“Let God send my baby somewhere warm, not somewhere cold,” Deion Sanders had said in March this year, talking about Shedeur Sanders, who’s touted to be a Top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Sanders, who’s behind 100 touchdowns in his career, finishing last season with 27 TDs and a completion rate of 69%, was already a highly-sought after player for the 2024 draft in April—before he nosedived for one more season in Colorado.

Shilo’s decision to ditch the 2024 NFL Draft was more of a calculated decision by the father-son duo than a wish to spend more time under the head coach/father’s tutelage. As the duo migrated to The Buffs in 2023—who were coming off a dilapidated 1-11 record (the worst-ever record in college football)—things were bound to change, which they did, albeit not as much as the newly inducted QB and Prime Time wanted. Ending the first season with 3,230 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns, and three interceptions to go with four rushing touchdowns in 11 games, and a 4-8 record, the duo knew Shilo couldn’t just leave.

Talking about his decision to continue with Coach Prime, the 22-year-old had said in a media address on March 20 this year, “I’m trying to be the first quarterback off the board. That’s really what it is…I understood this year wasn’t my year. I didn’t have enough time at this level.” His father, on the other hand, opined in another conversation in November last year how an NFL Draft doesn’t make sense for the QB if he isn’t even a top five pick. Studying past patterns, it wouldn’t be an understatement to say Shedeur’s NFL career does rest on Deion Sanders’ shoulder—something even NFL executives are aware of. But before we get to that…

With a blistering start to the season, especially after last week’s 28-9 win against Colorado state, where young Shedeur threw for 310 yards and four touchdowns, the upcoming draft chances look promising at best—yet waiting to be hand-picked by his father, which Shilo couldn’t help but make fun of.

As the brothers appeared on the September 17 episode of the ‘Outta Pocket’ show, former Washington Redskins QB and the show’s host Robert Griffin decided to throw a curveball at the younger brother, trying to get information out of him. “You have another year after this year, right?” the retired QB interjected to which Shedeur promptly replied, “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” eliciting a laughter from the hosts and his brother.

“His daddy gonna make him stay another year,” added Shilo. This playful jab also points toward a behind-the-scenes picture which many have pointed out in the past. According to an unnamed NFL executive, as per Bleacher Report, “Deion has been the kid’s coach all of his life. Everyone knows that he’s running that show and that’s not going to change moving forward.”

One scout even went as far as to say that NFL teams won’t just be drafting Shilo alone but his “family as well”. So where does the Sanders family (read: Deion Sanders) want the up-and-coming star to go?

Well, as per the Buffs head coach, certain cities “ain’t going to happen. It’s going to be an Eli.” For the unversed: In 2002, QB Eli Manning had refused to play for the San Diego Chargers despite getting drafted by the team. He was later traded to the New York Giants, helping them win two Super Bowls. So where does that leave the Buffs QB and Travis Hunter, who Deion had proclaimed as his “fourth son” last year? Possibly, the San Francisco 49ers, the Dallas Cowboys, the Washington Commanders or the Baltimore Ravens, according to the veteran.

For those wondering, it’s highly unlikely that Shedeur could don the CU jersey again next year. As per the official NCAA rulebook, “The NCAA’s five-year rule stipulates that a student-athlete cannot compete in any one D1 college sport for more than four seasons. These four seasons must fall within a period of five calendar years.” Shedeur played for two seasons at Jackson State (2021, 2022) and is currently in his second year with the Colorado Buffs.

Looks like there’s no way Deion will be able to keep his son close. Given the scenario, the veteran has already made big plans for his youngest son!

Deion Sanders has high hopes for

For a father who’s trained his kids their entire life, the dawn of the new reality where they’ll be leaving him behind has set, and yet, Deion is nothing but excited for them to pave their path. From Shilo and Shedeur’s days with the Jacksonville Jaguars to the Colorado Buffaloes, Deion has been their head coach, but saddeningly, the legacy is coming to an end. Rather than being sad about their transfers, Deion has high hopes for his sons as well as Travis Hunter, and believes they will dominate the draft next year.

As per Coach Prime, both Shedeur and Travis will be the top-2 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft and added, “They could be one and two, based on need and desire from the league. They could be one and two. I don’t see many flaws, if there’s any flaw in their games. They don’t give a darn about that, though. What they want to do is win. They want to win and they want to go out winners.” Though it might be wishful thinking from Deion, there’s no denying the fact that the Colorado duo is one of the best in college football at the moment, and if they end up having an exceptional season, it could very well fulfill Deion’s dreams for their Draft rankings.

If you’re interested to know more about college football and the current NIL landscape, do check out this ES Think Tank episode with Doug Sanders.