The Colorado football program is on a mission for an improved showing ahead of the 2024-25 season. The Buffaloes are coming off a 4-8 year that saw them finish last in the Pac-12. Moreover, star quarterback Shedeur Sanders has lofty 2025 NFL Draft ambitions. Nevertheless, his betting odds to be the No. 1 overall pick have dropped.

BetOnline previously anointed Sanders as the +200 favorite to be taken first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, just two days later, Sanders' betting odds have taken a slight dip. The star Buffaloes QB now comes in at +500 for the chance to be the draft's top pick, right behind Texas' Quinn Ewers at +400.

The question on everyone's mind is: what could have happened in two days for Sanders' odds to drop? The answer could lie in a cryptic X post Sanders made in response to claims from a former teammate.

Ex-Buffaloes safety Xavier Smith gave eye-opening insight about head coach Deion Sanders' communication with players he wanted to enter the transfer portal during the spring of 2023. Sanders reportedly asked Smith to enter the portal, but Smith initially chose not to.

As a result, the former freshman safety felt left in the background during spring training. He felt like Sanders' communication with him could have been better.

“He was destroying guys' confidence and belief in themselves. The way he did it, it could've been done with a little more compassion,” Smith said via The Athletic.

“I was actually getting mad, like tears coming to my eyes. Because, bro, you never even tried to get to know me,” Smith added.

Shedeur Sanders made a bold clapback after the story was published.

“Ion even remember him tbh. Bro had to be mid at best,” Sanders responded on X.

Perhaps Sanders' rash response caused his draft pick odds to drop. Nevertheless, the star QB wants to be the best leader he can be for his team as they continue their offseason training.

Can Shedeur Sanders help elevate Colorado football in 2024-25?

Sanders started his collegiate career with the Jackson State Tigers in 2021, where he made an immediate impact. He threw for 3,231 yards and 30 touchdowns during his freshman year. Sanders took things to another level a year later.

The star QB amassed a career-high 3,231 yards and 40 TDs in 2022-23. After a promising two-year tenure with the Tigers, Sanders followed his father and renowned coach Deion Sanders to the Colorado football program.

Sanders hoped to help the Buffaloes improve after their disappointing 1-8 season and put forth a respectable effort. He comes off a 2023-24 season of 3,230 yards and 27 TDs. The former Jackson State star looks to take his game and the Buffaloes to a new level in Fall 2024.

Colorado has experienced a lot of movement in the transfer portal during the 2024 offseason. Yet, the team will still have stout new and returning contributors. Most notably, two-way star Travis Hunter is returning to the team after missing some of the season with a lacerated liver injury from Colorado's 43-35 win over Colorado State.

Hunter has tremendous ability as a cornerback and wide receiver and adds a boost on both sides of the ball.

All in all, Shedeur Sanders' betting odds for the 2025 NFL Draft may have dropped, but that will not stop him from striving to help his team be their best.