Colorado Buffaloes Shine with 13 Big 12 Player Awards

The Big 12 announced its conference awards on Thursday, and the Colorado Buffaloes took home three individual honors. Shedeur Sanders was named Offensive Player of the Year, Travis Hunter earned Defensive Player of the Year, and defensive end BJ Green was recognized as Defensive Newcomer of the Year.

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders set single-season records for passing yards (3,926), completion percentage (74.2%), and passing touchdowns (35). Dual-threat Travis Hunter, who earned first-team honors on both offense and defense, was also an honorable mention for Offensive Player of the Year. These two standout players have cemented their legacies in Boulder.

A total of 10 Colorado players were selected for the conference team, with the much-improved defense earning multiple accolades. Linebacker Nikki Hill-Green, who was named to the second-team defense, recorded 82 total tackles (second on the team) and two interceptions this season.

Defensive back Preston Hodge received a defensive honorable mention despite missing the last three games due to a neck injury. He finished the year with two interceptions and seven pass breakups. Defensive end Taje McCoy, who redshirted last season, had an impressive campaign with three sacks and three tackles for loss.

Cornerback DJ McKinney, who transferred from Oklahoma State, played opposite dual-threat star Travis Hunter. McKinney recorded three interceptions in the final three games of the season and earned an honorable defensive mention.

Defensive tackle and lineman Chidozie Nwankwo earned Defensive Lineman of the Year honors and a Defensive Honorable Mention. Meanwhile, safety Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig, considered by many to be the Buffs’ second-best defensive player, also received a defensive honorable mention. Silmon-Craig’s NFL stock is on the rise, and he is projected to be a strong prospect at the next level.

Five-star freshman offensive tackle Jordan Seaton earned offensive honorable mention and Offensive Lineman of the Year honorable mention. He is a promising building block for Sanders and the team as they prepare to welcome five-star quarterback Julian Lewis this spring.

Wide receiver LaJohntay Wester narrowly missed making one of the all-conference teams after a stellar season, which included 10 touchdowns and 880 receiving yards. His explosive performance in the season finale left a lasting impression.

Punter Mark Vassett, who landed 19 punts inside the 20-yard line, received an honorable mention for special teams. Fan-favorite kicker Alejandro Mata was perfect on extra points this season (53-for-53) and also earned a special teams honorable mention.

Next week, the Buffaloes will learn their bowl game destination, and fans will be eager to see which players choose to participate in the game.