SAN ANTONIO >> For most of the players on the Colorado football team, participating in the Valero Alamo Bowl was never a question.

When head coach Deion Sanders told the Buffs that their two biggest stars — quarterback Shedeur Sanders and cornerback/receiver Travis Hunter — would also be playing, though, that provided a jolt of energy. Shedeur and Hunter are both projected as top-five picks in the 2025 NFL Draft and in recent years, the top NFL prospects have often opted out of bowl games, but that won’t be the case when the 20th-ranked Buffs (9-3) face No. 17 BYU on Saturday at the Alamodome (5:30 p.m., ABC). “I think that was the really cool part,” safety Ben Finneseth said. “I was talking to my family about that the other day, and how much we appreciated Coach Prime for saying that these guys were going to be playing. And, you know, the fact that we all get to go out the right way. We started the season together, let’s finish it all together. That’s the best part.”

On Monday night, after the team’s arrival to the hotel in preparation for Saturday’s game against BYU, Coach Prime and athletic director Rick George announced that CU has secured disability insurance for the players, with Shedeur and Hunter getting the largest insurance policies ever given to college athletes. In addition to the star players planning to participate, the Buffs have been able to bring more players than usual on a road trip. During the regular season, travel rosters are limited by numbers, but the entire team was able to come to San Antonio.

“It is really cool … having all the guys of the team come and seeing guys that normally don’t travel to some away games due to that limited number,” running back Charlie Offerdahl said. “It’s going to be a pretty special experience, having them all here.” Finneseth added: “Obviously, we couldn’t have gotten here without all guys on this team.”

Positive thinking

Since winning the Heisman Trophy on Dec. 14, Hunter’s relationship with his fiancé has been the target of some on social media. Coach Prime often refers to nonsense as “bull junk,” and when asked about the bull junk Hunter has dealt with, Coach Prime focused on positives.

“I don’t know about the bull junk,” he said. “I think everything is great. He has a Heisman Trophy at the crib. He’s projected to be the first or second pick, no later than the third. I don’t know where the bull junk comes in at. I think it’s all a blessing. Things that you may count as stressing is still a blessing. And I think he’s headed in the right direction. “He loves the game of football. I’m always focused on the positive, not the negative. Why would you focus on that when the positive is right there in front of you? So, I love this young man. I love what he stands for. I love him like he’s a son. He’s exceeded expectations. He’s exceeded everything we asked of him, academically as well as athletically. So I’m happy for what he’s going to do in this particular game.”

Notable

Coach Prime said Monday that 100-year-old superfan Peggy Coppom is planning to be at the game on Saturday. “I think she’s starting as well,” he joked. “She’s in the starting lineup, but she will be here.” … CU freshman walk-on linebacker Gage Goldberg was one player local media was looking forward to seeing on Tuesday. Goldberg graduated from Champion High School in Boerne, located about 25 miles from San Antonio. His father, pro wrestling superstar Bill Goldberg, was on hand for practice. … Receiver LaJohntay Wester, who has worn No. 10 all season, has switched to No. 1 this week. Coach Prime gave Wester a No. 1 jersey earlier this season, but Wester had to take care of some academic priorities before earning the right to wear it on the field.