Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes took a step in the wrong direction this past season, going 3-9, finishing at the bottom of the Big 12. With more than 30 of their players entering the transfer portal, Colorado had a ton of work ahead to assemble a roster that could compete in a top conference.
The Buffaloes Are Going Crazy
Sanders recognized the significant challenges facing Colorado and immediately set out to address them. Since losing many top players to the portal, he has replenished the roster with an influx of talent, targeting and filling key gaps. Colorado has added more than a dozen new players so far, and the pace isn’t letting up.
The most dramatic transformation has come along the defensive line. Leading the new additions is standout Tulane transfer Santana Hopper, widely regarded as one of the best linemen available in the portal. Over the past three seasons, Hopper has racked up 100 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks, and led all defensive linemen nationally with 11 quarterback hits in 2025.
Additional new faces on the defensive line include Manny Ezeogu, Toby Anene, Dylan Manuel, Balansama Kamara, Lamont Lester, Tyler Moore, and Yamil Talib. Sanders’ strategy is clear: prioritize highly productive players from smaller programs over big-conference recruits with limited experience. Beyond the defensive line, Colorado landed New Mexico State Defensive Back Naeten Mitchell, who posted 58 solo tackles, 7 pass breakups, and 3 interceptions. They also landed Bowling Green transfer Linebacker Gideon Lampron, who tallied 119 tackles and 17.5 tackles for loss in 2025.
Lampron earned first-team All-MAC honors last season and is expected to anchor the middle of a Colorado defense that struggled mightily in the Big 12, ranking near the bottom of the conference outside of Oklahoma State. Also joining the Buffaloes is JMU Defensive Back Justin Eaglin, one of the top cornerbacks in the portal, who notched 35 tackles, 8 pass breakups, and 5 interceptions in 2025, including a key pick in the College Football Playoff against Oregon.
Brennan Marion’s Impact Is Showing
Since being named the Buffaloes’ offensive coordinator in early December, Brennan Marion has already made a significant impact in Boulder. The two most notable offensive commitments so far are Wide Receivers Kam Perry and Danny Scudero, who combined for over 2,000 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. Both are poised to be key playmakers in Colorado’s offense next year and are an ideal fit for Marion’s innovative “Go-Go” offense. It is a fast-paced, no-huddle scheme that uses multiple formations to keep defenses off balance.
At running back, Colorado recently secured a commitment from Damien Henderson, Sacramento State’s second-leading rusher last season behind Rodney Hammond Jr. Two more intriguing prospects to watch are former Texas Longhorns: Wide Receiver DeAndre Moore and Running Back CJ Baxter. If either chooses Colorado, they could make an immediate impact, so all eyes are on Marion to continue his momentum in the transfer portal for the Buffaloes.
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