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Transfer Portal Tracker – Spring
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Scholarship Transfers coming in (16) … (see bios below)
Quarterbacks …
Running backs … Dallan Hayden … Rashad Amos …
Wide receivers …
Tight ends …
Offensive linemen … Payton Kirkland … Wyatt Hummel … Zack Owens … Ethan Boyd … Chris Morris …
Defensive linemen … Dayon Hayes … Rayyan Buell … Tawfig Thomas …
Edge rushers / Outside linebackers …
Linebackers … Nikhai Hill-Green … Johnny Chaney …
Defensive backs … Colton Hood … RJ Johnson … Ivan Yates … Savion Riley …
Specialists …
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Scholarship Transfers leaving (25) … (new school) …
Quarterbacks …
Running backs … Alton McCaskill (Arizona State)… Dylan Edwards (Kansas State) … Sy’veon Wilkerson (Georgia State) …
Wide receivers … Kendal Stewart …
Tight ends … Tar’Varish Dawson … Jacob Page … Chamon Metayer (Arizona State) …
Offensive linemen … Savion Washington (Syracuse) … Isaiah Jatta … David Conner …
Defensive tackles … Chazz Wallace (North Carolina State) … Khairi Manns (James Madison) … J.J. Hawkins (Marshall) … Bishop Thomas …
Edge rushers / Outside linebackers … Devee Harris … Demouy Kennedy … Eric Brantley …
Inside linebackers … Kofi Taylor-Barrocks … Victory Johnson …
Defensive backs … Myles Slusher … Jaden Milliner-Jones (SMU) … Cormani McClain (Florida) … Vito Tisdale … Adam Hopkins … Omarion Cooper (Florida State) …
Specialists …
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May 13th
Chris Miller – OT
Committed May 13th … Miller is a 6’4″, 290-pound offensive lineman from Memphis, Tennessee, who coming to Colorado by way of Texas A&M, Memphis and East Mississippi Community College, with two years to play two … Rivals bio … 247 Sports …
What others say about Miller … Miller was rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals, and a four-star prospect by 247 Sports, as a member of the Recruiting Class of 2020. At Rivals, Miller was considered to be the No. 49 offensive tackle in the nation, while at 247 Sports, Miller was considered to be the No. 5 offensive guard in the nation, the No. 1 overall player out of the state of Tennessee, and the No. 119 overall player in the nation.
Miller is the definition of “well-traveled”. As a true freshman at Texas A&M, Morris did not appear in any games with the Aggies, leaving the team in the spring of 2021. In 2022, he played at Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College, appearing in four games.
Morris then signed with Memphis and went through 2023 spring practices with the Tigers, but put his name back into the transfer portal last summer. He wound up at East Mississippi Community College last season, and then opted to transfer last month.
Miller had other offers from … dozens of Power Five conference schools, at least out of high school. Before signing with Texas A&M, Miller entertained offers from the likes of Georgia, Tennessee, Oregon, USC, Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State Oklahoma and Texas.
In his own words … “Counted out too many times, but I’m still in the game!” he wrote on X on Monday. “I’m ready to get to work!”.
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May 11th
Savion Riley – DB
Committed May 11th … Riley is 6’2″, 202-pound defensive back from Atlanta, Georgia, coming to Colorado by way of Vanderbilt and Miami, with three years to play three … Rivals bio … 247 Sports bio …
What others say about Riley … Riley was rated as a three-star prospect by both Rivals and 247 Sports as a member of the Recruiting Class of 2022. At 247 Sports, Riley was listed as the No. 99 “athlete” in the nation, and the No. 118 overall prospect out of the state of Georgia.
In 2023, Riley played 343 defensive snaps and posted 48 tackles as a rotational player at Vanderbilt. He graded out at 63.0 from Pro Football Focus last season. Riley spent the spring at Miami, before reentering the Transfer Portal after spring practices.
As a transfer, Rivals has Riley listed as a three-star player, the No. 377 overall prospect out of the Transfer Portal.
Riley had other offers from … several Power Five schools out of high school. Before accepting a scholarship to play for Vanderbilt, Riley entertained offers from the likes of Duke, Maryland and Wake Forest. As a transfer, Georgia Tech, Michigan, Missouri and Penn State were among the other programs that pursued Riley.
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May 8th
Johnny Chaney – LB
Committed May 8th … Chaney is a 6’2″, 235-pound linebacker from Orlando, Florida, coming to Colorado by way of Florida A&M. Chaney played three seasons for the Rattlers … Rivals bio … 247 Sports bio …
What others say about Chaney … Chaney was an unrated player as a member of the Recruiting Class of 2021.
Chaney earned second-team All-SWAC honors this past season after posting 73 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and a fumble recovery. He helped the Rattlers go 12-1, winning the SWAC title and the Celebration Bowl.
During his three seasons at FAMU, Chaney played in 34 games, posting 141 tackles, 12 TFLs and 3.5 sacks. FAMU went 30-6 during those three years, including 21-1 in its last 22 games.
Chaney had other offers from … No reported offers from any FBS schools out of high school.
In his own words … “Just the culture and knowing what the coaching staff is capable of developing me and getting me where I need to be and want to be,” Chaney told On3 Sports about his decision to commit to Colorado.
“I feel like the sky is the limit,” Chaney said. “Obviously they went and got some guys including me. I feel we have a big season ahead of us. We just have to put in the work to get what we deserve and I feel we’ll do that.”
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May 6th
Ivan Yates – DB
Committed May 6th … Yates is a 6’0″, 180-pound defensive back from Marietta, Georgia, coming to Colorado by way of the Furman Paladins. A graduate transfer, Yates have two years of eligibility to play at Colorado … Rivals bio … 247 Sports bio …
What others say about Yates … Yates was an unrated prospect, either by Rivals or 247 Sports as a member of the Recruiting Class of 2020.
