Coach Prime strikes again with his confidence! Deion Sanders fielded questions on various issues during the Buffs’ media day on July 10, including next year’s NFL Draft. And the Buffs head coach boldly claimed, “We have 2 guys positioned to go in the top 5 [Hunter and Shedeur]. But I think we’re gonna have 2 more that’s going to sneak in that first round.” This highlights another potential first-rounder, BJ Green, with a surprise fourth contender from Colorado.

There’s hardly any doubt about the “first two guys.” Quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way phenom Travis Hunter have been in top-pick conversations for months. 

Even college football insider Bruce Feldman echoed this sentiment on July 13 on The Rich Eisen Show. A FOX Sports and The Athletic reporter, Feldman offered positive insights on the Buffs’ program. He believes an 8-win season is possible, but only if they keep Shedeur protected. He also commented on Coach Prime’s bold claim that Shedeur and Hunter are the top two picks. “Travis Hunter is a really gifted dual player,” Feldman said, endorsing the two-way star. “I imagine he’ll be a cornerback,” he added.  

“And then you obviously have Shedeur. He’s also all over the map even when you talk to coaches who coached against him last year,” Feldman mentioned. Notably, even with a weak offensive line last season, Shedeur impressed enough to be in the top 10 discussions for next year’s draft, validating Coach Prime’s audacious claim. Even Rich Eisen chimed in, revealing that everyone in the NFL draft world, including himself, hopes these two Buffs stars will be the top two overall picks. 

Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter are already making waves that suggest a bright future in the NFL.

Coach Prime’s stars shine bright in mock drafts

Mock drafts haven’t stopped buzzing about these two Colorado stars for months. This month, ESPN’s Matt Miller predicted Shedeur going No. 2 to the Las Vegas Raiders while the two-way phenom, Travis Hunter, lands at No. 9 with the Arizona Cardinals. CBS Sports even raised the bar by putting Shedeur at No. 1 and Hunter at No. 2! Generally, Shedeur is a top-pick contender in most predictions, battling it out with Georgia quarterback Carson Beck. Meanwhile, Hunter is a guaranteed top-10 pick.

Adding to the frenzy, EA Sports College Football 25 released its list of top 100 NCAA players. Guess what! Shedeur shares the No. 1 QB spot with Beck, boasting a 93 overall rating. Even Hunter takes the cake with a 95 overall rating, solidifying his position as the top wide receiver. With Heisman hopes swirling around them, Nebraska coach Matt Rhule recently added fuel to the fire by praising Shedeur. “He’s one of the best football players I’ve ever coached against,” Rhule declared, validating all the hype.

Only time will tell what the Big 12, Heisman race, and the eventual 2025 NFL Draft hold for Coach Prime’s stars.