Why Nebraska football won’t stoop to Colorado’s latest number retirement stunt

Nebraska football and Colorado have long been bitter rivals, even when the two schools don’t play each other every year. That makes the move that the Buffaloes just made that much more appalling and yes, a little hilarious. It was once again a move that shows just how different the two programs really are.

Colorado recently raised eyebrows by announcing it was retiring the numbers of two players who just came through Boulder. During the team’s spring game, the school will officially retire Travis Hunter’s No. 12 and Shedeur Sanders’ No. 2, meaning that no other player can wear those jersey numbers.

Hunter’s number being retired might seem premature having just finished his career this winter. Especially since he only played two seasons at CU. But at least he was a special player who won the Heisman trophy. Nebraska football has a Heisman winner’s number retired as well. No Husker can wear No. 20 after Johnny Rodgers’ illustrious career.

However, Colorado’s move to retire Shedeur Sanders’ number as well underscores the difference in values between these two programs. The Huskers would never dilute their legacy by retiring the number of the coach’s son. And while Shedeur had a decent two seasons in Boulder, like 74 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions. But he was also the offense. And in those two years, Deion Sanders’ crew went 13-12 overall. 

This isn't just about rivalry—it's about integrity and the standards that separate great programs from average ones. While Colorado scrambles for headlines, Nebraska football might have fallen on tough times, but they’re still not going to retire, for instance, Adrian Martinez’s number. Considering the program has retired three numbers ever they probably won’t retire Dylan Raiola’s unless he does things no Husker has ever done.

In 1949, No. 60 was retired by the Cornhuskers in honor of Tom "Train Wreck" Novak. In 2004, College and Pro Football Hall of Famer Bob Brown's No. 64 joined the list alongside Novak and Rodgers. That’s the entirety of numbers that are “untouchable” at NU.

Ultimately, it's clear: Nebraska football's number retirements are symbols of authentic greatness, something the Cornhuskers would never compromise. Certainly a quarterback who was good, but not great would never earn that honor in Lincoln. It’s just another thing that sets the Huskers and Buffaloes apart.