While Colorado and “Coach Prime” have made headlines for their success in the transfer portal, the reality is that even successful programs face losses. As the Buffaloes continue to build their roster, they have seen at least 16 players decide to move on. This raises the question: how will these departures impact the team moving forward?
Key Transfers from Colorado: A Closer Look
Here’s a rundown of the five biggest losses Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes have suffered. Each of these players brought unique skills and potential to the field, and their departures will surely be felt.
#1. Nikhai Hill-Green, LB
Nikhai Hill-Green is embarking on his fourth school in as many seasons. He began his journey at Michigan, where he redshirted in 2020. As a redshirt freshman, he made a significant impact with 50 tackles, including two tackles for loss. After transferring to Charlotte in 2023, he continued to shine with 73 tackles and nine tackles for loss. Hill-Green then joined Colorado for the 2024 season, finishing with 82 tackles and 12 tackles for loss. His next destination? Alabama, where he will look to make an impact in 2025.
#2. Dayon Hayes, Edge
Dayon Hayes, a four-star recruit from Pennsylvania, spent four seasons at Pittsburgh, gradually earning more playing time. In 2023, he recorded 45 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and four sacks. Unfortunately, a knee injury in his fourth game at Colorado limited his season to just 16 tackles. However, he still has a year of eligibility left as a medical redshirt and has opted to transfer to Texas A&M, where he hopes to return to form.
#3. Tyler Johnson, OL
Tyler Johnson’s journey has been a challenging one. After spending three years at Texas, where he played only one game, he transferred to Houston. There, he became an all-conference player over two seasons. Johnson made his way to Colorado in 2024 but only saw action in three games. With another season to play elsewhere, he remains one of the top offensive linemen available in the portal.
#4. Yakiri Walker, OL
Yakiri Walker, a transfer from UConn, spent three seasons with the Huskies, redshirting in 2021 before contributing significantly in 2022 and 2023. Although he only played one game with the Buffaloes, his experience and skills make him a valuable asset. With two years of eligibility left, Walker could emerge as a significant contributor at either guard or center at his next stop.
#5. Morgan Pearson, LB/TE
Morgan Pearson, a three-star recruit from Oklahoma, spent two seasons at Colorado, primarily contributing on special teams. Originally recruited as a linebacker, he transitioned to tight end during his time with the Buffaloes. His versatility and athleticism could prove beneficial at his next school, allowing him to make an impact on either side of the ball.
The Impact of Departures on Colorado’s Future
The departures of these key players raise questions about Colorado’s depth and overall competitiveness in the upcoming seasons. With Coach Prime at the helm, the Buffaloes have made significant strides, but losing talented players can create gaps that need to be filled.
How will the coaching staff address these losses? Will they look to the transfer portal again to find immediate replacements, or will they rely on the development of current players? The answers to these questions will be crucial as they prepare for the next season.
The transfer portal has become a double-edged sword for many programs, including Colorado. While it allows teams to bring in talent, it also means that they must constantly adapt to the changing landscape of their rosters. For Colorado, the focus will be on rebuilding and finding new talent to fill the void left by these departures.
As the Buffaloes navigate this transition, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely. The excitement surrounding Coach Prime and his vision for the program remains high, but how the team responds to these losses will be a key factor in their success moving forward.
What do you think of Colorado’s portal losses? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. The journey of college football is filled with twists and turns, and the Buffaloes are no exception. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one, filled with opportunities for both new and returning players to shine.
