Colorado Buffaloes Football

After Colorado head coach Deion Sanders called out his son for playing "horrible" in a loss to Kansas State on Saturday, Shilo Sanders gave his thoughts on the comments.

Sanders didn't beat around the bush, saying that he agreed with his father that his play wasn't great on Saturday.

"We got on the phone before like right after the game actually," Sanders said (3:00 mark). "I know I played horrible, he knows I played horrible. It wasn't anything bad. It was just 'You played horrible that's what happened.'"

Sanders recorded 10 tackles in the game but also had plenty of missed opportunities, including a missed open-field tackle that led to a big gain for the Wildcats.

His play led to Deion Sanders addressing his mistakes in his postgame press conference.

"I thought he played horrible," he said (5:20 mark). "I thought he was rusty, he didn't have his footing. I thought he wasn't breaking down, he was coming up trying to make the play but open field, one-on-one tackling with that kind of back, that ain't an easy task. But he's going to do better, I know what he has in him."

Kansas State's offense had its way with the Buffaloes' defense, racking up 423 total yards of offense in the 31-28 win. Colorado mounted a comeback to make things interesting late but ultimately didn't have enough to get its first ranked win of the year.

The Buffs' second loss of the year had little to do with its offense as Sheduer Sanders posted another impressive game with 388 passing yards, three touchdowns and an interception. If Colorado can combine that kind of offense with better defense, it could lead to some big wins this season.

For now, the Buffaloes are 4-2 heading into the weekend with a chance to bounce back against Arizona.

After suffering an apparent shoulder injury in this past Saturday's loss to Kansas State, it sounds like Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter won't be forced to miss any time.

Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders told reporters, "Travis Hunter should play for certain on Saturday" against Arizona.

Hunter exited the game against the Wildcats in the first half, finishing with three catches for 26 yards and one tackle. Per ESPN's Max Olson, he appeared to suffer the injury on a 14-yard reception during the second quarter. After being evaluated in the locker room, he returned to the sideline in the third quarter but didn't go back into the game.

Hunter's presence was sorely missed, as the Buffaloes went on to suffer a 31-28 loss in front of their home fans at Folsom Field. In addition to losing Hunter, Colorado's second-leading receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. exited in the second quarter with an unspecified injury, and receivers Omarion Miller and Terrell Timmons Jr. did the same as well.

"Certainly, losing Travis and Jimmy and others was tremendous because they're a vital part of our team, a vital part of our identity," Sanders said after the game. "They're a vital part of who we are. So that took a blow. That took a lot out of us."

A Heisman Trophy contender, Hunter is one of the most dynamic players in college football. He's produced 49 catches for 587 yards and six touchdowns on offense while adding 16 total tackles, three passes defended, two interceptions and a forced fumble on defense.

After falling to 4-2, Colorado will try to get back on track when it meets Arizona on Saturday.

ESPN's Jordan Reid ranked Colorado's Shedeur Sanders at No. 1 on the first edition of his 2025 QB Hot Board Monday ahead of players like Miami's Cam Ward, Georgia's Carson Beck, Alabama's Jalen Milroe and Texas' Quinn Ewers, among others.

And some NFL executives agree.

"He's been the best of the bunch to me, and I've been impressed by his growth this year," an assistant general manager from an NFC team told Reid. "The on-field demeanor has been contagious so far, and the results have shown on that team this year."

Sanders has the numbers to back it up, throwing for 2,018 yards, 17 touchdowns and four interceptions while completing an impressive 72.6 percent of his passes. Colorado has gone 4-2 on the year, losing to the two best teams its faced in Nebraska and Kansas State, but Sanders has been a bright spot.

There are areas to clean up. He's taken 23 sacks through six games, and that can't be fully blamed on his offensive line. Per Reid, Sanders "averages 2.94 seconds before throwing this season, which ranks 111th in FBS," while his "8.3 percent sack-per-dropback rate ranks 107th."

But in general, the positives have outweighed the negatives. Sanders is trending toward being a top-five pick, and the top quarterback off the board, at the 2025 NFL draft.

