Once overlooked, now undeniable. This Buffs prodigy was already making waves at the Shrine Bowl, but after a dominant NFL Combine showing, he’s officially on everyone’s radar. Named one of six “risers” on Day 3, he’s proving he’s more than just another name on the roster. Some fans even whisper he’s got more upside than Heisman winner Travis Hunter. And now? He’s letting the world know.

With a bold claim, the $454k NIL star is putting Travis Hunter on notice. At just 22 years old, he’s already been called “#1” by none other than Coach Prime himself. And it’s not just talk—he’s got the stats to back it up. His breakout moment? A stellar opening game against North Dakota State, where he racked up 198 yards, seven catches, and a touchdown—one of the best performances of his career.

Then came March 6th. On The Rich Eisen Show, Jimmy Horn Jr. made sure there was no doubt about his confidence. When asked who the best wide receiver at Colorado is, he didn’t blink. With swagger dripping from every word, he declared himself the top dog. “The best wide receiver on Colorado, even though we got great receivers, we got a Heisman candidate. So, man, I’m the best receiver, you know. It’s just the confidence in myself, like I know I’m really that on the field, so I’m the best receiver. Like, everybody else we got, we got great receivers. Like, it’s like every receiver we had could have been a wide receiver one wherever they went, you know. So we had a great receiver room, but I feel I’m the best receiver,” said Horn Jr.

Eisen pressed further—had he told that to Travis Hunter? Horn Jr. kept it cool. “I ain’t never like go out my way. Just going out to people like I’m the best receiver. That’s just how I feel, you know, and I got the confidence, and I got my game to back it up too.”

No hesitation. No second-guessing. Jimmy Horn Jr. believes he’s that guy. And is it reasonable? Maybe, maybe not. Even he admits—it’s just how he feels. He’s not asking anyone to agree. It’s his confidence speaking, and in his mind, his game backs it up. And at the NFL Combine? He walked the talk. A 38-inch broad leap, a blazing 1.54-second 10-yard split, and a solid 4.46 in the 40. Big words. Big belief. Now, it’s time to prove it on the field.

And following his NFL Combine performance, ESPN Draft analyst Jordan Reid said, “Horn was one of the day’s biggest surprises, as his 4.46-second 40-yard dash is a huge boost to his stock. That acceleration showed on his tape, but scouts I talked to believed he was more quick than fast. His suddenness caught my eye, especially in the route-running portion. He showed smooth moves, an ability to accelerate and decelerate in route stems, and strong hands.”

What makes Horn Jr. stand out right now? Versatility. He’s not just a receiver—he’s a playmaker. With his speed and agility, he could carve out a role as a dangerous kick and punt returner. “I’m dwelling on special teams right now. First thing I want the team, I’m willing to play anywhere on special teams,” Horn Jr. noted. And as a WR? “Offense is gonna get a hungry guy that’s never satisfied.” As he sharpens his craft at wideout, his stock keeps rising. So, all eyes will be on Horn Jr. at the Big 12 Pro Day in Dallas. It’ll be another chance, another stage, and a shot to boost his stock and refine his numbers. For teams searching for a late-round steal, Horn Jr. could be the perfect pick.

Jimmy Horn Jr.’s claim might seem bold, but numbers back it up. While he didn’t get the same hype as Hunter, he’s proving he belongs. Horn wrapped up his final season at CU with 441 receiving yards, 37 receptions, and a touchdown, despite missing most of November with an injury. His road to the NFL hasn’t been easy, and he’s projected to be a late 5th or 6th round pick.

You know, when he first arrived in Boulder, he was camera-shy, barely used to the spotlight. But thanks to Deion Sanders Jr., he found his confidence. And now? He’s giving all the credit to Coach Prime for his Combine performance. To be honest, the grind, the growth, the journey—it’s all paying off.

Jimmy Horn Jr.’s gratitude for the Sanders duo that shaped his NFL dream

Jimmy Horn Jr. has been a difference-maker at every stop. He started at South Florida, racking up 408 yards in 2021 and stepping it up with 551 yards in 2022. Then came Colorado, and he didn’t miss a beat—567 yards and six TDs in 2023, followed by 441 yards in 2024 despite battling injuries. So, while his numbers tell the story, his mindset seals it. Sharp routes, sure hands, and relentless work ethic—Horn doesn’t just adjust; he thrives. As of now, with his football IQ and ability to make an instant impact, he’s got everything it takes to shine at the next level. And at the NFL Combine, Horn Jr. didn’t just showcase his skills—he opened up.

Well, he spoke at length with the press, reflecting on his journey and the people who shaped it, and at the top of that list? Deion Sanders Jr. “I want to give him a shoutout. He helped me out a lot. I was camera shy when I first got there. Now it’s like second nature. Shout out to my boy Bucky, man,” said Horn Jr.

Beyond his performance and confidence, his relationship with Buffs HC Deion Sanders really stood out. It seems Coach Prime even texted Rich Eisen, saying “Jimmy #1” on his favorite kid ranking, putting his own son, Shedeur Sanders, aside. And why wouldn’t he? For Horn, Sanders was more than just a coach—he was a mentor, a father figure. With his biological father, Jimmy Horn Sr., serving a prison sentence, Coach Prime filled a void. “It’s a blessing to be up under his wing… I got much love for Coach Prime, and I’ll always have love for him,” Horn Jr. added.

Let’s be real—Horn’s journey is all about resilience. From breaking out of his shell to breaking onto the NFL radar, he’s been locked in. And with that NFL tattoo he got as a freshman—a symbol of his confidence and vision—it’s only a matter of time before we see where his path leads on draft night.