After coming off the bench early this past season for the Paladins (10-3), Yates started each of the last nine games, helping Furman reach the second round of the FCS playoffs. He finished with 40 tackles and five pass breakups. Yates played four seasons at Furman, appearing in 37 games with 15 starts. He recorded 93 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one interception and 13 passes defended.
As a transfer, Yates remains an unrated prospect.
Yates had other offers from … Before accepting a scholarship to attend Furman, Yates entertained offers from the likes of SMU and South Alabama, but also was smart enough to earn scholarship offers from Air Force, Princeton and Penn.
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May 3rd
Tawfig Thomas – DL
Committed May 3rd … Thomas is a 6’4″, 300-pound defensive lineman from Tampa, Florida, coming to Colorado by way of Louisville. Thomas will have two years to play at Colorado … Rivals bio … 247 Sports bio …
What others say about Thomas … Thomas was rated as a three-star prospect by both Rivals and 247 Sports as a member of the Recruiting Class of 2022. At Rivals, Thomas was considered to be the No. 32 defensive tackle in the class, and the No. 61 overall prospect out of the state of Florida. At 247 Sports, Thomas was listed as the 116 defensive tackle in the nation, the No. 116 player overall out of Florida, and the 866 overall prospect in the country.
As a transfer, Thomas is again rated as a three-star prospect, considered the No. 1338 overall prospect in the Transfer Portal.
In two seasons at Louisville, Thomas played in 22 games, recording 12 tackles. Thomas played 207 total defensive snaps in his two seasons with the Cardinals.
Thomas had other offers from … Before accepting a scholarship to attend Louisville, Thomas had 18 scholarship offers, including offers from Arkansas, Iowa State, Kansas, Miami and Michigan.
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May 2nd
Ethan Boyd – OL
Committed May 2nd … Boyd is a 6’7″, 320-pound offensive tackle from East Lansing, Michigan coming to Colorado by way of Michigan State. Boyd will have two years to play two at Colorado … Rivals bio … 247 Sports bio …
What others say about Boyd … Boyd was rated as a three-star prospect by both Rivals and 247 Sports as a member of the Recruiting Class of 2021. At Rivals, Boyd was considered to be the No. 25 overall prospect out of the state of Michigan. At 247 Sports, Boyd was listed as the 44 offensive tackle in the nation, the No. 12 player overall out of Michigan, and the 669 overall prospect in the country.
After redshirting in 2021, Boyd played 10 games in 2022, logging 23 snaps on offense and contributing on special teams. As a redshirt sophomore in 2023, Boyd made three starts and played 313 snaps at right tackle over 12 games.
Boyd’s high school analysis, from 247 Sports … Tall, lean body. Has added good weight as he moved through his high school career. Basketball player who moves around the football field with good balance and coordination. Has gotten better as a finisher. Runs his feet through contact. Has all the tools to be an excellent pass blocker, but is still refining technique. In general, he is a high-upside guy who picked up football again in high school and has gotten better each year but is still developing. Could be an NFL guy if the trajectory continues though.
Boyd had other offers from … Before accepting a scholarship to attend Michigan State from then head coach Mel Tucker, Boyd entertained offers from a number of Power Five schools, including Indiana, Iowa State, Kansas State, Minnesota and Vanderbilt.
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May 1st
Late announcement – linebacker Victory Johnson makes it 25 spring departures
Victory Johnson … Johnson was a red-shirt freshman during the 2023 season.
Did not see any game action during the 2023 season.
HIGH SCHOOL RANKINGS
- Three-star prospect by the recruiting services.
- 247 Sports ranked him as the No. 53 linebacker in the class and No. 62 player from California.
- ESPN ranked him as the No. 40 inside linebacker in the class and No. 107 player from California.
- Rivals ranked him as the No. 72 player from California.
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RJ Johnson – DB
Committed May 1st … Johnson is a 6’2″, 181-pound defensive back from McDonough, Georgia, coming to Colorado by way of Arkansas. Johnson will have four years to play four at Colorado … Rivals bio … 247 Sports bio …
What others say about Johnson … Johnson was rated as a three-star prospect by both Rivals and 247 Sports as a member of the Recruiting Class of 2023. At Rivals, Johnson was considered to be the No. 56 cornerback in the nation, and the No. 50 overall prospect out of the state of Georgia. At 247 Sports, Johnson was listed as the No. 63 “athlete” in the country, the 80 prospect out of Georgia.
Prior to Arkansas, Johnson played at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy in Georgia, making him the fourth ELCA alum to commit to CU this week. Earlier this week, ECLA senior Brandon Hood and his brother Colton Hood – an Auburn transfer – committed to CU, as did Clemson transfer Zack Owens (see bios for Johnson’s three high school teammates below).
Johnson had other offers from … Before accepting a scholarship to attend Arkansas, Johnson entertained offers from the likes of Boston College, Duke, Florida, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Rutgers, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Virginia, and Wake Forest.
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April 30th
Now are we done? Linebacker Kofi Taylor-Barrocks enters Portal on last day
Kofi Taylor-Barrocks … Played as a true freshman last fall
- Appeared in one game in 2023.
- Made his college debut against Arizona at home on 11/11/23.
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Last one out? Defensive lineman Bishop Thomas becomes CU’s 23rd Transfer Portal departure
Bishop Thomas … Thomas played as a redshirt freshman last fall
- Appeared in nine games in 2023.
- Played in 117 defensive snaps.
- Recorded six tackles, two TFL’s, and a fumble recovery.
- Career-high three tackles and TFL in the win against Arizona State in Tempe.
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April 29th
Omarion Cooper becomes the sixth defensive back (and 22nd Buff overall) to enter the Spring Transfer Portal
Omarion Cooper … Cooper played in nine games in 2023, starting in eight. Missed the final three games of the season.
