Arizona and Colorado Showcase Future NFL Talent with Scout Showdown

The Arizona Wildcats faced the Colorado Buffaloes last Saturday in a game that turned into a significant defeat for Arizona, ending with a score of 34-7. Despite the lopsided outcome, the matchup was notable for NFL scouts, featuring several top prospects likely to be selected in the 2025 draft.

According to ESPN’s latest mock draft, five players from both teams are projected to be first-round picks. Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, Jonah Savaiinaea, and Tacario Davis were on the field against Colorado’s Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Hunter took on McMillan early, limiting him to just two receptions for 15 yards in the first half.

Davis had a strong performance against Hunter, allowing only two catches for 17 yards. However, a defensive pass interference call on Davis in the end zone enabled Colorado to score a touchdown in the opening quarter.

In his postgame comments, Arizona coach Brent Brennan acknowledged Colorado’s dominance. “Honestly, I think that was just 100 percent Colorado getting after us,” he stated. “What we put out there today was not nearly good enough.”

Hunter, a key player and Heisman Trophy contender, did not return for the second half due to precautionary reasons after aggravating a right shoulder injury. Deion Sanders, Colorado’s head coach, noted Hunter’s commitment: “Half of Travis is a whole of somebody.”

Shedeur Sanders, projected as a top-5 draft pick, experienced an unusual game with two interceptions, marking the first time he had been intercepted in his college career. Despite the turnovers, he completed 70% of his passes, throwing for three touchdowns. “Overall, I’m just focused on the win,” he commented following the game.

The game attracted attention from NFL scouts, with reports indicating that 17 scouts from 12 teams were present. Arizona hopes to improve its draft prospects; the program has had only one first-round pick over the past 15 years. That solitary selection was Jordan Morgan, chosen by the Green Bay Packers this past draft.

Meanwhile, Colorado has seen only two first-round players selected in the last two decades, with notable alumni including Nate Soldier and Jimmy Smith, both of whom enjoyed successful NFL careers.

As the season progresses, both teams are looking to capitalize on their emerging talent. The Buffaloes (5-2, 3-1) aim for bowl eligibility and a shot at the expanded College Football Playoff, while the Wildcats (3-4, 1-3) are desperate for a turnaround against West Virginia.

Coach Brennan expressed optimism about addressing offensive struggles, stating that there’s plenty of football left this season. “I’m the head football coach; it’s my job to get us right,” he emphasized. Arizona faces a crucial test against West Virginia and must improve its scoring, having been limited to fewer than 20 points in three games this season.

The upcoming game will be historic, as it marks the first meeting between the two programs. “That’s a good football team,” Brennan acknowledged. “If you don’t show up ready to play, someone is gonna get after you.”