Folks, I’m sure you have all seen the news that Shedeur Sanders, 13-12 in his Colorado career, had his jersey retired.

Most people were in an uproar and agreed that a quarterback with zero bowl wins and an almost .500 record does not deserve this recognition. Some people are even saying Sanders only received this honor because his father, Deion Sanders, is the head coach of Colorado.

Well, regardless of what you think, Penn State’s bar for retired jerseys is a little higher. The Nittany Lions have only retired No. 22, John Cappelletti, from the 1970 to 1973 teams. With that in mind, we came up with some examples of players that might join Cappelletti if we ever lowered the bar to Colorado’s level.

Joe Lister: KeAndre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith checks all the boxes for a Shedeur Sanders-esque jersey retirement for Penn State. Only here for a few years? Check. Used the transfer portal? Check. Not really all that great, and often overrated, at Penn State? Check. Lambert-Smith was a solid wideout at Auburn, but maybe he’d have gotten a bit more respect at Penn State had he been related to the coach.

Cooper Cazares: Julian Fleming

In the rich history of Penn State football, there are legends, and then there is Julian Fleming. The Pennsylvania native transcends the simple, outdated metrics of yards and touchdowns. He redefined expectations by heroically carrying the burden of a five-star rating through adverse environments. His ability to block on the perimeter while also being a master of inspiration to all Penn State wide receivers is something that could not be replicated. Fleming showed fans how to accept imperfection and embrace lowered expectations. Fleming is truly a Penn State legend and should have his jersey retired.

Michael Zeno: Dom DeLuca

Travis Hunter got his number retired despite never playing in a playoff game as the consensus No. 1 recruit out of high school. DeLuca had two interceptions and a pick-six in a playoff game after being a walk-on. This motivational story means nobody deserves to ever wear No. 0 again.

Ben Rosenbaum: Ta’Quan Roberson

My pick for a retired number if our bar was as low as Colorado would have to be Ta’Quan Roberson, solely for getting his most playing time in 2021 against Iowa. Roberson went 7-for-21, 34 yards, and two interceptions in the loss. Entering the game in the second quarter and leading Penn State to a whopping three points in his playing time is surely a performance worthy of a jersey retirement.

Charlie Pegler: Michael Mauti & Mike Zordich

Mauti is one of the men who saved Penn State football when sanctions struck the program in 2012. His famous speech with Mike Zordic, No. 9, will forever be one of the turning points that kept Penn State football. In 12 short seasons, Penn State has gone from the absolute darkest spot in its history to a Big Ten Championship, multiple New Year’s Six bowls, and a College Football Playoff semifinal game. I believe Mauti and Zordich deserve to be credited and honored by having their numbers retired in Beaver Stadium.

Collin Ward: Matt McGloin

New York Guardians legend. If you know, you know.

Sophie Yadzinski: Landon Tengwall

Not many lineman can say they went undefeated and started their entire career. Tengwall put up a fight at the beginning of the 2023 season before his career-ending injury. Despite his career on the field ending, Tengwall has continued to support the Nittany Lions on social media and at THON 2025, hosting the Pep Rally with Penn State legend Trace McSorley. Tengwall’s love on and off the field for Penn State certainly earns him the honor of retiring his jersey for good. Let’s put some respect on this guy’s name.

Evan Halfen: Drew Allar

After his really impressive bowl performances, I think it’s time to hang up Drew Allar’s lucky No. 15 jersey to honor his impactful legacy shortly after he graduates. He truly earns it.