The Colorado Buffaloes were the most active team in the transfer portal during the off-season, landing over 40 transfer commitments.
Among the commitments was wide receiver Will Sheppard, a former three-year standout for the Vanderbilt Commodores in the SEC. Vanderbilt underwent massive staff and personnel changes this off-season, with a large amount of players leaving the program. Among the individuals who chose to transfer out of the program was Sheppard, who soon found a home in Colorado.
The Buffaloes aimed to stockpile wide receivers and give quarterback Shedeur Sanders plenty of targets to throw to. Along with Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr, the Buffaloes added former FAU receiver LaJohntay Webster to the receiving room. Shortly after, Sheppard followed suit and has been patiently waiting this season to make an impact on the field.
Colorado WR Will Sheppard took a shot at his former team following the Buffs’ win over UCF:
“If y’all know where I came from, Vanderbilt, that’s the most complete win I’ve had in my career.”
(via @BrianHowell33, h/t @joey_dwy) https://t.co/8dlr27S1p9 pic.twitter.com/vNKjm3Rl1f
— On3 (@On3sports) September 30, 2024
Sheppard recorded four receptions for 99 yards and one touchdown against the UCF Knights in a game the Colorado Buffaloes were supposed to lose on paper. UCF was a preseason favorite to win the Big-12 Conference behind quarterback KJ Jefferson.
Colorado Buffaloes Take Shot at Vanderbilt Commodores Football Program Following Win
Shortly after the game, Sheppard spoke about the differences between the Colorado Buffaloes and his former school, Vanderbilt, when asked about the win. Sheppard stated that the win over UCF was the ‘most complete win’ he has experienced since Vanderbilt struggled to do so.
The Commodores went 9-36 during the four seasons that Sheppard spent within the program from 2020-2023. Sheppard played very limited snaps in 2020, but during that season the Commodores went 0-9 during the shortened year. Outside of two blowouts of Hawaii, the biggest win Sheppard was a part of during his time with Vanderbilt was a 24-21 win over #24 Kentucky during the 2022 season.
Along with the comment from Sheppard, fans also joined in and kicked the Commodores while they were down.
vandy sucks. you can’t find a way to be mad at him here
— Hitman (@SlapcoFudd) September 30, 2024
Vandy a baseball school lol
— BigTX (@slimeuessay) September 30, 2024
Vandy is the laughing stock of the entire CFB so not surprised there.
— Tong Talking Sports (@Tong_talksports) September 30, 2024
Does one really go to Vandy to become a professional or to get the degree?
— Brad (@rocky25579) September 30, 2024
Some other fans were quick to defend Vanderbilt, and recommended that the wide receiver continue to focus on the field after his solid performance.
Taking shots when your stat line is the same/worse is WILD. pic.twitter.com/Sa53c9mExL
— William Hale (@william_hale62) September 30, 2024
Vanderbilt is 2-2 this season currently with an opening win over the Virginia Tech Hokies, a team that was picked to potentially win the ACC this season. The Commodores have lost two straight games against Georgia State and a ranked Missouri squad.
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