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Colorado Buffaloes’ NFL Draft Shutout: Has ‘Prime Time’ Lost Its Magic?
April 28, 2026 — BOULDER, Colo.
The 2026 NFL Draft concluded on Saturday night without a single player from the Colorado Buffaloes hearing their name called. The shutout marks a dramatic reversal from the program’s 2025 success and raises questions about the sustainability of “Coach Prime’s” transformative impact in Boulder.
From Four Picks to Zero: A Year of Reckoning
Just 12 months ago, the Buffaloes celebrated their most fruitful NFL Draft in recent memory. Four players—including quarterback Shedeur Sanders, son of head coach Deion Sanders—were selected across seven rounds. Shedeur, the highest-drafted Colorado player in 2025, went to the Cleveland Browns in the second round and has since become a starter for the franchise.
This year, however, the draft board remained silent for Colorado. The program’s absence from the draft stage is its first since 2019, according to official NFL records. The last time Colorado failed to produce a draft pick, the program was led by Mel Tucker, who left for Michigan State shortly after the 2019 season.
Undrafted but Not Unwanted: The Free Agency Silver Lining
While no Buffaloes were selected, the program did witness four players sign as undrafted free agents, offering a glimmer of hope for Sanders’ roster:
- Arden Walker (Defensive End) – Signed with the Minnesota Vikings
- Anquin Barnes (Defensive Tackle) – Signed with the New York Giants
- Preston Hodge (Cornerback) – Signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars
- Xavier Hill (Left Guard) – Signed with the New York Jets
quarterback Kaidon Salter earned an invitation to the Tennessee Titans’ training camp, where he will compete for a roster spot under head coach Brian Daboll.
Sanders’ Response: A Call for Patience
In the aftermath of the draft, Deion Sanders addressed the media with a message of resilience. “I’m still the right man for this job,” Sanders stated in a press conference on Sunday. “This program is on the right track, but rebuilding takes time. We’re not going to panic. We’re going to keep grinding.”
Sanders’ plea for patience comes as Colorado prepares for its second season in the Big 12 Conference. The Buffaloes finished 5-7 in 2025, their first year under Sanders and failed to qualify for a bowl game. The 2026 season will be critical in determining whether the program can sustain the momentum generated by Sanders’ high-profile arrival in 2023.
What Went Wrong? Analyzing the Draft Snub
The Buffaloes’ draft shutout can be attributed to several factors:
- Roster Turnover: Colorado lost 12 starters to graduation or the transfer portal after the 2025 season. The 2026 roster was largely composed of younger, less experienced players who may not have been ready for the NFL.
- Injury Concerns: Several potential draft prospects, including linebacker Terrance Jones and safety Shilo Sanders (Deion’s youngest son), missed significant time in 2025 due to injuries. Jones, a projected mid-round pick, tore his ACL in October and is still recovering.
- Schematic Mismatch: Sanders’ offensive and defensive systems are unique, and some evaluators questioned whether Colorado’s players could transition seamlessly to NFL schemes. This was particularly true for the offensive line, which struggled in pass protection in 2025.
- Transfer Portal Impact: The Buffaloes brought in 18 transfers ahead of the 2025 season, but only a handful emerged as NFL-caliber prospects. The portal can be a double-edged sword, as it often disrupts team chemistry and development.
The Big 12 Factor: A Tougher Road Ahead
Colorado’s move to the Big 12 in 2025 was intended to elevate the program’s competitiveness, but the conference has proven to be a formidable challenge. The Buffaloes went 2-6 in Big 12 play last season, with losses to powerhouses like Texas, Oklahoma, and Utah. The conference’s depth means that Colorado must develop NFL-ready talent consistently to remain relevant.
Sanders acknowledged the Big 12’s difficulty but remains optimistic. “This represents a process,” he said. “We knew the Big 12 wasn’t going to be simple. But we’re building something special here. The draft is just one day. It doesn’t define our program.”
What’s Next for Colorado?
The Buffaloes’ 2026 season kicks off on September 6 against the Northern Colorado Bears. The schedule includes marquee matchups against Texas (October 4), Oklahoma (October 18), and Utah (November 29). A strong showing in these games could reignite the “Prime Time” magic that captivated college football fans in 2023 and 2024.
For now, Sanders and his staff are focused on the transfer portal and recruiting trail. The program has already secured commitments from three 4-star recruits for the 2027 class, including a highly touted quarterback from Florida. If Sanders can replicate the success of his 2023 and 2024 recruiting classes, the Buffaloes could return to the draft stage as soon as 2027.
Key Takeaways
- Historic Shutout: The 2026 NFL Draft marked the first time since 2019 that Colorado failed to produce a single draft pick.
- Undrafted Free Agents: Four Buffaloes players signed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents, while QB Kaidon Salter earned a training camp invite from the Tennessee Titans.
- Sanders’ Message: The head coach emphasized patience and resilience, stating that the program is “on the right track.”
- Big 12 Challenges: Colorado’s move to the Big 12 has proven difficult, with the team going 2-6 in conference play in 2025.
- 2026 Outlook: The Buffaloes open their season on September 6 against Northern Colorado, with key games against Texas, Oklahoma, and Utah on the horizon.
FAQ
Why didn’t Colorado have any players drafted in 2026?
The Buffaloes’ draft shutout can be attributed to roster turnover, injuries, and a lack of NFL-ready prospects. The program lost 12 starters after the 2025 season, and several key players missed time due to injuries. Evaluators questioned whether Colorado’s players could transition to NFL schemes.
How many players did Colorado have drafted in 2025?
In 2025, the Buffaloes had four players selected in the NFL Draft, including quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who went to the Cleveland Browns in the second round.
What is Deion Sanders’ record at Colorado?
Sanders is 5-7 in his first season at Colorado (2025). The program failed to qualify for a bowl game in his debut campaign.
Who are the key players to watch for Colorado in 2026?
Quarterback Kaidon Salter, who earned a training camp invite from the Tennessee Titans, is expected to lead the offense. On defense, linebacker Terrance Jones (returning from an ACL injury) and safety Shilo Sanders will be critical to the Buffaloes’ success.
What is Colorado’s schedule like in 2026?
The Buffaloes open the season against Northern Colorado on September 6. Key Big 12 matchups include games against Texas (October 4), Oklahoma (October 18), and Utah (November 29).