- Registered 37 total tackles, 32 solo tackles both the highest on the team among cornerbacks, two tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and five pass breakups tied for the most on the team with Travis Hunter.
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Kendal Stewart becomes the first wide receiver to leave the program this spring
Kendal Stewart …
- Did not see any game action during the 2023 season; redshirt.
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April 28th
Zechariah “Zack” Owens – OL
Committed April 28th … Owens is a 6’6″, 365-pound offensive lineman from McDonough, Georgia, coming to Colorado by way of Clemson. Owens will have four years to play four at Colorado … Rivals bio … 247 Sports bio …
What others say about Owens … Owens was rated as a four-star prospect by both Rivals and 247 Sports as a member of the Recruiting Class of 2023. At Rivals, Owens was considered to be the No. 23 offensive tackle in the nation, and the No. 24 overall prospect out of the state of Georgia. At 247 Sports, Owens was listed as the No. 18 offensive tackle in the country, the 20 prospect out of Georgia, and the No. 198 overall player in the nation.
As a transfer, Owens is listed as a three-star prospect, the No. 291 overall prospect in the Transfer Portal.
Owens had other offers from … pretty much the entire country. Before signing with Clemson, Owens entertained offers from Georgia, Alabama, Florida State, Florida, Miami, Nebraska, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, and USC.
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Colton Hood – DB
Committed April 28th … Hood is a 6’1″, 175-pound cornerback from McDonough, Georgia, coming to Colorado by way of Auburn. Hood will have four years to play four at Colorado … Rivals bio … 247 Sports bio …
What others say about Hood … Hood was rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals as part of the Recruiting Class of 2023, but was rated as a four-star prospect at 247 Sports. At Rivals, Hood was listed as the No. 68 cornerback in the nation, and the No. 64 overall prospect out of the state of Georgia in his Class. At 247 Sports, Hood was considered to be the No. 37 cornerback in the country, the No. 37 overall prospect out of Georgia, and the No. 373 player overall in the nation.
As a transfer out of Auburn, Hood has not been rated by either Rivals or 247 Sports.
Hood had other offers from … two dozen Power Four schools. Before signing with Auburn, Hood entertained offers from the likes of Clemson, Florida, LSU, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Penn State, Pitt, and South Carolina.
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April 27th
Nikhai Hill-Green – LB
Committed April 27th .. Hill-Green is a 6’2″, 232-pound linebacker from Baltimore, Maryland, coming to Colorado by way of Charlotte. Hill-Green has two years of eligibility remaining to play at Colorado … Rivals bio … 247 Sports bio …
What others say about Hill-Green … Hill-Green was considered to be a three-star prospect by Rivals as a member of the Recruiting Class of 2020, while 247 Sports had Hill-Green as a four-star prospect. At Rivals, Hill-Green was rated as the No. 21 inside linebacker in the nation, and the No. 19 prospect out of the State of Maryland. At 247 Sports, Hill-Green was considered to be the No. 23 outside linebacker in the country, the No. 17 player out of Maryland, and the No. 384 overall prospect in the nation.
As a transfer, Hill-Green is a three-star prospect at both sites, with Rivals rating Hill-Green as the No. 905 overall prospect in the Transfer Portal. Meanwhile, Hill-Green is considered by 247 Sports the No. 44 linebacker transfer, and the No. 627 overall transfer prospect. Hill-Green also gave Arkansas, Florida State, Michigan, Michigan State, Missouri and Texas A&M a long look before joining the herd.
Last season, Hill-Green finished second on the Charlotte defense in tackles with 73 total along with 9 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and 3 pass break-ups. He previously spent two years at Michigan. Last fall, Hil-Green graded out at 70.9 over 561 defensive snaps with the 49ers, according to Pro Football Focus.
2023 Highlights (Grad Transfer with 2 years left)https://t.co/v4APdqyFfh pic.twitter.com/VrInkop1st
— Nikhai (@Nhillgreen) December 2, 2023
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April 26th
Wyatt Hummel – OL
Committed April 26th … Hummel is a 6’6″, 315-pound offensive lineman from Dallas, Texas, who comes to CU by way of Villanova. Hummel has one year of eligibility remaining to play at Colorado … Rivals bio … 247 Sports bio …
What others say about Hummel … Hummel was considered a two-star prospect by both Rivals and 247 Sports as a member of the Recruiting Class of 2019. At 247 Sports, Hummel was rated as the No. 219 offensive tackle in the nation, and the No. 339 overall prospect out of the state of Texas.
As a transfer Hummel is still considered to be a two-star prospect by Rivals, the No. 1690 overall transfer prospect in the country. 247 Sports, meanwhile, did not rate Hummel as a transfer. Despite his low rating, Hummel was entertaining transfer offers from over 20 schools, including Power Four schools Duke and UCF, along with the likes of Colorado State, San Diego State, and USF.
Originally from Dallas, Hummel was a first-team all-district player at Jesuit College Prep before enrolling at Villanova. While with the Wildcats, Hummel saw action in 30 games with 1,002 snaps played: 13 contests in 2023, seven in 2022, four in 2021, four in 2020 and two in 2019.
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Rashad Amos – RB
Committed April 26th … Amos is a 6’2″, 234-pound running back from Tyrone, Georgia, who comes to CU by way of the Miami of Ohio. Amos will have two years to play two at Colorado … Rivals bio … 247 Sports bio …
What others say about Amos … Amos was rated as a three-star prospect by both Rivals and 247 Sports as a member of the Recruiting Class of 2020. At Rivals, Amos was listed out of high school as the No. 39 running back in the country and the No. 72 overall prospect out of the state of Georgia. At 247 Sports, Amos was rated as No. 62 running back in the nation and the No. 89 player out of Georgia.
As a transfer, Amos remains a three-star prospect. At Rivals, Amos is considered the No. 300 overall transfer prospect, while at 247 Sports, Amos is listed as the No. 17 running back transfer, and the No. 194 overall transfer.
