Travis Hunter, left, and Shedeur Sanders embrace after the University of Colorado made a touchdown during the game against the University of Cincinnati at Folsom Field on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (Clementine Miller/CU Independent)
On Monday the Colorado Buffaloes football program announced that they will be retiring jersey numbers two and 12, in honor of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter respectively. The numbers will be immortalized during the upcoming Spring Game on Saturday.
Sanders holds the school record for the most passing touchdowns with 64, while only playing 24 games. He’s fifth in all-time yards and completions, while having the highest completion percentage among qualified players. Sanders led the Buffaloes through their best season since 2016 last year and first bowl game appearance since 2020. Although his final collegiate game ended disastrous, he’s expected to be a Top 10 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Hunter had one of the best single seasons in college football history last fall, winning Colorado’s second ever Heisman award. He was acknowledged for his excellent play on both offense and defense, having two award-winning seasons in one.
While playing at wide receiver, he was Sanders’ top target, reeling in 153 catches since 2023, with 96 last year that led the Big 12 Conference. He found the end zone 20 times while wearing black and gold, racking up nearly 2,000 yards.
But that’s only half of the story. While taking snaps at cornerback, he tallied seven interceptions, 16 defended passes and 66 combined tackles.
It’s no question that Hunter’s #12 should’ve been retired. He brought the second Heisman award in the program’s 123-year history, and his resume might be one nobody will see again: AP Player of the Year, Chuck Bednarik Award for best defensive player, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Fred Biletnikoff award for best wide receiver, Paul Hornung award for most versatile player and more. All in one year.
However, it’s a little controversial that Sanders’ #2 will be honored. Granted, he will go down as one of the best quarterbacks the school as ever seen, but getting the nod over other university greats is contentious.
Some campus legends like Kordell Stewart, Sefo Liufau and Steven Montez all played longer with Colorado, accomplishing more with some holding better all-time stats. Shedeur and the Sanders family did bring the university’s football program back to life, but it will always be a question mark if he deserves his number in the rafters.
Nonetheless, it will be official during the upcoming Black vs. Gold Spring Game on Saturday. After that, Sanders and Hunter will officially begin the next chapter of their career during the upcoming NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24. Tune in to see which team they’ll begin their professional careers with, starting at 6 p.m. MT.
Contact CU Independent Sports Editor Baylan Wysuph at baylan.wysuph@gmail.com
