The Buffs stars’ old-school approach deserves applause

After the Buffs lost to Kansas, effectively ending their chances of reaching the Big 12 title game and the College Football Playoff, there was a consensus about what their stars would do. Everyone expected Travis Hunter, the likely Heisman Trophy winner, and Shedeur Sanders to close the game for the season.

Both are expected to go in the top 10 of the 2025 NFL Draft; Some mocks have them ranked 1st and 2nd overall. So since there’s “nothing left to play for” in the rest, it might be time for them to turn the tide on their NFL careers.

In the words of Lee Corso, “No so fast, my friend.” When it comes to ending their season, the Buffaloes are taking an old-fashioned approach.

Both were on the field Friday in the team’s regular-season finale against Oklahoma State. And they all had great days.

Sanders completed 34 of 41 passes for 438 yards and five touchdowns. Hunter had 10 catches for 116 yards and three scores while also intercepting a pass.

But that was Senior Day in Boulder. It was another opportunity to say thank you to the home fans. It was against a bad Cowboys team, which offered a chance to boost his stats, which gave Hunter one last chance to solidify his Heisman candidacy and Sanders another chance to prove that he is the best quarterback in college football is. Certainly it wouldn’t translate to the bowl game.

At 9-3, Colorado has already had a great season. Their dynamic duo was the main reason for that, as they helped change the culture in Boulder in two years, turning a 1-11 team into a borderline playoff contender. Most would argue that their job is done.

But that’s not the case. According to Deion Sanders, both will be on the field whenever the Buffaloes play again.

“Our kids are going to be in our bowl game,” CU’s head coach said. “This is what we signed up for and we will finish it.”

This is an approach that leaves the past behind. It’s an old-fashioned way of thinking that’s a breath of fresh air.

Yes, the reason for the end of the season is understandable. Star players have a lot at stake and risk millions of potential NFL dollars by playing in an exhibition game.

But it also sends a bad message. It’s a “me-first” attitude that has gotten out of control in recent years.

All season long, Hunter and Sanders have worked with their teammates on the field. Will they now effectively tell them that they are more important than the team and bring others into the game as they turn the page?

This is how a culture of success is created. When CU is on the field, they do everything they can to win; That includes a bowl game that would give the Buffs just their third 10-win season this century.

Plus, the season finale can be a springboard for the next season. Having the Heisman winner and best QB in the country on the field will help things go well. And Coach Prime knows it.

“We will not withdraw,” Sanders added. This throws the structure of next season into disarray. There are a few, as you know, they lay an egg in the bowl game and haven’t recovered since. We don’t plan to do that.”

In other words, the Buffs stars are thinking about someone other than themselves. They forgo making a selfish decision and instead choose what’s best for the team.

What a concept!

And it’s not just the head coach who agrees with the plan. After all, the players who won’t be in Boulder in 2025 also understand this.

“We have to lead by example,” said Shedeur Sanders. “We can’t want them to go out there and play hard, and we sit back and relax.”

This is an honorable decision. The desire to be on the field with teammates should be the norm, but that’s no longer the case these days. Therefore it should be applauded.

Furthermore, it is an example of fulfilling an obligation. This used to mean playing all games for a scholarship. This is a controversial compromise, but still something that should never have been avoided.

However, given college football’s zero landscape today, that’s less of an argument. Sanders is making more than $5 million to play for the Buffs this season; Hunter is over $3 million. These controls apply to every game, not just those played when the Big 12 was still up for grabs.

Finally, the risk of injury is somewhat overrated. Yes, the example of Jake Butt is always cited; As every Broncos fan knows, the Michigan tight end injured his knee in the 2016 Orange Bowl, affecting his draft status and affecting his NFL career. But that is the exception, not the rule.

Literally hundreds – probably thousands – of players participate in bowl games each year without suffering a significant injury. It would have to be disastrous for Hunter and/or Sanders to see their draft stocks fall.

This status was achieved while working for the University of Colorado. It was supported by the school, the coaching staff and the other players on the team. Getting out now would be a lame decision.

In a society that increasingly puts me first, this is not a common opinion. Most will question Hunter and Sanders for their play.

Instead, they should be applauded. They fulfill their obligations – to the school, their teammates, NIL providers, etc.

This is an old school way of thinking. And it’s great to see it in Boulder.

Follow @jamesmerilatt