Amos rushed for 1,075 yards on 210 carries, an average of 5.1 yards per attempt, and he scored 13 touchdowns over 14 contests at Miami (Ohio) this past season. Amos ranked 3rd in the MAC in rushing yards and 2nd in rushing touchdowns.
Amos had been committed to transfer to Mississippi State, but de-committed shortly before committing to Colorado.
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April 23rd
Running back Sy’veon Wilkerson makes it an even 20 CU scholarship players in the Transfer Portal
Sy’veion Wilkerson … Wilkerson rushed for 191 yards on 53 attempts during his lone campaign at Colorado, an average of 3.6 yards per carry. He had three rushing touchdowns, which was second-most on the team behind Shedeur Sanders’ four. Wilkerson also had five catches for 50 yards.
Originally from Chicago, Wilkerson also spent time at Delaware State and Jackson State.
With three running backs hitting the transfer portal in the past week, Colorado has just three running backs on its roster for Saturday’s spring game: true freshman Micah Welch, and walk ons Charlie Offerdahl and Christian Sarem.
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Running back Dylan Edwards no longer with the team
Dylan Edwards … Edwards had 76 Carries for a team-leading 321 yards and one touchdown rushing, as well as 36 receptions for 300 yards and four touchdowns receiving last season. Four of Edwards’ five touchdowns came in the season opener against TCU.
Colorado running backs coach Gary Harrell on Dylan Edwards just two weeks ago: “Dylan has a different approach to this year. You can tell he’s more focused, he knows what his role is going to be and we’re going to lean on him heavy to be very explosive.”
The 5-foot-9, 170-pound Edwards will have four years to play three at his next stop. Kansas State is likely to be a transfer option. He is from Kansas and his father Leon Edwards played collegiately for the Wildcats.
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April 22nd
J.J. Hawkins becomes the 18th scholarship Buff to enter the Transfer Portal
J.J. Hawkins … Hawkins played in 10 games, starting in one against Oregon State. Hawkins recorded five total tackles, season-high two against UCLA on the road.
Hawkins was rated as a three-star prospect in the transfer portal by 247, coming to CU from Ole Miss. Hawkins was ranked as the No. 766 overall player in the portal and the No. 84 Defensive Lineman.
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Dallan Hayden – RB
Committed April 22nd … Hayden is a 5’10”, 205-pound running back from Memphis, Tennessee who comes to CU by way of the Ohio State. Hayden will have three years to play three at Colorado … Rivals bio … 247 Sports bio …
What others say about Hayden … Hayden was rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals as a member of the Recruiting Class of 2022 by Rivals, but a four-star prospect by 247 Sports. At Rivals, Hayden was listed as the No. 16 running back in the country, the No. 7 overall prospect out of the state of Tennessee, and the No. 246 player in his Recruiting Class. At 247 Sports, Hayden was rated as No. 19 offensive tackle in the nation, the No. 7 player out of Tennessee, and the No. 226 player in his Recruiting Class.
As a transfer, Rivals has upped Hayden’s status to that of a four-star prospect, the No. 126 overall player in the Portal, while 247 Sports has Hayden as only a three-star transfer, the No. 43 running back transfer and the No. 454 overall Portal prospect.
Hayden rushed for 663 yards and six touchdowns – with an average of 5.1 yards per carry – during his time at Ohio State. Hayden graded out at 80.7 over 215 offensive snaps at Ohio State in 2022 and at 72.4 over 60 offensive snaps in four contests in 2023.
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Adam Hopkins becomes the fifth CU defensive back to enter the Transfer Portal
Adam Hopkins … Hopkins is a 6’0″, 175-pound cornerback who played in three games (primarily on special teams) for Colorado last season as a freshman, totaling four tackles. Hopkins is a former four-star recruit.
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April 21st
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Payton Kirkland – OL
Committed April 21st … Kirkland is a 6’6″, 366-pound offensive lineman from Orlando, Florida, who comes to CU by way of the University of Texas. Kirkland will have four years of eligibility left to play at Colorado … Rivals bio … 247 Sports bio …
What others say about Kirkland … Kirkland was rated as a three-star prospect as a member of the Recruiting Class of 2023 by Rivals, but a four-star prospect by 247 Sports. At Rivals, Kirkland was listed as the No. 40 offensive tackle in the country and the No. 80 overall prospect out of the state of Florida. At 247 Sports, Kirkland was rated as No. 18 offensive tackle in the nation, and the No. 55 best player out of Florida. As a transfer, Rivals rates Kirkland as a three-star prospect, the No. 228 overall player in the Portal, while 247 Sports has Kirkland as the No. 23 offensive tackle and the No. 456 overall Portal prospect.
A 247Sports four-star prospect that played in the 2023 All-American Bowl, Kirkland hails from Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips. He played all five positions on the offensive line during his senior season there, playing the most snaps at tackle. He was chosen to the MaxPreps Junior All-American Second Team in 2021 and was selected to the Sophomore All-American First Team in 2020.
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Rayyan Buell – DL
Committed April 21st … Buell is a 6’3″, 277-pound defensive lineman from Hornell, New York, who comes to CU by way of Northwest Mississippi Community College and Ohio University. Buell will have one season to play in Boulder … Rivals bio … 247 Sports bio …
What others say about Buell … Buell was unrated as a high school prospect by Rivals, but was a three-star prospect in the eyes of 247 Sports, listed as the No. 22 defensive lineman as part of the Recruiting Class of 2022, the No. 30 overall prospect out of the state of New York, and the No. 137 national junior college prospect. As a transfer, Rivals has Buell as a three-star player, ranked as the No. 238 transfer in the nation, while 247 Sports has Buell as a four-star transfer, the No. 18 defensive lineman in the Portal and the No. 177 prospect overall.