Deion Sanders was not pleased with Shilo Sanders' play during Colorado's 31-28 loss against Kansas State on Saturday.

"I thought he played horrible," he told reporters following the contest (5:20 mark). "I thought he was rusty, he didn't have his footing. I thought he wasn't breaking down, he was coming up trying to make the play but open field, one-on-one tackling with that kind of back, that ain't an easy task. But he's going to do better, I know what he has in him."

Shilo Sanders missed several tackles on the evening, which including DJ Giddens juking him into an awkward position:

The safety had missed the previous three games with a forearm injury, so a bit of rust was perhaps to be expected. He did finish the game with seven tackles, but was far more notable for the ones he missed.

Colorado's defense struggled in general, allowing Kansas State to accumulate 426 yards of total offense, including 188 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. That spoiled another strong performance from Colorado quarterback Shadeur Sanders, who threw for 388 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.

The Wildcats led the contest 21-7 in the third quarter but Colorado showed resilience, taking a 28-24 lead 3:12 remaining in the game after an 11-yard touchdown pass from Sanders to LaJohntay Wester.

That score was set up by an Avery Johnson interception, which was returned 59 yards by Colorado's Colton Hood. But Johnson recovered on the ensuing possession, hitting Jayce Brown on a 50-yard touchdown reception with just 2:14 remaining, ultimately the game-winner.

"Sometimes when you lose, you go, 'Dang, we should've won that. We should've had that,'" Deion Sanders told reporters after the contest. "(Tonight) was one of those games... for us, we felt like we let that one slip away. And we have to do a better job of taking advantage of opportunities we had to win the game, because we had several."

A stronger showing from Shilo Sanders would have certainly helped.

Colorado battled through injuries and a difficult opponent Saturday night but ultimately fell short in a 31-28 loss to Kansas State, which left head coach Deion Sanders feeling emotional.

"This s--t hurt," he told his team (37:45 mark). "Because you know, and you should feel like, you were the better team."

He also placed the blame on the defense against the run after the contest during his postgame press conference by saying Kansas State "ran the heck out of the football. That was the goal to try to stop the run. We didn't do that whatsoever. They had 224 yards rushing, which they ultimately dominated the time of possession. Which is not good."

The Wildcats actually tallied 188 rushing yards during the game, but it doesn't change the overall narrative.

Running back DJ Giddens averaged 7.3 yards per carry on his way to 182 yards, while running back Dylan Edwards and quarterback Avery Johnson each scored on the ground. That helped the visitors get off to a quick start and take a 10-point lead into the fourth quarter.

However, the Buffaloes fought back with an 11-play, 72-yard touchdown drive that Isaiah Augustave capped off with a score before Colton Hood's interception and long return set them up inside the red zone.

The offense took advantage on the ensuing possession with a touchdown pass from Shedeur Sanders to LaJohntay Wester to take the lead, but Kansas State answered in the final few minutes with a 34-yard pass to Giddens and 50-yard strike from Johnson to Jayce Brown to ultimately win the game.

Colorado had one more opportunity but turned it over on downs.

Still, Sanders' team showed impressive fight, especially since star wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter exited the game in the first half with an apparent shoulder injury. Wide receivers Jimmy Horn Jr., Omarion Miller and Terrell Timmons Jr. also exited with injuries.

Had Hunter remained on the field, it might have been a different ending even with the Buffaloes struggling to stop the run on the defensive side.

Despite the loss, this year's Colorado team feels much different than last year's.

The Buffaloes went 1-8 in Pac-12 play in 2023 and never recovered from a blowout 42-6 loss to Oregon. Yet this season's team has shown resilience in a comeback win over Baylor, road victory over UFC and even Saturday's loss against a nationally ranked Kansas State squad.

