Deion Sanders, hired by the Colorado Buffaloes in 2023, has significantly impacted NFL draft talent. As the 2026 NFL draft approaches, a list of players drafted under his coaching is highlighted.
Key points
Deion Sanders was hired by the Colorado Buffaloes in 2023.
The program has gained national attention and NFL talent.
The 2026 NFL draft starts on April 23.
Players drafted under Sanders' coaching are highlighted.
Colorado BuffaloesJackson State TigersJames Houston IV
The Colorado Buffaloes hired Deion Sanders before the 2023 season, hoping to bring some life to a program that had been dormant for the better part of the past decade. Overall, the program has received more national attention, including increased NFL talent.
With the 2026 NFL draft beginning Thursday (April 23), here's a look at every player drafted by an NFL team that had Deion Sanders as head coach in their last game before being selected, beginning with Sanders time at Jackson State.
Lions linebacker James Houston looks on during warmups before the NFC championship game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024.
Lions linebacker James Houston looks on during warmups before the NFC championship game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024.
Houston IV was Deion Sanders' first-ever draft selection as a head coach. Houston began his collegiate career at Florida before transferring to Jackson State ahead of the 2021 season. He was a first-team All-SWAC during his lone season as a Tiger.
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Jan 5, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Isaiah Bolden (29) throws the ball to a fan during warm up before the start of the game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Isaiah Bolden (29) throws the ball to a fan during warm up before the start of the game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Bolden played two seasons for Deion Sanders at Jackson State. He spent two seasons with the Patriots before being released and latching on with the 49ers. He was drafted into the United Football League's Louisville Kings,
Oct 13, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) is congratulated for his touchdown by head coach Deion Sanders in the first quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) is congratulated for his touchdown by head coach Deion Sanders in the first quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jacksonville traded up to select the Heisman Trophy winner and two-way sensation. Hunter was elite as both a cornerback and receiver and became the highest-drafted Colorado player ever.
Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) passes against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) passes against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Sanders entered the 2025 draft as a projected first-round pick, but slid into the fifth round. He broke several records during his two-year career as a Buff.
Nov 16, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver LaJohntay Wester (10) returns a punt for a touchdown the first quarter against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Nov 16, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver LaJohntay Wester (10) returns a punt for a touchdown the first quarter against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Wester transferred to Colorado after three seasons at FAU and went on to have a fantastic senior season with the Buffaloes. His 10 receiving touchdowns and ability as a punt returner led to his selection by the Ravens.
Aug 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (5) catches the ball in the first half against the North Dakota State Bison at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (5) catches the ball in the first half against the North Dakota State Bison at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jimmy Horn was the third Colorado wide receiver drafted in the 2025 draft. His speed and quickness were his best traits coming out of Colorado. In his two seasons with the Buffs, Horn had 95 receptions for 1,008 yards and seven touchdowns.