Last season at Miami, Buell graded out at 71.9 over 447 defensive snaps during the 2023 season at Ohio, according to Pro Football Focus, before deciding to enter the portal. His 30 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and four-and-a-half sacks helped him earn third-team All-MAC honors.
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Dayon Hayes – DL
Committed April 21st … Hayes is a 6’3″, 265-pound defensive lineman Pittsburgh, coming to CU by way of Pitt … Rivals bio … 247 Sports bio …
What others say about Hayes … Bradford was rated as a four-star prospect by both Rivals and 247 Sports as part of the Recruiting Class of 2020. At Rivals, Hayes was listed as the No. 3 overall prospect out of the state of Pennsylvania, and the No. 15 weakside defensive end in the nation. At 247 Sports, Bradford was considered to be the No. 8 strongside defensive end in the country, the No. 4 overall prospect out of the state of Pennsylvania, and the No. 183 prospect in the country. As a transfer, Hayes is rated by Rivals as the No. 103 overall transfer prospect, while 247 Sports has Hayes as the No. 30 defensive lineman and the No. 287 transfer.
Last year at Pitt, Hayes posted 10.5 tackles for loss and four sacks in 2023.
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April 19th
Freshman defensive lineman Eric Brantley enters the Portal
Eric Brantley … Brantley in an edge rusher who cam to Boulder as an early enrollee from Colorado’s 2024 signing class. Brantley Jr. was the Georgia 7A Defensive Player of the Year last season and racked up 34 sacks during his high school career.
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April 18th
Running back Alton McCaskill and linebacker Demouy Kennedy leave the team
Alton McCaskill … McCaskill played in four games (one start) for Colorado last season, rushing 14 times for 59 yards. McCaskill was the AAC Rookie of the Year in 2021 at Houston when he set the Cougars’ true freshman rushing TD record (16).
Demouy Kennedy … Kennedy played in ten games during the 2023 season, recording 13 total tackles, and 2 tackles for loss. Rated as a four-star prospect in the transfer portal by 247, which rates him at .9100. He was ranked as the No. 97 overall player in the portal and the No. 8 Linebacker.
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April 17th
Cincinnati transfer tight end Chamon Metayer ends his three month stay in Boulder
Chamon Metayer … Chamon Metayer is moving on after only ten practices at CU.
Metayer ran primarily with Colorado’s first-team offense this spring but consistency in his game was still a work in progress.
“Some days are better than others,” Buffs tight ends coach Brett Bartolone told reporters just yesterday when asked about Metayer. “Right now every facet of his game is great. He’s just got to be more consistent catching the ball downfield and making contested catches; and that is overall as a group right now. But he shows up, he works, he just needs to develop more consistency. … The flashes are there for sure.”
Metayer hauled in 23 passes, including five for a score, at Cincinnati in 2023.
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Vito Tisdale becomes the fourth defensive back to leave the team
Vito Tisdale … At Colorado … Appeared in three total games in 2023 … Saw three defensive snaps … Rated as a three-star prospect in the transfer portal by 247, which rated him at .8800. He was ranked as the No. 419 overall player in the portal and the No. 31 safety.
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Defensive lineman Khairi Manns becomes the 11th Buff to enter the Transfer Portal
Khairi Manns … Manns saw action in 11 of 12 games during Colorado’s 2023 campaign, with one start in the opener against TCU. He recorded a total of nine tackles and one sack while with the Buffs.
According to Pro Football Focus, Manns played 135 defensive snaps and graded out at 61.9 last season. He was also a participant on 48 special teams plays.
Prior to transferring to Colorado, Manns played in 26 games at Maine, with 108 total tackles. He is originally from New York where he starred at New Rochelle High.
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April 16th
*Cornerback Cormani McClain enters the Transfer Portal*
Cormani McClain … McClain played in nine games (four starts) for CU last season. McClain totaled 13 tackles and two pass breakups. The former consensus five-star recruit and No. 1 cornerback in the Class of 2023 has four years to play three at his next school.
McClain’s grade of 51.4 on 279 snaps by Pro Football Focus in 2023 ranked worst among CU’s defenders that played more than 136 snaps.
From the Daily Camera … If Cormani McClain is to live up to the hype he generated as a high school recruit, it won’t happen in Boulder.
On Tuesday, the former five-star prospect became the latest member of the Colorado football team to put his name into the transfer portal.
A 6-foot-2, 165-pound sophomore, McClain was rated by 247Sports.com as the No. 1 cornerback recruit coming out of high school in the 2023 class. His 247Sports rating of .9921 makes him the fourth-highest rated player to ever sign with the Buffaloes.
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Two wide receivers leaving the team
Tar’Varish Dawson … Dawson left the program in February after playing in seven games (four starts) for Colorado last season. Dawson totaled 14 catches for 124 receiving yards and a touchdown, breaking out against Nebraska with two scores (a 30-yard TD catch and an eight-yard TD run).
Jacob Page … Page did not see any game action for Colorado last season as a redshirt freshman. Page is a former three-star recruit.
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David Conner enters the Portal
Conner redshirted the 2022 campaign at Florida due to a thumb injury and missed the entirety of last season at Colorado with a torn pec. Conner was rated as a three-star transfer by 247Sports before arriving in Boulder.
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April 15th
Isaiah Jatta the sixth Buff and second offensive lineman to leave the team
Appeared in 11 games, starting one (UCLA) … Came to CU as a junior college transfer from Snow College …
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CU’s starting right tackle from the 2023 season, Savion Washington, enters the Transfer Portal …
Played in ten games last season, starting nine (injured for two) …
- 660 total snaps, all at right tackle.
- Given 69.4 Pass Blocking grade per PFF.
