Their impact? Unquestionable. Their absence? Monumental.

Kaidon Salter now inherits the keys to the offense. The Liberty transfer brings a dual-threat dynamic that Colorado fans haven’t seen since the days of Kordell Stewart. In 2024, Salter racked up 1,886 passing yards, 579 rushing yards, and accounted for 22 total touchdowns in 11 games. Can he replicate Shedeur’s precision? Unlikely. But his mobility may open up new wrinkles in offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur’s scheme. There is also the possibility that five-star freshman Julian “JuJu” Lewis steps up and leads the offense. Lewis threw for over 11,000 yards in his high school career, which only spanned three seasons. He added 144 touchdowns and only 21 interceptions. It will definitely be a battle to watch as the summer goes along.

Colorado’s top four receivers from 2024 are gone. In typical Coach Prime fashion, the Buffaloes attacked the transfer portal aggressively. Expect explosive Campbell standout Sincere Brown and Florida State transfer Hykeem Williams to emerge as key targets. Those two will add explosiveness alongside returning players Drelon, and Omarion Miller. Chemistry will take time, but speed and vertical threat are clearly the focus.

Replacing Hunter’s versatility is nearly impossible, but Colorado added multiple DBs via the portal, including Kansas State’s standout safety Noah King. Cornerback DJ McKinney returns as the vocal leader of a defense that’s been overhauled with speed and size.

Coach Prime has rebuilt before, and he’ll have to do it again. This time, without his two cornerstones.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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