The Colorado Buffaloes football team will hold their annual spring game with a special celebration that marks a historic moment for the program. The team will retire the jersey numbers of two of its most iconic players from the past two seasons: Shedeur Sanders (No. 2) and Travis Hunter (No. 12). With this honor, they become just the fifth and sixth players in Colorado football history to have their numbers permanently retired. They now join an elite group of Buffaloes legends that includes Byron White (No. 24), Joe Romig (No. 67), Bobby Anderson (No. 11), and Rashaan Salaam (No. 19).
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In just two seasons, Sanders and Hunter left an unforgettable mark on the university—both on and off the field. After following head coach Deion Sanders from Jackson State to Boulder, the duo instantly became the faces of a new era for Colorado football. Their first season in 2023 didn’t produce a winning record, as the Buffaloes finished 4-8, but the turnaround from a dismal 1-11 campaign the year prior was evident. More importantly, their arrival sparked a wave of national interest in the program. Celebrities, athletes, and entertainers filled the sidelines at home games, and the buzz around the team reached new heights when ESPN’s College GameDay made a stop in Boulder.
It was clear that Colorado football was once again in the spotlight. In 2024, that attention turned into on-field success. The Buffaloes went 9-4, earned a spot in the Alamo Bowl, and showed they could compete at a high level. Travis Hunter had one of the most remarkable seasons in college football history.
As a true two-way player, he not only became the first in decades to win the Heisman Trophy, but also captured several other major national awards. He was named the nation’s top wide receiver with the Biletnikoff Award, recognized as the top defensive player with both the Lott IMPACT Trophy and Bednarik Award, honored with the Walter Camp Award for national player of the year, and celebrated for his versatility with the Paul Hornung Award. His ability to dominate on both sides of the ball made him a truly generational talent.
Shedeur Sanders, meanwhile, proved himself to be one of the top quarterbacks in the country. He was awarded the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, given to the best upperclassman quarterback in the nation, and rewrote the Colorado record books in the process. Sanders set school records in completion percentage and passing touchdowns, displaying both poise and precision throughout the season. His leadership, presence in the pocket, and ability to perform in big moments made him the heart of the Buffaloes’ offense.
Thanks to their exceptional play, both Hunter and Sanders are projected as top-10 picks in the upcoming NFL Draft. Their impact at Jackson State and Colorado has already cemented their legacies at the college level, and now they look to carry that same success into the professional ranks. Their journey has been about more than just wins and statistics—it’s been about changing the culture, raising expectations, and showing what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. As their numbers are officially retired, the Buffaloes aren’t just honoring two extraordinary athletes—they’re celebrating a turning point in the program’s history.