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Edge rusher / linebacker Devee Harris enters the Portal …
From Old Dominion … Played in 12 games (zero starts), with 14 total tackles (five unassisted) …
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Colorado DB Jaden Milliner-Jones plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
The 5’11 195 DB played in all 12 games as a True Freshman in 2023 Recorded 25 Tackles and 3 PBUs Will have 3 years of eligibility remaining
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Colorado DL Chazz Wallace plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
The 6-foot-2, 295-pound Wallace saw action in 10 games and recorded 11 tackles and one-and-a-half sack during his lone season with the Buffaloes, after transferring in from Old Dominion last off-season.
Wallace graded out at 56.4 by Pro Football Focus over 253 defensive snaps during the 2023 season, ranking third worst among Buff defenders that played over 200 snaps.
67 Replies to “Transfer Portal Tracker – Spring”
Looks like most of the exiting players are going P4 this year as opposed to last year when the majority went to lower divisions or nowhere. Does this mean that we have so much talent that even our transfers are higher caliber or does it mean Prime can’t keep a stable team?
The poll about Yates I find annoying. Not every transfer in is going to a high level starter. Some will by necessity be special teamers and/or depth.
No kidding, Stuart keeps talking about High School (offers/stars/etc.). I mean if that is the end all, how the heck is Derrick White ( no Div 1 offers, 2 stars) starting in an NBA championship caliber team? Lose the High School accolades and focus on what they have done since then. High School is over, that will be as good as it gets for some of them.
Stuart is passing along information that’s already out there for our benefit and convenience to read it all here; if he didn’t give here, we’d have to go looking for it. Yes what a player has done lately is important and there are many Blue Chip’s that flame out. Some flame out early and recover after struggling, others never even graduate from college; and they certainly don’t make the Pros.
Just as some who blossom early in HS don’t pan out, and we’ve seen a few of them at CU, there are your Derrick White(s), also at CU; but he’s one out of???
Prime is filling holes, depth and special teams, the left over scholarships, with hopefuls who are pretty much all that’s left, he has less of those holes than last year so there’s that. Where they come from and what they have done while there is what they’ve done since leaving HS, sometimes we have to read between the lines of info to see. Sometimes a RS freshmen doesn’t have anything for us to see, but the coaches see their grades and other info; hopefully the coaches see something in the player. Some of last year’s guys who are gone were given the same opportunity and expecting the coaches to be right on all of them, well some just blow smoke.
If the portal existed with some rules like sitting a year if you transfer two years in a row and NIL hadn’t happened at the same time, over half of the players that left would still be at CU… And every other school. Building depth would be easier if half your backups didn’t chase starting or NIL, even if at a G5 school over staying and waiting/working for their turn.
Thank you Stuart.
Stuart does a great job with this site, of that there is no doubt, but this is constructive criticism. The HS bios are irrelevant after the first year so toss them, we get so excited about 5* players and most at CU end up busts, McClain/Smalls comes to mind, plus a long line of 5* that previoulsy came to CU. Not saying that it doesn’t matter, just saying it doesn’t matter after they have finished their first year in college.
And here are again with a young man who had high accolades & hopes out of high school, but who didn’t pan out in the big time at a top college program and after being “well traveled”, his words, and he says he’s ready to work.
Question is, has he learned from his travels? Or, is he one of the many who just was in his prime in high school?
This is where the staff and Prime have to sort through the remaining players in the portal and look for someone who passes the “interview” on how they are going to work now after not showing up early in their college career.
White was an exceptional exception to the rule. I’m hoping Baskin and/or Malone will follow in his footsteps. Basketball is a different animal due to the roster size. Because the rosters are small, along with the abundance of teams, more quality players can emerge at smaller schools.
Prime is doing what he can to win now. I wish he would pay a little more attention to high school recruiting. I hope it doesnt get to the point that any Buff players who excel w/o recruiting service attention arent one and done regardless of their age or class thanks to the portal and NI. We need help from all angles
I agree, ep, I think Prime will settle in with his high school recruiting once he has a winning roster. He came into a program with almost no P5 talent and turned over most of the roster, but over half didn’t take that step to step up. This year he’s bringing in about 60% of the year before.
Next year, after a winning campaign, he’ll bring in talent from the portal due to the Buffs success, but he’ll be able to start to concentrate on youth side of things. I suspect we’ll see more high school recruits in year three, four and beyond.
Assuming a winning season this year.
BTW, there is nothing left in the portal but backups, why anyone expects anything different is beyond me.
Yep. And that’s ok. Most teams are fighting for depth at this point. Quality depth. And I’m sure some of those guys will exceed expectations and may earn starting roles. We’ll see in any do in Boulder.
Go Buffs
Exactly, the player from Furman is a good example of a “hopefully” quality depth player that could exceed and play up to P4 level after coming from a 10 win team that played into the second round of the playoffs too. He played in 37 games with 15 starts, but still has two years to play two, a pretty good pickup at this point of the portal.
Maybe a depths piece this year… And, maybe a starter next.
But yea, at this point most players are going to be depths pieces with hopefully some good exceptions for the future.
Stuart, I think we could all benefit from an essay titled something like… “How to be a Fan in the Modern Day College Football Era, Particularly at CU.” Seriously. My head and heart are both spinning. How on earth do we get excited about anything other than 22 or so players any more? Is CP going to “develop” anybody at CU for more than one season anymore? Should we now expect 50ish players to come in and out of Boulder each year? We’re supposed to “get on board with NIL collectives” and be excited about recruiting in general…and for what reason? Really? Omarion Cooper and Eric Brantley (Georgia 7A player of the year) both can’t be developed and encouraged to stay around… permanently? Does win now really translate into recruit now through the portal–at any cost to loyalty and development of your other players you promised to provide an opportunity for? Meanwhile, guys like Matt Rhule over at you know where are taking a much different approach and, for some reason, I think it’s going to pay off for them, i.e. it’s Lakers vs. Nuggets and we are the Lakers trying to take shortcuts to “buying” our success now rather than develop a real team. I’ll barely even know who’s going to take the field in August… and what fun is that, really?
