Big 12 flexes on social media following Travis Hunter, Shedeur Sanders NFL number reveal

The Big 12 couldn’t help itself after former Colorado stars Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders revealed their NFL jersey numbers Tuesday. Both players will wear No. 12, leading to the conference having some fun on social media.

“It’s only right,” the league wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

It’s only right. pic.twitter.com/EPTPgtGUUx

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) May 6, 2025

The number was to be expected for Hunter, who was drafted No. 2 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars. No. 12 is the same number that he wore the past two seasons for the Buffaloes, where he played both offense and defense as a receiver and cornerback.

Hunter won the Heisman Trophy this past season after recording 1,258 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns in addition to four interceptions and 11 passes defended on defense. It’s unclear what position the Jaguars plan to play him, but he looks to have a bright future in the league as a potential star.

Sanders wore No. 2 in college so this will be a new number for the quarterback. He was projected as a potential first-round pick before the draft but slid all the way to the fifth round, where the Cleveland Browns finally took him.

Sanders led the country in completion percentage (74%) this past season with the Buffaloes while also leading the Big 12 in passing yards (4,134) and touchdowns (37). He is the second QB that Cleveland took in the draft along with former Oregon star Dillon Gabriel.

Both players will have interesting storylines to follow entering their rookie seasons. They’ll aim to represent the Big 12 well with those numbers on their backs.

Travis Hunter’s father shares heartfelt message for son after being picked in 2025 NFL Draft

Last month was the culmination of an incredible journey for Travis Hunter and his family. The former Colorado two-way star didn’t have to wait long to hear his name called during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, as the Jacksonville Jaguars selected him with the No. 2 overall pick.

The night was even more special for Hunter, as his father — Travis Hunter Sr. — who wasn’t able to attend when he accepted his Heisman Trophy, joined him in Green Bay. He was placed on a three-year period of probation and ordered to complete the first year under home confinement in December, but was granted permission by the courts to be there in-person for the moment.

As the gravity of the situation sunk in for Hunter, he was able to enjoy a heartfelt video from his father. The NFL posted it on their social media account, with the No. 2 overall pick’s reaction included.

“Hey Trav. I wanted to congratulate you on the journey that you’ve been on, and I always knew you would be here, because I’ve never once seen you miss practice since you was four years old. I love that drive about you. Now, the big day done came, and I don’t know if I’m gonna cry or not, but you shocked me with this one, being the top five pick,” Hunter Sr. stated. “But I love you, and I’m happy I get to spend this time with you.”

On3’s Steve Samra contributed to this report.