The NFL draft is over, and rookies are gearing up to begin minicamp over the next few weeks. For college football, all eyes are now centered on who will step up and replace the departed players. For Colorado, several stars departed for the professional ranks, with Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders headlining the group.
Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With those two stars plus LaJohntay Wester and Jimmy Horn Jr., the Buffs are losing a ton of offensive production, so new players must take on bigger roles. ESPN took the entire first round of the draft and highlighted who is currently on that school's roster and is the likeliest replacement. Since only Travis Hunter went in the first round, we will add our replacement for the other three Colorado players selected.
Here are players best suited to take over for the four drafted Colorado stars (five players listed due to Hunter's two-way ability): WR Omarion Miller Sep 21, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Omarion Miller (4) stays on his feet to score after a tackle attempt from Baylor Bears safety Corey Gordon Jr. (24) during the first half at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images Replacing: Travis Hunter (wide receiver) Let's get this out of the way first: Travis Hunter is one of the most unreplaceable players in college football history. After starring on both sides of the ball, he obviously cannot be replaced by a single player.
At receiver, Miller has the potential to produce at a high level if he can stay healthy. His 2024 season ended in early October against Kansas State during a game in which he had eight catches for 145 yards. At cornerback, McKinney started opposite Hunter last season and should be among the best corners in the Big 12 this season.
– Kyle Bonagura, ESPN CB DJ McKinney Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes cornerback DJ McKinney (8) intercepts a pass intended for Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) during the first quarter at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Replacing: Travis Hunter (cornerback) At cornerback, McKinney started opposite Hunter last season and should be among the best corners in the Big 12 this season. – Bonagura QB Kaidon Salter Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) during the spring game at Folsom Field.
Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Replacing: Shedeur Sanders Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Julian Lewis is the heir apparent to the starting quarterback position, but for 2025, it is Kaidon Salter's job to lose. The former Liberty standout is experienced and can be the perfect bridge quarterback between Sanders and Lewis. WR Joseph Williams Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Joseph Williams (8) during the spring game at Folsom Field.
Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Replacing: LaJohntay Wester Williams and Wester are not the same type of player, but they seem to be perfect swaps on the depth chart. Wester was an explosive weapon for Colorado, but Williams looks to be more in the mold of Will Sheppard as a dominant red zone threat. Williams will have every chance to be one of the Buffs' top three receivers.
WR Sincere Brown Nov 14, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars cornerback Damarion Williams (6) defends against a pass intended for South Florida Bulls wide receiver Sincere Brown (7) during the third quarter at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports Replacing: Jimmy Horn Jr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps Brown reminds me of Horn because the two both transferred from South Florida, but the two do have more in common. Despite being nine inches taller than Horn, Brown has the speed and elusiveness that made Horn such a threat in Colorado's offense.
After averaging 16.9 yards per reception last season with Campbell, Brown should be another top option in the passing game this season. Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads and Instagram. Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football players replacing Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter
