Shedeur Sanders capped off his college football career on Saturday night, taking the field for the last time as Colorado’s quarterback in the Alamo Bowl. Unfortunately for Sanders and the Buffaloes, the season ended in a 36-14 loss to BYU in San Antonio. While the result was disappointing, it doesn’t overshadow what has been a stellar college career for the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders.
Now, Sanders will shift his focus to the next chapter: the National Football League. Widely projected to be a high pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders has garnered significant interest from quarterback-needy teams like the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders. He remains in contention to be the No. 1 overall pick, alongside other top prospects such as Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward.
High Praise from Analysts
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller offered glowing praise for Sanders, particularly noting his fit with the New York Giants, who are likely to hold a top draft selection.
“It has to be Shedeur Sanders if you’re the New York Giants,” Miller said on SportsCenter. “We’ve seen a parade of bad quarterback play from them this year. The great thing about Shedeur is he’s been in that spotlight his entire life as the son of Deion Sanders. We talk about, can guys handle the New York media market? Yeah, he’s been handling it his entire life, not to mention what he does on the field.”
Miller continued, “He’s surgical as a passer, he’s tough, he’s accurate, he’s smart, and he’s a great point guard at the next level. That’s exactly what the New York Giants need, especially with Malik Nabers already there as a top receiver. Pairing Shedeur with a wideout like Nabers would be game-changing.”
A Divisive Comparison
Not all analysts share Miller’s optimism, however. Chad Forbes, another NFL Draft expert, sparked controversy with his less flattering take. During Saturday night’s game, Forbes posted a brutal comparison on X, formerly Twitter.
“My comp for Shedeur Sanders is Geno Smith … during his tenure with the Jets,” Forbes wrote.
The comparison has drawn mixed reactions. While Smith has since revived his career as a Pro Bowl quarterback with the Seattle Seahawks, his early years with the New York Jets were rocky. Smith struggled with turnovers, throwing 36 interceptions to just 28 touchdowns over four seasons (2013–2016). His inconsistency and growing pains left the Jets in quarterback purgatory for years.
Potential for Redemption or Similar Struggles?
Geno Smith’s eventual rise to stardom in Seattle serves as a testament to perseverance and adaptability, but it’s a cautionary tale for Sanders as well. NFL teams may see the raw talent Sanders brings—the arm strength, the poise under pressure, and the ability to elevate his teammates—but questions linger about how he’ll adapt to the professional game.
Sanders has proven his toughness and accuracy at the collegiate level, leading Colorado through a remarkable resurgence. However, as critics like Forbes suggest, transitioning to the NFL comes with unique challenges, especially under the scrutiny of a franchise like the Giants or Raiders.
What’s Next for Shedeur Sanders?
With the college season officially behind him, Sanders is expected to begin preparing for the NFL Draft. He’ll participate in key events such as the NFL Scouting Combine and Pro Day, where he can showcase his skills and further solidify his status as a top prospect.
The debate surrounding Sanders’ future will undoubtedly continue until draft day. Whether he becomes the centerpiece of a rebuilding franchise like the Giants or faces a longer developmental curve like Geno Smith, Sanders has the opportunity to carve his own path in the NFL.
For now, fans and analysts alike will wait to see where the next chapter of his football journey begins.
