Shedeur Sanders finds himself entangled in a web of controversy, with the spotlight on the issue of nepotism. The source of this contention? His own team. A young athlete has taken a dig at the Buffs quarterback, accusing him of receiving preferential treatment due to his familial ties. This talent, while aspiring to follow in Shedeur’s footsteps, also yearns for the same level of coddling during his tenure at Boulder.

In his subtle yet significant remarks, Kole Mathis hints at a potential storm brewing. As Shedeur’s college football journey nears its end, the specter of “nepotism” looms large, threatening to cast a shadow over the QB’s 2025 draft projections. 

Kole’s wish to become like Shedeur

Darius Sanders is here to do wonders with his camera. And what better way to make his videos interesting than interacting with the young talents, who always have interesting takes? This time, the Reach The People Media video caught Mathis off-guard. The promising recruit for Colorado is none other than the son of the NFL legend Kevin Mathis. Hence, on this point, he is like the Buffs QB sensation since both their fathers carry a legacy in the sport. Darius asked Kole a random question, “You play for your daddy, do you feel like Shedeur?”

The young athlete’s reply startled the viewers as he pointed out how he had been unlucky not to get his father’s undivided attention, unlike Shedeur. “Yes, I do. But you know Shedeur get that Daddy treatment. He get the cleats, he get the new cleats and everything the new shoes like I want that, my daddy treatment,” stated Kole. While it might be friendly teasing, but Shedeur may get into hot water in the 2025 NFL Draft of this “nepotism.” 

Being Deion Sanders’ son, Shedeur becomes the center of attacks

All this started with John Frascella dropping his mock draft on May 30. In that list, Shedeur Sanders is seen at the top position, beating all other seven competitors, including big shots like Carson Beck and Quinn Ewers. In the comment section, one fan drew parallels between Shedeur and Bronny James keeping their “star kids” status into account. “I wouldn’t touch Shedeur Sanders for the same reason I wouldn’t draft Bronny James; both come with daddy problems,” came the fan’s brutal jab. 

The fact that Shedeur claimed the top position in the mock draft grabbed the interest of another college football fan, who brought up Buffs OC Pat Shurmur in their perspective. The fan made a bold statement, “The jury is still out for me on Shedeur. He’s a good player, but I haven’t seen anything that would make him a top pick except for the name. Especially going into this year with Pat Shurmur as his OC.”

In 2023, Sanders completed 298 of 430 passes (69.3%) for 3,230 yards. For some, it’s still not enough. Probably, they still hold the QB responsible for the Buffs’ disappointing 4-8 setback that now comes to the surface as the nepotism mask.