For now, all of this remains speculative. Sanders hasn’t publicly revealed the reason behind the switch to No. 12—but the number change only adds to the rookie's intrigue.

Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) avoids a rush by Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis (59) in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at ...

The South Carolina Gamecocks football program has retired six numbers in their history. What former USC player will be the seventh?

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders strongly hinted during the latest edition of Best Podcast Available that he chose No. 12 in honor of his father, Pro Football Hall of Famer ...

He has worn No. 8, the number he wore when he played college football at Cal. And he's worn No. 12 for the bulk of his career when he was with the Green Bay Packers.

That means jersey No. 2 for Sanders and No. 12 for Hunter will not be worn again by any Colorado player and will be only the fifth and sixth retired jersey numbers in CU football history.