It is 4-2 overall and 2-1 in Big 12 play with the opportunity to remain a factor in the conference race with winnable games against Arizona, Cincinnati and Texas Tech in the immediate future. The run defense will have to be better, but there is more reason for optimism in Colorado than there was a season ago.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders didn't provide additional insight into Travis Hunter's shoulder injury but confirmed there were no plans to bring the two-way star back midway through Saturday's 31-28 loss to Kansas State.

Hunter walked back to the locker room in the second quarter and was visibly favoring his right shoulder.

In his postgame press conference, Sanders told reporters the junior "was just there to support his team" when he came back to the sideline in the second half and didn't return to the field.

In addition to Hunter, the Buffaloes had to finish the game without wide receivers Jimmy Horn Jr. and Omarion Miller due to injuries.

"Certainly, losing Travis and Jimmy and others was tremendous because they're a vital part of our team, a vital part of our identity," Sanders said after the defeat. "They're a vital part of who we are. So that took a blow. That took a lot out of us."

Since the extent of Hunter's shoulder problem remains unknown, it's too early for Colorado fans to reach for the panic button. But they're probably thinking back to how his three-game absence in 2023 due to a lacerated liver dovetailed with the start of the Buffs' slide following a 3-0 start.

The wide receiver/defensive back is one of the team's most irreplaceable players along with quarterback Shedeur Sanders. He's the leading pass-catcher (49 receptions, 587 yards and six touchdowns) with 17 tackles, two interceptions, three pass breakups and one forced fumble on the other side of the ball..

The Buffaloes' schedule doesn't look as imposing down the stretch as it did last season. Utah is the only ranked team left and the No. 16 Utes are coming off back-to-back losses to Arizona and Arizona State.

Even if Hunter is out for an extended period, Colorado shouldn't totally bottom out once again. But its outsider bid for the College Football Playoff could be off the table, while Hunter's Heisman Trophy campaign would suffer a major blow.

The stars were out for Colorado's clash with No. 18 Kansas State on Saturday night.

Kevin Durant headlined a group of notable figures at Folsom Field to witness head coach Deion Sanders' team attempt to win a fourth consecutive game.

Former NBA stars John Wall and Carmelo Anthony were shown on the broadcast for the game, while former MLB pitcher CC Sabathia and rapper Cam'ron were also seen in attendance.

Denver Nuggets point guard Russell Westbrook was at the game as well.

Sanders previously narrated a video released by Nike celebrating Durant becoming the all-time leading scorer in United States Olympic basketball history on Aug. 6.

Buffaloes games have drawn the attention of celebrities dating back to Sanders' first year running the team in 2023. Actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and rappers Lil Wayne and Offset were present at previous home games, with Wayne leading Colorado out of the locker room ahead of a Sept. 2023 contest.

The trend has continued during the 2024 season, as Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens and rapper Rick Ross were in the Buffaloes' locker room before a 48-21 win over UCF on Sept. 28.

With an impressive victory over Baylor prior to the UCF blowout, the Buffaloes could earn another statement win if they're able to take down the Wildcats.

Colorado wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter left the second quarter of Saturday night's home game against No. 18 Kansas State to get a right shoulder injury evaluated, per ESPN's Quint Kessenich (h/t ESPN's Max Olson.)

Kessenich said on the ESPN broadcast that Hunter returned to the game after his initial sideline visit to medical staff, but eventually left for the locker room.

He was listed by the team as questionable to return, per Olson.

Colton Hood stepped in for Hunter at cornerback after his exit.

Hunter had recorded three catches for 26 yards, in addition to one solo tackle, prior to leaving the game.

He also made a block to allow LaJohntay Wester to catch-and-run in the Buffaloes' first touchdown of the game.

It was not clear exactly when the injury occurred, but Kessenich said wide receiver Omarion Miller had looked to sub in for Hunter during a Colorado offensive drive earlier in the game.

"Hunter with that right shoulder pain... the medical staff looked at him. He came over, grimacing in pain. They came over to him again, and this is the second time in this game that he has walked off," Kessenich said. "Amazing toughness, too, because Omarion Miller wanted to substitute himself into the game, Travis waved him off. But finally, he's in the locker room now, getting further evaluated."

