Will Shilo Sanders play for Colorado next year? Exploring Deion Sanders' son's eligibility in 2025

No, Shilo Sanders will not play for the Colorado Buffaloes next year. The Buffaloes defensive stalwart is poised to play his last season at the collegiate level in the 2024 college football season.

According to NFL rules, a player must be out of high school for at least three years to be eligible for the draft. Shilo was a part of the 2019 recruiting class. However, due to COVID rules, Sanders was granted two extra years of eligibility in college. He used one by playing in 2023, and he will use the last one by playing for the Colorado Buffaloes in the 2024 season.

Shilo Sanders is set for his sixth and final season

Shilo Sanders is poised to show out in his final season at the collegiate level. The son of Canton Hall of Famer Deion Sanders was the only defensive back in the country with four or more forced fumbles last season.

However, due to an impressive supporting cast on defense, Shilo's efforts were often for naught. The Buffaloes ended the season with a 4-8 record and allowed 34.8 points per fixture (the second worst in Pac-12).

Shilo Sanders and the rest of the defense will be tasked with making improvements in 2024. Anything less would result in yet another disappointing season for Coach Prime's squad.

Will Shilo Sanders be selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft?

According to NFL Draft Buzz, Shilo is projected to be a Day 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Sanders' upside is there for all to see, but his age and lack of elite size for the safety position could count against him.

Lennox Tate of NFL Draft Buzz said this about Shilo:

"Sanders projects as a potential day-two selection with the potential to become an impact player in the right franchise. His understanding of zone coverage and ability to create turnovers will be rather attractive to franchises looking to improve their secondary.

"While he may need time to adjust to the NFL game, Sanders has the requisite tools to eventually battle for a starting job and make his mark on Sundays."

Shilo led the Buffaloes in tackles last season with 70. He'll need to raise that number to improve his draft stock ahead of next year's main event.