Table of Contents
- Colorado Buffaloes Navigate Transfer Portal Departures After NFL Draft
- Colorado Buffaloes Navigate Transfer Portal Departures After NFL Draft
Boulder — April 27,2025 — The Colorado Buffaloes football program is undergoing a meaningful shift following the 2025 NFL Draft,with multiple key players entering the transfer portal. Numerous starters, including Colton Hood, are seeking new opportunities. This exodus raises questions about the team’s performance and future prospects, and forces Coach Sanders to address the team’s needs. Further analysis will be published soon.
The Colorado Buffaloes, under the leadership of coach Deion Sanders, are facing a period of transition following the 2025 NFL Draft.While wide receiver Travis hunter was selected No. 2 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars,the team is grappling with key departures via the transfer portal.
Draft Day Disappointments and Transfer Portal Exits
Adding to the challenges,former CU quarterback Shedeur Sanders surprisingly went undrafted.Simultaneously, the Buffaloes experienced notable roster changes as the spring transfer portal window closed.
Key Players Enter the Transfer Portal
Several potential starters have entered the transfer portal, impacting the team’s outlook for the upcoming season. These players include:
- Cornerback Colton Hood
- Running Back Brandon Hood
- Offensive Lineman Zack Owens
- Offensive Lineman Jay Gardenhire
- Cornerback Malakai Murphy
- Linebacker Jaylen Wester
- Linebacker Kyeran Garcia
Trenton Hood, a linebacker and cousin to Colton and Brandon, also entered the portal after being a walk-on last season.
Did You Know?
The transfer portal was created in 2018 to allow student-athletes to notify schools of their intent to transfer. This system aims to streamline the transfer process and increase clarity.
Colton Hood’s Departure: A Significant Loss
Among those leaving, Colton hood’s departure is notably notable. After a strong redshirt freshman season,he was expected to secure a starting cornerback position,especially with Hunter’s move to the NFL. Hood played in all 13 games last season, recording 24 total tackles, six pass breakups, two interceptions, and one tackle for loss (TFL).
Hood expressed his gratitude on X, stating:
Thanks to Coach Prime, Coach mathis, Coach Livingston, Coaching Staff, Training Staff and especially my teammates for the fantastic prospect to be a part of the Colorado Buffs family! I have enjoyed every moment, grown significantly and loved the city of Boulder!
BREAKING: Colorado CB Colton Hood is entering the transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
The 5’11 190 CB totaled 24 Tackles & 2 INT last season
3 years of eligibility lefthttps://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/yzrtyqhuig
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 26, 2025
Brandon Hood’s Farewell
Brandon Hood, who played in three games as a true freshman last season, also shared his appreciation on X:
Thank you to the Colorado staff for the opportunity to pursue my dream of playing college football.I am thankful for all the lessons I have learned from being at this institution. It has molded and shaped me into a better,more mature man. I made the decision to come to Colorado becuase I wanted to help build something from the ground. I worked hard and did my best with every opportunity I was given! I am excited about what the future holds and look forward to what’s next. thank you Colorado!
Offensive Line Changes
Zack Owens had a promising spring practice season, while Jay Gardenhire, an early enrollee, is listed at 6-foot-8 and 380 pounds. Their departures create further challenges for the Buffaloes’ offensive line.
For college football teams, effectively managing the transfer portal is crucial.It involves strategic recruitment, player retention, and continuous evaluation of roster needs to maintain competitiveness.
Coach Sanders’ Response and Recruitment Efforts
In response to these changes, Coach Sanders has added 21 players from the transfer portal this offseason, with more commitments expected. He emphasized the need for improvement across various positions:
I want to target every area.You don’t just sit back and think you got it, you know? I mean, I think the kicking game is set… long snappers and also kickers and punters, we straight.Everything else is, we need to improve.
