On December 14, Colorado’s Travis Hunter made history by winning the 2024 Heisman Trophy, a prestigious honor that highlights the best in college football. Yet, another player from Colorado also made headlines for his impressive performance this season: quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Shedeur Sanders shines in 2024
Shedeur Sanders had a phenomenal 2024 regular season, showcasing his skills as a standout quarterback. He amassed an impressive 3,926 passing yards and threw 35 touchdowns, all while keeping his interceptions to just eight. His completion percentage of 74.2% not only led the nation but also set the stage for a remarkable year. This achievement is even more significant considering the challenges he faced, including a struggling offensive line that allowed 39 sacks, ranking ninth in the country.
But what makes Sanders’ season even more remarkable is that he not only led the Big 12 in passing stats but also broke an all-time FBS record for career completion percentage, achieving an unprecedented 71.8%. With numbers like these, it’s clear that Sanders has established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.
Joel Klatt’s controversial Heisman ballot
In the midst of all this excitement, FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt stirred the pot by placing Shedeur Sanders third on his Heisman Trophy ballot. Klatt, who played quarterback for Colorado from 2002 to 2005, faced significant backlash for his decision. During "The Joel Klatt Show," he took the time to address the criticism, providing insight into his thought process.
“The third slot was really difficult. And there were a lot of players that I considered,” Klatt explained. “Ultimately, I landed on Sanders, and the reason is, I just think he had the best quarterback year of anybody. And again, there are a sector of people that just don’t want anything to do with the Sanders and with Deion and with Colorado.”
Klatt emphasized that his decision was rooted purely in performance. “If you actually look at Shedeur’s season, what you’re going to find is that nobody had a better quarterback year than Shedeur Sanders because no one was under the amount of pressure he was — both from a production standpoint and a pressure standpoint,” he added.
Debate among college football fans
The debate surrounding Klatt’s Heisman ballot reflects a broader conversation among college football enthusiasts. Many fans are passionate about their picks and often have differing opinions on who deserves the prestigious award. Klatt’s choice to highlight Sanders, despite the team’s struggles, has sparked discussions about the criteria for evaluating a player’s performance.
Should a quarterback’s success be measured solely by individual statistics, or should team performance play a significant role? This question is at the heart of the ongoing debate, and it’s one that will likely continue as the season progresses.
Shedeur Sanders and his NFL aspirations
As if his college football accolades weren’t enough, Shedeur Sanders has also been linked to the NFL, particularly the Las Vegas Raiders. Rumors have circulated regarding his desire to join the franchise, fueled by his social media activity that often features Allegiant Stadium.
However, recent developments could complicate his potential move to the Raiders. On December 22, the Raiders secured a narrow victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, which may have diminished their chances of obtaining the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This situation raises questions about whether the Raiders can still secure Sanders’ services, especially with his father, Deion Sanders, expressing a preference for the Raiders as a suitable fit for his son.
Looking ahead
As the college football season wraps up, all eyes will be on the upcoming NFL Draft and how it unfolds for Shedeur Sanders. With his impressive stats and strong performances, he has positioned himself as a top prospect. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see where he will land and how he will transition to the professional level.
In the meantime, the conversation about the Heisman Trophy and the criteria for selecting its winner will continue to be a hot topic. Klatt’s decision to include Sanders on his ballot has opened the door for discussions about the significance of individual performance versus team success.
As college football fans, we are witnessing a thrilling season filled with standout performances, heated debates, and the promise of exciting futures for players like Shedeur Sanders. Whether he remains in college or makes the leap to the NFL, one thing is certain: his journey is just beginning, and the football world will be watching closely.
