In a significant move following the 2025 NFL Draft, Shilo Sanders, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. Despite not being selected in the draft, Shilo’s journey through college football reflects his resilience and determination to carve out his own legacy in the NFL.
Shilo Sanders began his collegiate career at South Carolina in 2019, where he was a three-star recruit from Trinity Christian School in Cedar Hill, Texas. After a season, he transferred to Jackson State University to play under his father, Deion Sanders, who was the head coach. During his two seasons at Jackson State, Shilo showcased his defensive prowess, recording 59 total tackles, five interceptions, and 12 pass deflections. His efforts earned him second-team All-SWAC honors in 2021.
In 2022, however, Shilo faced a setback when an ACL injury limited him to just seven games. Despite this, he still managed to contribute 20 tackles and an interception. After recovering, he transferred to the University of Colorado, where he continued to play under his father’s guidance. Over two seasons with the Buffaloes, he amassed impressive statistics, totaling 134 tackles, five forced fumbles, and an interception returned for a touchdown. His physicality and football IQ were evident, qualities that many attribute to his father’s influence.
Shilo’s signing with the Buccaneers was announced on April 26, 2025, the same day his younger brother, Shedeur Sanders, was drafted in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns. Shedeur’s selection came as a surprise to many, as he was previously projected to be a first-round pick based on his stellar college performance, where he led the Big 12 in passing yards and touchdowns during his senior year.
As Shilo embarks on his professional career, he faces the challenge of securing a spot on the Buccaneers' 53-man roster. The team has a wealth of defensive talent, having made six picks in the draft, but Shilo’s unique skill set and pedigree could provide him with an advantage. He will need to prove himself during training camp, showcasing his ability to contribute both on defense and special teams.
Throughout his college career, Shilo Sanders has demonstrated a knack for making big plays. In 2024, he finished the season with 67 total tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble, solidifying his role as a key player in the Buffaloes' defense. His college career concluded with a total of 184 tackles, six interceptions, and six forced fumbles, including a memorable 80-yard pick-six during the 2023 season.
Despite not receiving an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine and facing mixed reviews at the East-West Shrine Bowl, Shilo remains hopeful about his future in the league. His signing with the Buccaneers marks a new chapter, one where he aims to prove his worth and establish himself as a formidable player in the NFL.
“Both of y’all, you’re resilient,” Deion Sanders told his sons after the draft. “They tested us this draft,” Shilo remarked during a livestream on Twitch. His father later expressed gratitude for the opportunity with the Buccaneers, stating, “I’m thankful. Tampa’s a wonderful spot.”
As the Buccaneers look to strengthen their secondary, Shilo Sanders brings a mix of raw talent, energy, and a strong football pedigree. If he can refine his tackling technique and sharpen his instincts in coverage, he could become a valuable asset to the team. Analysts have noted that while he may not possess the same athleticism as his father, his physicality and anticipation in coverage make him a player to watch.
With the 2025 NFL season on the horizon, Shilo Sanders is ready to embrace the challenges ahead. He has the opportunity to follow in his father’s legendary footsteps while also carving out his own identity in the league. As both Sanders brothers embark on their NFL journeys, they embody the unpredictability of the draft process and the importance of perseverance.
For Buccaneers fans, the arrival of Shilo Sanders is an exciting development. If he can tap into even a fraction of the “Prime Time” magic that his father is known for, Tampa Bay may have found a hidden gem in their secondary. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Shilo as he battles for a place in the NFL.
