Colorado University Athletics
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From Boulder to the NFL: Coach Prime's First Buffaloes Make Their Mark
January 07, 2026 | Football
BOULDER – When Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders arrived in Boulder, one of the defining promises of the Coach Prime era was clear: develop players for the next level—and do it fast.
After two NFL seasons, that vision is already bearing fruit, as seven former Buffaloes who played under Coach Prime at Colorado logged NFL snaps during the 2025 season, ranging from rookies carving out roles to second-year pros continuing their climb.
Rookie Class Leaves Early Impressions
Headlining the list was Travis Hunter, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. True to form, Hunter made an immediate impact on both sides of the ball, appearing in seven games as a wide receiver and cornerback before a knee injury ended his season in late October. Prior to the injury, he logged 28 receptions for 298 yards and a touchdown on offense, added 15 tackles and three pass breakups defensively, and played 67 percent of the Jaguars' offensive snaps and 36 percent of their defensive snaps.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders also took a major step forward in his first NFL season, drafted in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns. Sanders took over as the starter in Week 12, finishing the season with 1,400 passing yards and seven touchdowns while posting a 3–4 record as a starter after Cleveland began the year 2–8. He added 169 rushing yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, gaining valuable experience as the Browns evaluated their future at the position.
Special teams became an early calling card for two other Buffalo rookies. LaJohntay Wester, a sixth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens, earned a roster spot with a standout preseason that included an 87-yard punt return touchdown in his debut. He went on to serve as Baltimore's primary punt and kick returner throughout his rookie season. Jimmy Horn Jr., selected in the sixth round by the Carolina Panthers, contributed mostly on special teams while working into the offensive rotation, finishing the year with 11 receptions for 108 yards and eight rushes for 69 yards.
Undrafted Buffaloes Earn Their Shot
Colorado's impact extended beyond the draft, with multiple undrafted free agents carving out opportunities. Defensive end BJ Green II signed with the Jaguars and made the 53-man roster following a strong camp and preseason. He appeared in 14 games as a rotational edge rusher, recording nine tackles, six solo stops, and two sacks—solid production for a rookie undrafted defender.
Safety Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig also landed in Jacksonville, initially joining the practice squad after final cuts before earning a mid-season call-up. He appeared in three games and recorded two solo tackles, continuing a steady climb that mirrored his developmental path at Colorado.
Second-Year Buffaloes Continue to Build
Two former Buffaloes completed their second NFL seasons in 2025, continuing to establish themselves at the professional level. Wide receiver Xavier Weaver saw expanded action with the Arizona Cardinals, playing in more games than during his rookie campaign and recording his first career statistics. Weaver finished the year with seven receptions for 67 yards and added 51 yards on two kick returns.
Defensive end Derrick McLendon II remained part of the Miami Dolphins organization for a second straight season. After a strong preseason, McLendon spent most of the year on the practice squad and was elevated late in the season, seeing action in the season finale against New England.
A Growing Pipeline
Together, the group represents the first wave of Buffaloes developed under Coach Prime to reach and contribute in the NFL. Whether through draft capital, special teams impact, or perseverance as undrafted free agents, each player logged meaningful professional experience during the 2025 season—laying the foundation for what continues to grow as Colorado's NFL pipeline.
With more Buffaloes poised to follow, the early returns are clear: Boulder is once again a destination for players with professional aspirations—and the league is taking notice.
After two NFL seasons, that vision is already bearing fruit, as seven former Buffaloes who played under Coach Prime at Colorado logged NFL snaps during the 2025 season, ranging from rookies carving out roles to second-year pros continuing their climb.
Rookie Class Leaves Early Impressions
Headlining the list was Travis Hunter, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. True to form, Hunter made an immediate impact on both sides of the ball, appearing in seven games as a wide receiver and cornerback before a knee injury ended his season in late October. Prior to the injury, he logged 28 receptions for 298 yards and a touchdown on offense, added 15 tackles and three pass breakups defensively, and played 67 percent of the Jaguars' offensive snaps and 36 percent of their defensive snaps.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders also took a major step forward in his first NFL season, drafted in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns. Sanders took over as the starter in Week 12, finishing the season with 1,400 passing yards and seven touchdowns while posting a 3–4 record as a starter after Cleveland began the year 2–8. He added 169 rushing yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, gaining valuable experience as the Browns evaluated their future at the position.
Special teams became an early calling card for two other Buffalo rookies. LaJohntay Wester, a sixth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens, earned a roster spot with a standout preseason that included an 87-yard punt return touchdown in his debut. He went on to serve as Baltimore's primary punt and kick returner throughout his rookie season. Jimmy Horn Jr., selected in the sixth round by the Carolina Panthers, contributed mostly on special teams while working into the offensive rotation, finishing the year with 11 receptions for 108 yards and eight rushes for 69 yards.
Undrafted Buffaloes Earn Their Shot
Colorado's impact extended beyond the draft, with multiple undrafted free agents carving out opportunities. Defensive end BJ Green II signed with the Jaguars and made the 53-man roster following a strong camp and preseason. He appeared in 14 games as a rotational edge rusher, recording nine tackles, six solo stops, and two sacks—solid production for a rookie undrafted defender.
Safety Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig also landed in Jacksonville, initially joining the practice squad after final cuts before earning a mid-season call-up. He appeared in three games and recorded two solo tackles, continuing a steady climb that mirrored his developmental path at Colorado.
Second-Year Buffaloes Continue to Build
Two former Buffaloes completed their second NFL seasons in 2025, continuing to establish themselves at the professional level. Wide receiver Xavier Weaver saw expanded action with the Arizona Cardinals, playing in more games than during his rookie campaign and recording his first career statistics. Weaver finished the year with seven receptions for 67 yards and added 51 yards on two kick returns.
Defensive end Derrick McLendon II remained part of the Miami Dolphins organization for a second straight season. After a strong preseason, McLendon spent most of the year on the practice squad and was elevated late in the season, seeing action in the season finale against New England.
A Growing Pipeline
Together, the group represents the first wave of Buffaloes developed under Coach Prime to reach and contribute in the NFL. Whether through draft capital, special teams impact, or perseverance as undrafted free agents, each player logged meaningful professional experience during the 2025 season—laying the foundation for what continues to grow as Colorado's NFL pipeline.
With more Buffaloes poised to follow, the early returns are clear: Boulder is once again a destination for players with professional aspirations—and the league is taking notice.
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