Colorado Buffaloes Lose Two Starters to Transfer Portal

Guard Desiree Wooten and forward Tabitha Betson plan to enter the transfer portal, dealing a blow to the Buffaloes' depth.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:21pm

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Colorado Buffaloes women's basketball is losing two starters, including its leading scorer. Guard Desiree Wooten and forward Tabitha Betson plan to enter the transfer portal when it opens on Tuesday, per social media. Wooten played one season in Boulder, while Betson played two, both integral pieces of bringing coach JR Payne's squad back to the NCAA Tournament.

Why it matters

The departures of Wooten and Betson are significant losses for the Buffaloes, as they were key contributors to the team's success last season. Wooten was the team's leading scorer and a disruptive defender, while Betson provided versatility and occasional scoring punch. Their exits open up needs for the Buffaloes to address through the transfer portal.

The details

Wooten, an All-Big 12 honorable mention, averaged a team-high 13.4 points per game and was the Buffaloes' best 3-point shooter at 35.2 percent. She was a spark plug off the bench, providing elite shot creation and defense. Betson, an Aussie who arrived in Boulder as the Preseason Big 12 Freshman of the Year, averaged 5.1 points and 3.7 rebounds over two seasons. She was a sturdy, versatile defender who could score from all three levels.

  • Wooten and Betson plan to enter the transfer portal when it opens on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Wooten played one season in Boulder, while Betson played two.

The players

Desiree Wooten

A redshirt junior guard who was an All-Big 12 honorable mention, averaging a team-high 13.4 points per game. She was a spark plug off the bench, providing elite shot creation and defense.

Tabitha Betson

A sophomore forward who arrived in Boulder as the Preseason Big 12 Freshman of the Year. She averaged 5.1 points and 3.7 rebounds over two seasons, providing sturdy, versatile defense and occasional scoring.

JR Payne

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes women's basketball team.

Zyanna Walker

A guard who was an All-Big 12 Defensive Team selection and an honorable mention. She formed a dynamic duo with Desiree Wooten.

Kennedy Sanders

A guard who averaged 9.3 points across 10 games and looked to break out in the backcourt before a nagging hip injury caused season-ending surgery.

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What they’re saying

“While these departures are significant and open up needs for the fast-approaching portal window, coach Payne will likely retain a strong core entering next season.”

— Source, Familiar with the situation

What’s next

The Buffaloes will aim to replace Wooten with a more conventional point guard through the transfer portal. They'll also have two high-upside youngsters in sophomore Erianna Gooden and freshman Cail Jahnke to help fill the void.

The takeaway

The losses of Wooten and Betson are significant for the Colorado Buffaloes, as they were key contributors to the team's success last season. However, the Buffaloes still have a strong core returning, led by Zyanna Walker and Kennedy Sanders, and will look to the transfer portal to help replace the production and leadership of the departing players.