This is the age of NIL and unlimited transfers, do you think CU is the only university with a bunch of transfers? Soon enough we’ll just be paying for a semi pro team to play in CU colors. Personally I think Prime just tells the truth while Rhule just lies to his players by telling them they all have a chance to start. Telling 90+ players they all have a chance is just a lie, maybe 40 are competitive on any one team. When someone starts telling kids they can’t play at that level, well, they are going to transfer. JMHO.
Okay the bleeding has stopped and the transfusion is underway. Go Buffs!🖤💛
Omarion Cooper is out. This one hurts!! Even though the news has been out there for some weeks, but was hoping he may have had a change of heart.
Just makes me curious of what next year is really going to look like with Deion. (If he really stays around) have my doubts I believe this year and next is it for him.
These guys are young and with omarion he is definitely a number one next year.
I think as a Buff fan we need to put everything into this year. As after this we may be going back to the old days again so let’s enjoy it.
Best of luck Omarion
Sounds like Cooper wasn’t on the 1st team D for the spring game? The portal gives and it taketh away. Might as well get used to a big gap between the starters and the next man up.
Also sounds like the Buffs are going to have to do mostly with transfers with one year to play or underclassmen who perform well enoug on a year to attract bigger dollars.
College football is now just like the NFL….except….without a draft, contracts and salary caps…oh and lets not forget 2 conferences and their media partners in crime that are going to do their best to hold down all the others.
After the weekend haul how many more spots do we need to fill?
There are probably 8-10 more scholarships available to fill out the roster … more if there are any other defections this week.
Amos has the size to be a fullback and/or an additional block for Sheduer.
yes sir
Crickets…we need more good news.
Well, there are 13 recruits from the Class of 2025 who are taking official visits this weekend, and a handful of recruits from the Classes of ’26 and ’27.
There will also be transfer candidates in town … so it could be a busy weekend.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but the portal window only closes to leave/transfer out, this weekend, right (or May 1st, whatever). But, transfers in have until like the start of fall camp?
If that’s the case, there’s still a lot of time for the dust to settle.
Go Buffs
Yes,
The bleeding stops early next week. CU will then have until August 1st to fill the 15-16 open scholarships.
Ideally, any new signee will be on board before early June (when summer school starts), but there may still be some late additions during the summer.
Thanks Stuart I was getting nervous. Now I see something to look forward to.
It is possible that those who leave do not see themselves as playing any sort of significant role on the team in the upcoming season. The guy coming in from Ohio State is a big back. The freshman from Georgia is a big back. Dylan Edwards while quick, dropped quickly when hit. If Shumer plans a grinding Michigan style running game, little guys will see little playing time. Edwards saw the writing on the wall and hit the road.
Also, there has to be chit chat about who the coaches are looking at to bring in, meaning they want to replace a current player. The current player sees this and leaves.
So far, I am not worried about the departures.
I’m kinda thinking like you here, designing schemes to get a smaller, but fast guy the ball is a way of adjusting to the fact that he can’t bulldoze his way up the middle. Those plays are more risky than a simple hand off.
Love the kid, but he also isn’t that effective picking up a blitzing backer or db. Too small. Wish he stuck it out, but such is life. Everyone has choices.
Go Buffs
Fine. I didn’t see Edwards and Wilkerson leaving. Gotta love the new world of free agency.
Go Buffs
Didnt we just get another 2nd string RB from Ohio State?
And whats up with Edwards? Most likely NIL doubt that with Wilkerson though and its interesting both pulled the trigger at the same time. Did they think the new O linemen werent enough for them? that Shurmer’s “new scheme” wasnt to their liking?
Do the RB’s have a coach? He is the assistant head coach who spends a lot of time doing what the head coach should be doing. He explained it once in one of those “goofy kids” videos. Explained how he made sure everything was done.
Do the running backs have a coach?
Go Pime Buffs.
Note: Sure they all wanna start. Sure they know rb’s get hurt. Sure they know the have to compete. But sheesh that is some talent leaving and have left.
Note 2: Depth? Where is there depth?
Note 3: Still hopeing and wishing and praying…………………….
Coach Flea is the problem with the running backs.
20 gone. This is a frigging disaster no two ways about it.
Something is amiss in the Champions Center. Truly .
Go Buffs.
Note: Prime that beard needs to go.
One thing is for certain we have no idea what is happening behind closed doors on the NIL front. You want top flight players to come and stay….well, pony up. BTW the only ones that would stay are the ones with the #1 next to their name on the depth chart, the rest are looking for a better NIL deal. This is the way it is and will be.
I hope CP has some running backs lined. This is getting scarier by the day.
Bummer on Edwards.. Supposedly big backs coming in.. Spring game gonna be fun .. not.. Gonna be any bodies left? Good coaches keep good players.. different times in college football.. We shall see.. Go Buffs
Beginning to wonder if come May 1st we’ll have enough players to field a team.
With so many players in the portal along with the normal number out due to injuries and many schools will be short players for their spring game. This may become the norm unless they figure something out with the timing of transfers regarding the spring games.
But is that a priority with the portal dates already scheduled around recruiting periods and the two signing days, and the season itself?
Dylan Edwards is gone, Washington is gone, and a freaking long snapper.
Dylan hurts. What’s is going on?????? This all looks extremely bad
What about the Charlie Williams TE from Nevada signing a few days ago? Has something come up to spoil that signing? He was an IMG wide receiver who moved to TE. He was listed at NV as 6′ 4″ 240 for his only year there. He helps besides the OSU kid. Both young men went to HS in CO, Williams from Aspen.
Williams is a preferred walk-on.
Hopefully a great story and perhaps the second walk-on in a row to lead tight ends in catches, but still a walk-on.
