The anticipation surrounding the Heisman Trophy finalists has reached a fever pitch, but one name notably absent from the list is Shedeur Sanders. Despite his impressive season, the Colorado quarterback did not make the cut, leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. Instead, the finalists include Travis Hunter, Ashton Jeanty, Cameron Ward, and Dillon Gabriel, with Hunter and Jeanty emerging as the frontrunners for the prestigious award.
Shedeur Sanders’ remarkable season
Shedeur Sanders had a standout season, throwing for 3,926 passing yards, accumulating 35 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions. His performance earned him a QBR of 78.2, ranking him 17th among all quarterbacks in the nation. Notably, he finished third in total yardage among quarterbacks, trailing only Syracuse’s Kyle McCord and Miami’s Cameron Ward. Furthermore, he boasted the second-most touchdowns behind Ward and achieved the highest completion percentage among quarterbacks, excluding Florida’s Graham Mertz, who was sidelined for much of the season.
Recognition for excellence
On December 6, Shedeur Sanders received the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, becoming the first-ever player from Colorado to achieve this honor. This award is given annually to the best upperclassman quarterback in the nation, and Shedeur’s recognition speaks volumes about his talent and hard work throughout the season. After receiving the award, he expressed his gratitude, stating,
“I just want to thank God for this opportunity. I am very excited about being recognized as the best quarterback in college football, and this award means a lot to me.”
A father’s pride
When news of Shedeur’s omission from the Heisman finalists reached the public, it sparked a reaction from his father, Deion Sanders, who is also the head coach of Colorado. A fan’s post on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted the fact that Shedeur was the first Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award winner since 2019 not to be named a Heisman finalist. Deion’s response was simple yet poignant:
“Wow!!”
Colorado’s resurgence
Despite the disappointment of not being named a Heisman finalist, Shedeur’s contributions have been instrumental in leading the Colorado Buffaloes to a 9-3 overall record this season. This marks the Buffs’ first winning season since 2016 and their first bowl invitation since 2020. In addition to his individual accolades, Shedeur set the single-season passing yardage record for the school, further solidifying his legacy at Colorado.
Looking ahead to the bowl game
The excitement doesn’t stop here for the Buffaloes. They are set to face the No. 17 BYU Cougars in the Valero Alamo Bowl on December 28. This matchup promises to be a thrilling conclusion to a remarkable season for Colorado, and all eyes will be on Shedeur as he leads his team into this prestigious bowl game.
Final thoughts
While Shedeur Sanders may not have secured a spot among the Heisman finalists, his achievements this season are nothing short of extraordinary. His performance has not only showcased his skills on the field but has also played a pivotal role in reviving the Colorado football program. As fans eagerly await the upcoming bowl game, one thing is clear: Shedeur’s journey is just beginning, and his future in college football looks incredibly bright.