Any missed time for Hunter would be a major blow to Colorado, as the two-way star has spent his junior season playing almost every snap for the Buffaloes.

Hunter was averaging 130 snaps per game through the first five contests of the season. His 561 receiving yards and six touchdowns on offense, combined with 16 tackles and two interceptions on defense, had earned him early buzz as a rare non-quarterback Heisman Trophy candidate heading into Saturday's matchup.

The Colorado star has repeatedly said that he hopes to play both positions in the NFL, although some scouts have indicated injury risks will eventually lead him to focus on one over the other.

For now Deion Sander and the Buffaloes will hope for Hunter's speedy return as they look for players like Miller and Hood to step up in his absence.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders had some fun at Pat McAfee's expense after the ESPN analyst ranked Travis Hunter as the No. 2 Heisman favorite so far this season.

Appearing on College Gameday, McAfee ranked Hunter behind Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, to which Sanders responded by asking, "How do you even fix your mouth to say that?"

To McAfee's credit, he didn't back down from the statement despite joking he was going to change the rankings for his conversation with Coach Prime.

There seems to be very little argument against Jeanty and Hunter as the top two contenders for the award. Jeanty has 1,031 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in five games. He is averaging 10.9 yards per carry on 95 attempts.

Hunter has become college football's version of Shohei Ohtani. The Buffaloes superstar is tied for fourth in the nation with 46 receptions, tied for sixth with six receiving touchdowns and ranks 10th with 561 receiving yards. He also has 16 combined tackles, three pass breakups and two interceptions as a cornerback.

By total volume, it's hard to argue against Hunter as the Heisman frontrunner. He is averaging 124 snaps per game between his contributions on offense and defense.

Hunter could also benefit by virtue of playing for a team that gets a lot of national recognition. Saturday's showdown between the Buffaloes and No. 18 Kansas State at Folsom Field is on ESPN, albeit with a kickoff time of 10:15 p.m. ET.

Boise State doesn't garner as much attention on national shows, despite currently being ranked No. 17 in the AP Top 25.

Jeanty did have a fantastic performance in the Broncos' biggest game of the season so far against No. 3 Oregon. He finished with 25 carries for 192 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-34 loss.

There's still a long way to go this season, so don't expect the Heisman debate between these two stud players to end anytime soon.

Deion Sanders is not a fan of Colorado's late start time against Kansas State on Saturday.

The Buffaloes will kick off at 10:15 p.m. ET against the Wildcats, a time Colorado's head coach strongly disagrees with.

"Who does that?" Sanders said Thursday on the Colorado Football Coaches Show (h/t USA Today's Brent Schrotenboer. "I mean, who has power to sit up there and say, `Yeah, I'm gonna make 'em play at 8:15 (MT)?"

When told that television networks decide the times, Sanders questioned why his team got bumped to such a late start.

"But how stupid is that?" Sanders said. "How stupid is that?"

Sanders and Colorado are no strangers to playing in the waning hours of the night. As members of the Pac-12 last year, they often filled the late slot and kicked off around 10 p.m. ET.

With the move to the Big 12, Sanders hoped to get more early games. He also believes his team warrants an earlier kickoff because of the views they are capable of drawing.

"But it's not smart for a television executive to say, `We gonna to put the game on at this time,'" Sanders said. "Because you're thinking about eyeballs. You're thinking about selling merchandise on the commercials. You're thinking about all that. Why would you do that at that time when half of America is asleep?"

Even when Sanders' electric team kicks off late, the country is still watching. The Buffs' win over Colorado State last season is a perfect example. The game kicked off after 10 p.m. ET and ended past 2 a.m. but still brought in 9.3 million viewers on ESPN, the most-watched late-night college football game ever on the network.

This Saturday's contest will have much higher implications than Colorado's game against Colorado State last year. Both teams come into the game 4-1 with both their Big 12 title hopes and College Football Playoff hopes still alive.

It will be the first ranked opponent the Buffs have faced this year.