Get ready for a can't-miss showdown in the 2026 NFL season! Former Colorado Buffaloes stars Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter are set to face off for the very first time in their professional careers, and it's happening right in Week 1.
The NFL schedule dropped Thursday evening, revealing that Hunter's Jacksonville Jaguars will host Sanders' Cleveland Browns on September 13th at 1 p.m. ET. Since these two teams didn't meet last season, this matchup will be the first time these former college teammates have ever lined up against each other at any level—making it a truly historic moment for fans of the Buffaloes and the NFL alike.
Hunter, selected second overall in the 2025 draft, had a rookie season interrupted by a torn LCL in his right knee. Despite the setback, he showed flashes of his two-way brilliance, finishing with 28 receptions for 298 yards and a touchdown on offense, while adding three pass deflections and 15 tackles on defense. Now healthy, he's poised to make an even bigger impact in his second year.
Sanders, meanwhile, took a different path to the spotlight. He entered his rookie season as Cleveland's third-string quarterback but quickly climbed the depth chart, starting seven games after injuries and trades opened the door. His performance was a rollercoaster—going 3-4 while throwing for 1,400 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions—but it was impressive enough to earn him a Pro Bowl nod and likely the starting job for Week 1 against Hunter's Jaguars.
This isn't just a game between two teams; it's a reunion of Colorado's brightest NFL stars, now battling for bragging rights on the biggest stage. Whether you're rooting for Sanders' arm or Hunter's versatility, this is a matchup that promises drama, history, and plenty of highlights.
