Former Colorado Buffaloes Making Noise in NFL Preseason

Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders immediately raised the level of talent in Boulder once he was hired to lead the program, and a few of Sanders' former Colorado players are now making noise in the NFL.

Jimmy Horn, Travis Hunter Face Off in NFL Preseason

While it's still preseason, a number of former Buffaloes stars have turned heads for their respective NFL teams. Former Colorado teammates Jimmy Horn Jr. and Travis Hunter squared off on Friday as in Carolina Panthers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars preseason game, and

colorado buffaloes nfl stars jimmy horn jr travis hunter shedeur sanders carolina panthers cleveland browns jaguars — Aug 21, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) looks on against the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter during a preseason game at EverBank Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Hunter did not play in the actual preseason matchup, but he participated in joint practices between Carolina and Jacksonville during the week, giving the former Buffs an opportunity to compete against one another.

After the game, Horn spoke about the bond he has with Hunter as well as the other former Buffaloes on the Jacksonville roster: defensive backs Preston Hodge and Cam'ron Silmon-Craig as well as rookie defensive lineman BJ Green.

"That's a great bond, 'cause it's guys that I went to college with. And it feels good to see everybody doing something good in life. And we all out here on this field in the league, and it's great. Shout out to Coach Prime and all them guys for the program that he started over there," Horn said.

Horn finished the game with one catch for 15 yards, but his biggest highlight came on a 39-yard rush on a designed end around play, showing off his trademark speed.

While Horn is carving out a role for himself in Carolina's wide receiver rotation, Hunter is still looking to make an impact on both offense and defense in Jacksonville. A knee injury limited him during his rookie year with the Jaguars, also leading many to doubt how realistic it is for Hunter to actually contribute both at wide receiver and at defensive back.

Shedeur Sanders Competing for Starting Quarterback Job

Shedeur Sanders ends a surgical opening drive with a TD pass.

4-for-4
43 passing yards
1 TD pic.twitter.com/hFBwQ4OfR9
— Scott Procter (@ScottProcter_) August 22, 2026

Meanwhile, former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders is also in the middle of his second NFL preseason like Horn and Hunter, but his role is less solidified.

Competing for the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback job with Deshaun Watson, Sanders and the Cleveland quarterback battle is arguably the most intriguing storyline for Colorado fans following former Buffs in the NFL.

Sanders had an opportunity to prove himself as a rookie, ultimately solidifying his place above fellow Cleveland quarterback Dillon Gabriel on the depth chart. However, Watson's return from injury has made things a bit more interesting for the Browns.

Sanders started the first half against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, completing 9 of 11 pass attempts for 74 yards along with one touchdown and one interception.

Whether or not the former Colorado quarterback will enter the 2026 season as Cleveland's starting quarterback remains to be seen, but Sanders can expect to see the field at some point during the fall if injuries ravage the Browns' quarterback room like they did in 2025.

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