Key answer upfront
Deion Sanders' son, Shedeur Sanders, was drafted by the Colorado Buffaloes (University of Colorado) in the 2023 NCAA Transfer Portal, committing to Colorado on December 19, 2022. He is a quarterback who transferred from Jackson State. This relationship is notable because Deion Sanders is the head coach at Colorado, making Shedeur a direct teammate and collaborator under his father's leadership.
Who is Shedeur Sanders?
Shedeur Sanders is the son of former NFL cornerback and current Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders. Known for his strong arm, mobility, and football IQ, Shedeur has drawn widespread attention as the head coach's son. Before transferring to Colorado, he played at Jackson State, where he earned national attention for leading the Tigers to the 2022 Celebration Bowl championship and was named the game's MVP.
Deion Sanders' family and football legacy
Immediate family
Deion Sanders has two sons who have played college football. Shedeur Sanders, born in 2000, is the younger of the two. His older brother, Orlando Sanders, also played football at the collegiate level, but Shedeur is the one who transferred to Colorado and plays directly under Deion at the University of Colorado.
Coaching and player background
Deion Sanders has built his post-NFL career as a respected coach and broadcaster. Before arriving at Colorado, he served as head coach at Jackson State, where he recruited and mentored Shedeur. Shedeur's decision to transfer to Colorado in 2022 was framed as continuing his development under the direction and system of his father, who had by then been named Colorado's head coach.
The 2023 transfer commitment
Shedeur Sanders entered the NCAA Transfer Portal in January 2023 and drew interest from multiple Power Five programs. He ultimately committed to Colorado on December 19, 2022, decommitting from South Carolina in the process. This move aligned with Deion Sanders' broader vision to build Colorado's offense around a quarterback who could thrive in the transfer portal era and execute an Air Raid-inspired system.
Colorado Buffaloes connection
- Recruiting context: Shedeur was not drafted by an NFL team; his path to prominence began with college football at Jackson State, then continued via the transfer portal to Colorado.
- Head coach relationship: Deion Sanders is the head coach at Colorado, making Shedeur both a son and a key player on the roster.
- On-field role: Shedeur serves as the starting quarterback and primary playmaker in Colorado's offensive scheme.
Draft context: position, timing, and transfer path
Because Shedeur Sanders entered the NCAA Transfer Portal rather than declaring for the NFL Draft, there was no traditional NFL draft selection. Instead, the relevant "draft" event was his commitment to Colorado via the transfer portal in December 2022. This commitment is the point at which he officially joined the Buffaloes program under his father's leadership.
Transfer timeline at a glance
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Celebration Bowl (December 2022) | Shedeur named MVP; Jackson State wins championship | Raised his national profile and showcased his leadership and playmaking ability |
| December 19, 2022 | Commits to Colorado via the NCAA Transfer Portal | Formal commitment that made him a Colorado Buffaloes player under his father's program |
| 2023 and onward | Plays quarterback for Colorado under head coach Deion Sanders | Central figure in Colorado's offensive strategy and a high-visibility member of the program |
Position and playing style
Shedeur Sanders plays quarterback. He is known for his powerful throwing arm, ability to extend plays with his legs, and quick decision-making. At Colorado, he operates within a fast-tempo, pass-heavy scheme that leverages his mobility and accuracy. His playing style is frequently compared to mobile quarterbacks who can both throw and run effectively, making him a dual-threat option in the transfer portal landscape.
FAQ
Reader questions
Was Shedeur Sanders drafted by an NFL team?
No. Shedeur Sanders has not been drafted by an NFL team. He is pursuing his college football career at Colorado after transferring from Jackson State via the NCAA Transfer Portal.
Which team did Deion Sanders' son join through the transfer portal?
Shedeur Sanders joined the Colorado Buffaloes through the NCAA Transfer Portal, committing on December 19, 2022, and playing quarterback under his father, head coach Deion Sanders.
How old is Shedeur Sanders?
As of 2024, Shedeur Sanders is 23 years old, having been born in 2000.
Does Deion Sanders coach his son at Colorado?
Yes. Deion Sanders is the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, and Shedeur Sanders is his quarterback and a central part of the program.
Where did Shedeur Sanders play before Colorado?
Prior to Colorado, Shedeur Sanders played at Jackson State University, where he was the starting quarterback and earned Celebration Bowl MVP honors in 2022.