Ithink as Prime said, mostly 2’s in the portal. That said, how many years were our 2’s someone else’s 3’s….. too many. These guys all have size, losing Savion and replacing him with another mountain of a dude is a good look. I think Savion got a bad wrap as he played injured a lot though.
Texas OL has a lot of eligibility left, certainly has the size…3 good adds it seems
Ralphie getting a little nervous with all the beef joining the herd
loved his text or twitter of “Lets work”
makes me think we have a starter
‘
Ok it’s the weekend and I am ready for some positive additions. “They comin'”
whew
is the ice broken?
Hayes looks like a good pick up but it may be he only has one year left to play.
What happened with Cordale Russell?
Did a quick trip through the portal. didnt get all the way through but far enough to see at the moment there wasnt anything left on the OL. Even all the three stars have already found a home. there was one 4 Star OT from USC still talking bids but obviously he wants a king’s ransom, first born male and your right arm.
DL and LBs werent much better
It’s kind of crazy that the “skilled” players get all of the press and ratings but the line guys are the ones in demand and there’s just not enough quality ones to go around. I’ve always felt that the schools that can send kids on two year missions to come back older and stronger had an advantage in the trenches with the older bigger players on the line.
Gotta be cause of the crappy cold weather.
Go Prime Beef.
Note: Spring game attendance? Hmmm Half of last year??
Note: Spring game attendance? Second-most in school history?
Nice and it will be for sure.
Numbers compared to last year will be interesting. Course charging more. Trend is important. Kind of like win/losing streak
go big spring game…..please rain after it is all done please
The unlimited transfer portal…:Yet another reason that college football is circling the drain.
Only as high end instructions currently exists.
Few years from now it will be highly organized and structured (just like the NFL) set of 50 plus college institutions as true farm league to the nfl.
Go Buffs. get your asses in that league
MLB and NBA have true ‘farm’ leagues. Nobody cares. That is the path college football is headed down. The money will dry up.
We are witnessing the killing of the golden goose.
Need to add McCaskill…this attrtion ain’t fatal, but man are we bleeding (especially compared with the rest of the P4) I’m ok the first couple years but this isn’t sustainable year over year.
BJ Green signed with Washington, he is not coming to help CU’s def line
This is not shocking. Never past the eyeball test and did he ever help win a game? Need Jones back
Yep, remeber Darrell Scott or Marcus Houston, both 5 star players….nope. Smalls was a 5 * player for Washington, but in the portal he came to us as a 3* player. I can go on and on about this imperfect rating system, but in a nutshell players are 5* athletes out of HS, but they may never be 5* football players.
True story. But here’s the good news: When was the last time you remember CU losing a “5 star” kid, or that they didn’t pan out as hoped, and it just wasn’t a big deal? There was plenty of talent around or behind (or ahead) of them. I don’t remember the last time that happened in Boulder. Thanks Mr. Prime. The times they are a changin’ it seems.
Go Buffs
Khamenie , say it ain’t so
Go Buffs.
Note: Bumps in the road are always there. Prime has had a lot of him. He has only been HC for 16 months at Buffville.
Note 2: I am sure Prime is disappointed he misjudged him so much. But alas the world turns and burns.
No major losses so far and then Boom- Cormani!!!! Not liking that one at all
Just because he was 5 stars out of HS, doesn’t mean he will be in college. Just looking at his play he looked very average with a couple of other less rated CBs playing better. Travis in the other hand is 6 stars and still 6 stars.
Oh I completely agree, it wasn’t the loss of him as a player, it’s more about the negative press. DB is definitely a strength but you know everyone will jump all over this….and of course they have
If effort & grades are an issue, no one that’s important are listening to the negative press about CM, they have their own reasons to come or not to come to CU. It could be NIL related, it could be because of Prime, but I doubt “joe athlete”, who is interacting with the staff is going “You lost CM, I’m not coming now”.
I always thought he was just a fast & talented player who could dominate in HS, BUT at 165 lbs and by the end of the first season he was still looking like he was 165 lbs and his play didn’t rate that well either.
It’s easy to understand that an 18 y.o. who dominated in HS would just assume he could continue his ways in college. And grades, it’s easier to skate by in HS than in college. Add in NIL and immaturity and it’s easy to why an 18 yo would struggle to live up to his hype.
It’s unfortunate that a 5 star rated kid may not have the actual discipline (team, workouts & school) & time management skills required to continue to excel in college.
And, some of that is on the adults that were around him in HS that didn’t make sure he was prepared for the next step.
So, a couple of comments from above and the stats say, so far this is expected attrition.
“… graded out at 56.4 by Pro Football Focus over 253 defensive snaps during the 2023 season, ranking third worst among Buff defenders that played over 200 snaps.”
“… Given 69.4 Pass Blocking grade per PFF.”
A couple are second string defenders from a crowded and talented or greatly upgraded room. So really there’s no surprises here. Last year, Prime had spots to fill and needed bodies and he gave those players a chance to play at a higher level.
But coming in from an OD or a JC means you get this opportunity and make what you will of it, and now after a year to see if they can make it happen, they are leaving. Pushed out because someone new from the last round of transfers is already taking their place and/or THEY see the writing on the wall.
Even if told/pushed out, they not only got a shot, but got a year of P4 experience to take to their new team, assuming they end up back at a G5 school; even the JC guys and that’s valuable experience. “They” fought for and won NIL and the right to transfer at will, welcome to adulthood gentlemen.
Heard BJ Green is going back to ASU
Okay transfer dance begins. Maybe a nice polka? Maybe the chicken dance? Twist might work? Samba?
So many options.
Buffalo Gals Won’t You Come Out Tonight…………………
The transfer portal is open. Let the hand wringing and chaos commence once again. Every player that CU loses will be proof positive that Prime has lost the team while for every other program it is just normal attrition.