Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been honored with the 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, an award given annually to the nation’s top senior or upperclassman quarterback who demonstrates outstanding achievements in character, academics and athleticism . This is a historic achievement in Sanders’ outstanding season and reflects his impact on and off the field.

As leader of the 8-3 Buffaloes, Sanders orchestrated one of the most remarkable campaigns in Colorado football history. In 11 games, he has completed 303 of 413 passes (73.4%) for 3,448 yards, 30 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. He also leads the team with four rushing touchdowns, demonstrating his versatility. His performances have broken several school records and highlight his exceptional contribution to the program.

Among his milestones, Sanders became the first Colorado quarterback to score 30 touchdowns in a season, a new school record. He also set records for total touchdowns responsible for (34), passing yards in the regular season (3,488) and completions (303). Sanders is on pace to break his own completion percentage record at an impressive 73.4% and his quarterback rating record, which currently stands at 164.89. In addition, he has thrown for more than 250 yards in ten games and more than 300 yards in six games – both new Colorado records. His consistency is evident, completing at least 60% of his passes in every game and reaching 70% or more in seven games.

Sanders’ achievements make him one of the greats in Colorado football. He is just the 10th player to win a major national award in program history and the second in the past 21 seasons, joining Travis Hunter, who won the Paul Hornung Award last year. Sanders is also a finalist for prestigious awards such as the Davey O’Brien Award and the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, and a semifinalist for the Manning Award. His candidacy for the Heisman Trophy further cements his legacy.

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Colorado’s proud history of honorees includes Alfred Williams (Butkus Award, 1990), Rashaan Salaam (Heisman, Walter Camp, Doak Walker, 1994) and Daniel Graham (John Mackey, 2001). Sanders’ Golden Arm Award adds to that legacy and underscores Colorado’s place in college football history.

Sanders and Hunter, both Heisman candidates, have strengthened Colorado football, reflecting Deion Sanders’ vision for the program. Their collective success signals a bright future for the Buffaloes as they continue to compete on the national stage.