Every Colorado Buffaloes Player Who Has Declared For 2026 NFL Draft

As of New Year's Eve, eight scholarship Colorado Buffaloes players have so far declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, including standout defensive players Preston Hodge and Arden Walker.

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes cornerback Preston Hodge (24) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Colorado may not have any 2026 NFL Draft locks, but eight scholarship Buffs have so far declared in hopes of reaching the next level. Those who've declared include two standout interior offensive linemen, a big-play wide receiver and five leaders on the defensive side of the ball.

This past April, the CU Buffs had four players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, highlighted by cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter going No. 2 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars. A few other Buffs signed undrafted free agent contracts, too.

Nov 1, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders on the sidelines in the second quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, although no Colorado players are expected to attend.

As of New Year's Eve, these eight scholarship Buffs have declared for the NFL Draft:

Wide Receiver Sincere Brown

Sep 20, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Sincere Brown (9) scores a sixty eight yard touchdown reception in second quarter against the Wyoming Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Former South Florida/Campbell transfer Sincere Brown spent his final college season at Colorado, racking up 22 catches for 376 yards and two touchdowns. The 6-foot-5 wide receiver had receptions of 71, 68 and 33 yards despite shaky play at the quarterback position.

Defensive Tackle Amari McNeill

Nov 16, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive tackle Amari McNeill (88) tackles Utah Utes quarterback Isaac Wilson (11) in the first quarter at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Defensive tackle Amari McNeill recorded 77 total tackles, including 15 for a loss, seven sacks and three forced fumbles in three seasons at Colorado. Before coming to Boulder, he spent his first two years with the Tennessee Volunteers.

Offensive Lineman Zy Crisler

Oct 25, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) drops back to pass against the Utah Utes during the first quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Starting right guard Zy Crisler announced his NFL Draft declaration on Tuesday following a strong 2025 season in Boulder. The former Illinois transfer started in all 12 games and didn't allow a sack 749 snaps.

Defensive Back Preston Hodge

Oct 4, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Jordan Dwyer (7) runs after the catch as Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Preston Hodge (4) attempts to make the tackle during the first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Despite an overall shaky 2025 season for Colorado's secondary, defensive back Preston Hodge managed to lead the Big 12 in pass breakups (13) and earned an all-conference honorable mention nod.

Offensive Lineman Zarian McGill

Philippians 4:13✝️ pic.twitter.com/CIlrnlJa4P

— Zarian McGill (@Zarian255026215) December 9, 2025

One of the first few Buffs to declare for the NFL Draft, offensive lineman Zarian McGill allowed one sack, one quarterback hit and eight hurries while playing in a team-high 774 offensive snaps this past season. He and Crisler were Colorado's only two offensive players to start in all 12 games.

Defensive End Arden Walker

Sep 20, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive end Arden Walker (53) dances after his sack for a safety on Wyoming Cowboys quarterback Kaden Anderson (12) in the fourth quarter at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Legacy Buff Arden Walker closed his three-year career at Colorado with 91 total tackles, including 11 for a loss, eight sacks and two forced fumbles. The Cherry Creek High School (Greenwood Village, Colo.) product spent his first two college seasons at Missouri.

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Linebacker Jeremiah Brown

Oct 25, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Colorado Buffaloes linebacker Jeremiah Brown (42) reacts to a sack against the Utah Utes during the third quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Linebacker Jeremiah Brown played for coach Deion Sanders throughout his entire five-year college career, including two seasons at Jackson State. His final year was his best, as Brown finished second on the team with 73 total tackles.

Defensive End Keaten Wade

Oct 11, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive lineman Keaten Wade (27) tackles Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Jontez Williams (3) in the first quarter at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Defensive end Keaten Wade enjoyed a quietly impressive two seasons at Colorado, totaling 66 tackles, including 16.5 for a loss, 6.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. He'll have to gain some size during the pre-draft process, but Wade stands as an intriguing NFL prospect.