1. Travis Hunter
The wait is finally over. NFL fans will finally get the full Travis Hunter experience.
After a knee injury cut his rookie season short, Travis Hunter enters Year Two with Jacksonville still committed to something rarely attempted in the modern NFL: allowing him to impact games on both sides of the football.
The biggest thing to watch is how Jacksonville manages him over a 17-game season. Jacksonville and Hunter have both made it clear that they intend on using him on offense and defense, but I expect defense to become a major part of his identity while the Jaguars continue finding situations to unleash one of football's most dangerous athletes with the ball in his hands.
2. Shedeur Sanders
Maybe no former Buff enters 2026 with a more fascinating situation. If you thought last year was a debacle, you haven’t seen anything yet.
Shedeur Sanders competed with Deshaun Watson throughout the offseason but ultimately enters Week 1 as Cleveland's backup quarterback. To me, this felt questionable, but I can’t deny that I saw this coming.
But after starting seven games as a rookie, Sanders has actual NFL experience behind him. Now his challenge becomes staying ready and maintaining the mental toughness that he has been vocal about during the off-season.
If Cleveland struggles offensively, every decision Watson makes will naturally bring attention toward the quarterback waiting behind him.
Shedeur's opportunity may not arrive Week 1, but I fully expect him to start at QB before mid-season. After all, it is Cleveland.
3. Nate Landman
Landman enters this season in a completely different position than the other players on this list.
He doesn't need to prove he belongs anymore.
After producing a career-high 132 tackles, four forced fumbles and six passes defended last season, Landman returns as one of the most important pieces in the middle of Los Angeles' defense.
With the off-season addition of Myles Garrett, along with Aaron Donald coming out of retirement and signing a one-year deal – the Rams have gone all in on making a serious Super Bowl run. This year has a serious possibility to end with Nate landman holding up the Lombardi Trophy.
4. Jimmy Horn Jr.
Jimmy Horn's rookie season was about survival. Year Two is about expansion.
Horn made Carolina's active roster again, and now the question becomes whether he can earn a more consistent role within the Panthers offense.
Jimmy was very vocal about working during the off season on perfecting his route tree and not relying solely on his speed. His growth has been obvious and something that has been seen and reported on in Carolina. Horn has moved up to the number two receiver on the depth chart, so his role is going to change dramatically.
But even with that said, a player like Jimmy doesn't need 100 targets to make an impact. The panthers will try to get him into space. Manufacture touches. Use him on special teams. Find opportunities where his acceleration becomes a problem.
5. LaJohntay Wester
Wester enters Year Two in Baltimore with a similar challenge.
He made the Ravens' active roster, but carving out offensive opportunities in a talented Baltimore offense won't be easy.
That's why special teams remain so important.
Wester's quickness and return ability give him a way onto the field while he continues developing as a receiver. From there, it's about earning Lamar Jackson's trust and making something happen when offensive opportunities arrive.
For both Wester and Horn, Year Two represents an important transition.
Making an NFL roster is difficult and staying there is harder.
Becoming someone, your team actively finds ways to use is another challenge entirely.
That's what makes these five former Buffs so interesting heading into 2026.
Hunter is trying to become the star we all saw in college but at the professional level. Shedeur is waiting for his opportunity while keeping a collected head on his shoulders and patiently waiting for his time to prove once again he can start in the NFL. Landman is an established linebacking presence who will be looking to make a deep run into February. Horn is embracing a new role. Wester is fighting to become more than a roster survivor.
Five former Buffaloes.
Five very different seasons ahead.
Players Mentioned
