The NFL officially released its 2026 Scouting Combine invite list on Wednesday, and what should have been a celebratory moment for college prospects turned into a harsh reality check for the Colorado Buffaloes.
Of the 319 draft-eligible players invited to Indianapolis later this month, not a single Colorado player earned a spot – a surprising omission that immediately drew attention across college football circles. For head coach Deion Sanders, who has spent three years revitalizing the Buffaloes’ program, this news is particularly stinging.
Sanders arrived in Boulder with a bold promise: he wasn’t just looking to rebuild a team but to create a pipeline to the NFL. “I’m building men for the next level,” he often stated. “If you can play, we’re going to get you there.”
That vision seemed to take root quickly, as the Buffaloes soared from a 1-11 finish in 2022 to a 9-4 record in 2024. Sanders’ energy, charisma, and NFL experience, combined with a coaching staff that includes former professionals like offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur and defensive coordinator Robert Livingston, made Colorado an attractive destination for recruits chasing pro dreams.
Despite these efforts, the latest combine list suggests that translating college success into NFL recognition remains a challenge. Colorado had eight players declare for the draft this year, yet none received an invite.
Some of these athletes had impressive resumes: wide receiver Sincere Brown, a 6-foot-5 ex-South Florida transfer, posted 22 catches for 376 yards, including three receptions of over 60 yards.
Defensive tackle Amari McNeill was a disruptive force in the trenches, while offensive linemen Zy Crisler and Zarian McGill logged 749 and 774 snaps respectively, giving up virtually no sacks.
On defense, Preston Hodge led the Big 12 in pass breakups, linebacker Jeremiah Brown tallied 73 tackles, and defensive linemen Arden Walker and Keaten Wade consistently pressured quarterbacks. Yet, these accomplishments were not enough to earn them a combine invitation.
Why this matters for Colorado and Deion
This development raises bigger questions about Colorado’s ability to produce NFL-ready talent. Historically, Sanders has had high-profile success, with players like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter making national headlines and eventually getting NFL attention.
Their departures showcased Colorado as a legitimate pro-prep program, but this year’s oversight underscores the unpredictable nature of professional evaluations.
The Buffaloes’ program has undeniably transformed under Sanders, but the lack of combine representation suggests that success at the college level does not always immediately translate to NFL recognition.
For a coach who continually emphasizes sending players to “the next level,” this moment is a sobering reminder of the gap that still exists between collegiate achievement and professional validation.
Whether this omission is a temporary setback or an indicator of deeper challenges will likely influence perceptions of Sanders‘ long-term impact on both Colorado football and the NFL pipeline.
