When you talk about Colorado Football’s 2024 season, you gotta start with one name: Travis Hunter. This dude wasn’t just a player; he was the Buffaloes’ Swiss Army knife, running wild on both sides of the field. Fourteen touchdowns, over 1,100 receiving yards, a Heisman Trophy, and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors—all while snagging double-digit TDs? Like, who even does that?

But now, with Hunter and QB Shedeur Sanders eyeing top-three picks in the NFL Draft, Coach Prime’s squad is staring down the ultimate challenge—replacing legends. The real question is, who’s got the sauce to step up and fill those Heisman-winning cleats—does the team have a future Heisman candidate ready to shine? Spoiler: It’s not just one kid—it’s a squad.

First up, his majesty, Julian Lewis. Carrollton Trojans’ QB is straight-up cooking defenses this season. We’re talking 44 touchdowns and over 3,200 passing yards—this kid is dropping dimes like it’s Christmas already. He’s not just a pocket passer either; Lewis has a knack for reading defenses like an open book. And don’t sleep on his leadership. He’s the type of QB who can walk into Boulder and immediately make an impact. With Lewis set to face the Grayson Rams in the Georgia State Championship, all eyes are on him, and he’s just meant for greatness.

Next on deck: London Merritt. IMG Academy might’ve had a quieter season than usual, but Merritt? Nah, he’s been ballin’. ESPN’s No. 5 defensive end prospect and No. 52 in the ESPN 300, this dude was a Buckeye commit before flipping to Colorado. That’s a major W for Coach Prime. Merritt’s pass-rushing skills are nasty, and he’s got the size to dominate in the trenches. Colorado’s defense is about to level up with this guy coming off the edge.

Speaking of size, let’s talk about big man Carde Smith. At 6’5″ and 290 pounds, Smith pulled a late flip from USC to Colorado, and you better believe that’s a power move. He’s ranked as ESPN’s No. 32 offensive tackle prospect, and the Buffaloes’ O-line needs all the help it can get. Protecting the QB and creating lanes for the run game? Smith’s got that covered. But does the big man play both sides of the ball? nah. We got someone special for that, too.

Has Deion Sanders found his new Travis Hunter?

Aight, now here’s the twist: you thought Travis Hunter was a one-of-one? Enter Isaiah Hardge. This dude might not have Hunter’s five-star pedigree, but he’s got something Coach Prime loves—grit. Hardge started as a 3-star wide receiver from powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas, but he flipped the script and converted to defensive back at Colorado. Sanders? He’s already hyping him up: “Y’all don’t even understand what this grey jersey means… He’s a two-way player. You only thought we had Travis. He next.”

Hardge is still a work in progress—at 5’10” and 160 pounds, he’s not exactly Heisman-ready yet. But with a redshirt year under his belt, Hardge is primed for a breakout. Think of him as the understudy to Hunter’s supreme act, learning the ropes from one of the best two-way players in college football history.

So, can Colorado replace Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders? Let’s be real—those are generational talents. But Coach Prime is stacking his deck with players like Lewis, Merritt, Smith, Adrian Wilson, Quentin Gibson, and Hardge, creating a roster that screams next level. The 2025 season isn’t just about rebuilding; it’s about reloading.

Coach Prime once said, “We coming,” and if this recruiting class is any indication, they ain’t stopping anytime soon. Colorado Football is turning the page on one of its greatest chapters, but the story’s far from over. With a lineup of future stars ready to shine, the Buffaloes were low-key built to keep the spotlight. Travis Hunter’s cleats? They won’t just be filled—they’ll be stomped in style.