Shedeur Sanders will 'light the fire of college football' in 2024, says ESPN analyst

There have been several big storylines, but the rise of the Colorado Buffaloes under Deion Sanders may have been the most captivating. The Pro Football Hall of Famer took the reins of the one-win program and brought some of his “Louis baggage” with him to Boulder.

One of them was Shedeur Sanders, who had a career year at the Power Five level, throwing for 3,230 yards, 27 touchdowns and just three interceptions. While Colorado started hot and fell apart, ending the season with a six-game losing streak and finishing 4-8, the 2024 season is shaping up to be a memorable one.

Despite the opportunity to enter the NFL Draft, Sanders chose to stay at Colorado for his senior year, a decision that spoke volumes about his commitment to his father's team and program.

The move fueled optimism among fans and analysts. ESPN analyst Louis Riddick recently highlighted Shedeur's maturity and talent, warning opponents to prepare for an explosive season. “He’s a lot more mature than his age suggests,” Riddick noted. He emphasized that despite the flashy personality associated with Shedeur – symbolized by his expensive jewelry, cars and NIL deals – he is fundamentally a competent and dedicated player.

“Don't get me wrong, don't get jaded by the flash, the symbol when he sets up the watch, the cars, the NIL transactions and who his father is. This kid is a ball player. He's a baseball player, and if he gets any help, he's going to set college football on fire.

Throughout the season, Shedeur's confidence on the field was at an all-time high, often exemplified by his gesture of flexing his left arm to display a luxury watch, a symbolic gesture to silence doubters. This blend of confidence and performance has paved the way for a potentially transformative season in 2024.

During the offseason, Deion Sanders and his coaching staff worked diligently to build a strong team around Shedeur, with the goal of improving the team's performance. Their aim is to break their recent struggles and secure a bowling appearance for the first time since 2020.

With the right support in the trenches and continued development, the Colorado Buffaloes hope to turn heads and achieve significant success this upcoming season as they approach the Big 12 Conference.