13-05-2025
Deion Sanders turns heads by welcoming back castaway transfer at Colorado
Colorado has brought back a familiar face. Wide receiver Jack Hestera has returned to be with Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes after stops at Charlotte and Utah State.
The one-time castaway after Coach Prime got to Boulder was a walk-on at CU under Karl Dorrell from 2021–22. Hestera's journey through the transfer portal is a story of perseverance.
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The Boulder native has deep ties to the Buffaloes. His father Dan was a national champion in 1990, and his uncle Dave was an All-Big Eight tight end. Hestera brings more than just experience; he's a legacy recruit.
After redshirting and earning limited time under Dorrell, Hestera found success at Charlotte with 349 receiving yards and three touchdowns, then upped his game with Utah State, posting 340 yards and four scores on just 24 catches.
Now back with the Buffs as portal addition, Hestera joins a retooled receiving corps that lost stars like Travis Hunter, Jimmy Horn Jr., LaJohntay Wester, and Will Sheppard to the NFL. Though not a headliner, his veteran presence and familiarity with Colorado's environment give him a chance to carve out a key role in a room looking for leadership and production.
Related: Shedeur Sanders' shows true colors at Browns minicamp
At 6-foot, 185 pounds, Hestera may not have elite measurables, but his journey proves he belongs. As young talents like Omarion Miller and Joseph Williams fight for playing time, Hestera's 31 games of college experience could be the steadying influence needed.
Related: Shedeur Sanders retirement being 'forced' by Deion, says Denver reporter
For Colorado, this portal reunion could pay off in a big way this fall. Hestera enters his final year of eligibility.
