Colorado Buffaloes Reload Through Transfer Portal Ahead of 2026 Season

Coach Deion Sanders brings in 43 new players to help turn around the program after a 3-9 campaign in 2025.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 8:05pm

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The Colorado Buffaloes have once again added a significant number of players to the roster through the transfer portal in hopes of bouncing back from a tough 2025 season. Under head coach Deion Sanders, the Buffaloes have brought in 43 new players while losing 36 to the portal or to graduation, leaving only four starters from the previous year. The new transfers, including players from schools like San Jose State, Rutgers, and North Dakota State, have added over 29,000 career snaps to the roster and are expected to make an immediate impact, especially on the offensive and defensive lines.

Why it matters

After a 3-9 season in 2025, Colorado is looking to make a major turnaround under Coach Prime. The influx of experienced transfers is a key part of that strategy, as Sanders aims to quickly rebuild the roster with productive players who can contribute right away. This aggressive approach in the portal highlights the new reality of college football, where roster turnover is high and programs must constantly reload to remain competitive.

The details

Colorado's transfer portal class includes several notable additions, such as receiver DeAndre Moore Jr., tackle Taj White, linebacker Liona Lefau, and safety Boo Carter. The Buffaloes also brought in a pair of starters from San Jose State in receiver Danny Scudero and guard Jose Soto. On the offensive line, Colorado added tackles Taj White and Bo Hughley, as well as center Demetrius Hunter, to help improve a unit that struggled in 2025. Defensively, the Buffs added tackle Santanna Hopper from Tulane and edge rusher Toby Anene from North Dakota State to bolster the front seven.

  • Colorado brought in 43 new players through the transfer portal.
  • The Buffaloes lost 36 players to the portal or to graduation, leaving only 4 starters from the 2025 season.

The players

Deion Sanders

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, who has implemented an aggressive transfer portal strategy to quickly rebuild the roster.

Boo Carter

A defensive back transfer from Tennessee who is expected to contribute to the Colorado secondary.

Danny Scudero

A receiver transfer from San Jose State who is projected to be a starter for the Buffaloes.

Jose Soto

A guard transfer from San Jose State who will help shore up the Colorado offensive line.

Taj White

A tackle transfer from Rutgers who will compete for a starting job on the Colorado offensive line.

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What they’re saying

“The opportunity for several players with a history of production to improve multiple position groups is a major reason why there can be optimism in Boulder for the Buffaloes.”

— Manny Navarro, Writer (The Athletic)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This aggressive transfer portal strategy highlights the new reality of college football, where roster turnover is high and programs must constantly reload to remain competitive. Colorado is hoping that the influx of experienced transfers can help the team quickly turn things around after a difficult 2025 season.