Jimmy Horn Jr. is a rookie wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers, but he looks nothing like it so far, as Horn has been lighting it up in his first NFL training camp.
Selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft at No. 208 overall, the former Colorado Buffaloes speedy wideout is already creating a lot of buzz about potentially being one of the steals of the draft. However, Horn isn’t the only late-round rookie from Boulder attracting attention.
Former Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders, taken by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round at No. 144 overall, could also stake his claim as the draft’s biggest bargain.
This Friday, the two former teammates will face off when the Browns visit the Panthers for their preseason opener in Charlotte.
Horn Set to Reunite With Sanders in Preseason Opener
Horn Downplays the Hype
Known for his crisp route-running, reliable hands, and elite speed, Horn has quickly made a good impression in Carolina. During Saturday night’s team scrimmage in front of fans at Bank of America Stadium, Horn continued to impress, hauling in two touchdown passes from veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. He certainly looks like an NFL-caliber weapon early on.
Speaking with the media after the scrimmage, Horn addressed the growing buzz around his early camp performance.
“I’ve seen it, but I try not to feed into it,” Horn said. “I appreciate all the hype and stuff, but I still feel like I haven’t done anything yet, so I just want to go out there and continue to prove myself every day and become a consistent player.”
Sanders Looks to Make a Statement in Preseason
In Cleveland, Sanders enters his first NFL action with plenty of intrigue surrounding his development and fit within the Browns’ quarterback room.
Despite his decorated college career and polish as a passer, Sanders plummeted to the fifth round, when many thought he would go in the first. He now sits fourth on the depth chart behind fellow rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, veteran Kenny Pickett, and Super Bowl 47 MVP Joe Flacco.
With limited reps during training camp, Friday’s preseason matchup presents Cleveland with an excellent opportunity to evaluate Sanders under live conditions.
Earlier this week, Shedeur’s dad, Deion Sanders, expressed his excitement for his son’s upcoming preseason debut during his recent appearance on a podcast hosted by a former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel.
“You’re gonna have to let him play in the preseason,” Deion said. “And I know my son—he’s gonna get that ball down the field.”
From Boulder to the NFL
For fans in Boulder, Friday night’s game offers a reunion worth tuning in for. Horn and Sanders spent two seasons together with the Buffaloes, helping revitalize Colorado’s offense under “Coach Prime.” The duo was at the heart of some of Colorado’s most electric moments in 2023 and 2024.
“It’s going to be exciting to see him again,” Horn said after Saturday night’s scrimmage. “I can’t wait to see how he’s doing out there and get to see him in person. It’s going to be good to see him again. I talk to him here and there, but it’s just gonna be good to reunite with him.”
Horn and Sanders success as a duo stemmed from their strong chemistry and complementary skill sets. They both helped each other make it to the next level, but now they will be on opposing sidelines. Friday’s matchup may be a preseason game on the calendar, but for two motivated rookies looking to move up their respective depth charts, it’s more than just an exhibition. It’s the beginning of two NFL journeys full of potential.
Main Image: Cris Tiller / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
