We live in the dumbest college football timeline.
Colorado signed 9 transfers this past weekend — and yet still needs to add another 35+ players in the transfer portal this off-season to get its roster numbers up to last years’ numbers.
The good news is that CU seems to be taking a smarter approach to the transfer market this off-season, emphasizing up-transfers that have proven college production (albeit at a lower level) vs. highly recruited backups from SEC schools that haven’t had any real college production. [As CU fan BuffNik astutely noted on X, last season was too much “Last Chance U” for former blue chip high school recruits and it brought in too many bag and click chasers.]
The bad news for CU, though, is that there’s a mountain of work left to do. Colorado has somehow backed itself into the absurd position of needing to add a total of 48-50 players from the transfer portal this off-season. This is all the predictable result of punting on high school recruiting, misfiring on last year’s transfer evaluations, and bleeding guys out of the program (whether they arrived from high school or the portal). I’m going to ask this again – how do you create a team culture every year when 70% of the roster is comprised of new players to the program?!
And this all brings us back to the original line of the post: we really do live in the dumbest college football timeline. And CU is out front, leading the charge in Deion Sanders’ 4th year of coaching.
And with that brief commentary, I’m done on the topic for now – well, except for this — don’t let CU talking heads normalize this. CU’s roster management is not “the new era” — it’s roster management malpractice. And don’t forget that this website is one of the only CU sources that will keep calling it what it is.
Okay, back to the transfer portal.
Transfer Portal Additions
WR Danny Scudero (San Jose State)
Scudero, a 5’9” 174-pound WR, led the NCAAs with 88 receptions for 1,291 yards while playing on a bad San Jose State team. Scudero was a 2nd Team AP and Walter Camp All-American.
Overall, Scudero had a 74 PFF grade last year, ranking as the #126 WR nationally. He runs a 4.38 40-yard dash and has a 4.28 shuttle run. [Regarding his shuttle time, at the NFL Combine most WRs aim for a sub-4.20 second shuttle.] This is the 2nd year that San Jose State has had the NCAA’s leading WR – last year Nick Nash led the NCAA in receiving yards. Nash was not drafted in the NFL draft last year.
Scudero transferred to San Jose State after spending time at Sacramento State, meaning that 3 of CU’s offensive portal additions thus far have spent time in the Cow Town. Scudero has 2 years of eligibility remaining.
If nothing else, it will be fun to shout “THE SCUD MISSILE” while watching CU play next season.
WR Kam Perry (Miami (no, not that Miami))
Last year Perry had 43 receptions for 976 yards and 6 touchdowns. The 5’9, 168-pound Perry will, along with the SCUD MISSILE and diminutive WR Quentin Gibson, give CU the ability to run the “Smurf” offense.
Perry had a 78.1 PFF grade last season, ranking #62 among all WRs. The previous year, however, he had a PFF grade of 54.8.
Internet reports say that Perry runs a 4.45 40-yard dash. Perry has one year of eligibility remaining.
RB Jaquail “NyQuil” Smith (Sacramento State)
The 5’11” 170-pound Smith is an elusive back that had 76 carries for 511 yards and 5 TDs at Sacramento State last season, finishing third on the Hornets in rushing yards.
Smith had a 81.4 PFF grade last season. He is considered a strong WR out of the backfield and is considered a strong blocker despite his size.
Smith had 3 years of eligibility remaining.
Like the SCUD MISSILE, “NyQuil” will make another fun nickname to shout during CU games this fall.
RB Damian Henderson II (Sacramento State)
The junior-to-be Henderson has Colorado ties, having transferred from CSU to Sacramento State last year. At Sacramento State this past season, Henderson rushed for 565 yards and 5 TDs, averaging 6+ yards per carry. Henderson is a power back at 6’2” 215 pounds, offering a nice contrast to NyQuil Smith.
Henderson had a 73.4 PFF grade last season. He has 2 years of eligibility remaining.
DL Lamont Lester Jr. (Monmouth)
The 6’2” 230-pound Lester Jr. dominated at Monmouth, where he had 9.5 sacks and 11.5 TFLs over the last two seasons. His PFF ranking of 91.4 is among the highest PFF rankings of the season. He did struggle a bit against better teams (he had a season low 65.2 PFF grade against Delaware State) but the 6’2″ 230-pound edge is a nice addition for the Buffs.
Lester Jr. was an FCS freshman All-American in 2025. He has three years of eligibility remaining.
DL Yamil Talib (Charlotte)
Last year with the Charlotte 49ers, the 6’2” 240 pound Talib tallied 28 total tackles, four TFLs, 1.5 sacks, a pick and a forced fumble.
Talib had a PFF score of 79 last season for Charlotte, the highest PFF ranking on the team’s defense.
He started his college career in the Big 12 at Oklahoma State and has three years of eligibility remaining.
DL Dylan Manuel (Appalachian State)
Manuel is a 6’1″ 300 pounder that had 37 tackles, 3 sacks and 12 QB hurries last year for Appalachian State. Finished the season with a 73 PFF grade, ranking him 7th among Appalachian State defenders that had at least 100 snaps on the season.
Manuel has 2 seasons of eligibility remaining.
DL Balansama Kamara (Albany)
The 6-foot-3, 257-pound defensive end initially played two years at Temple, then he spent time at Hutchinson Community College, before enrolling at Albany. While at Albany, he graded out as their best player on either side of the ball, with a PFF grade of 83.6. He had 67 tackles and 7.5 sacks last year for Albany, and Phil Steele named him as a third-team All-American in the FCS ranks.
Has two years of eligibility remaining.
DB Naeten Mitchell (New Mexico State)
Mitchell led NM State with 58 tackles last season. The 5’10” safety prospect had a 67.8 PFF grade last year. He has 2 years of eligibility remaining.
One of Mitchell’s best games last season was against Tennessee, where he had 10 tackles, 2 pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
Mid-day Monday Update: CU added a commitment from North Dakota edge Toby Anene. See his blurb in the prospect section below.
Where the Roster Stands (January 5 Edition)
Quarterback
Needs to add: at least 3
Current Roster: Julian Lewis
Running Back
Needs to add: at least 1
Current Roster: DeKalon Taylor, Micah Welch, Simeon Price, Kam Mikell, transfer Jaquail Smith, transfer Damian Henderson II
Wide Receiver
Needs to add: at least 2
Current Roster: Joseph Williams, Quanell Farrakhan Jr., Quentin Gibson, Hykeem Williams, true freshman Alexander Ward, true freshman Xavier McDonald, transfer Danny Scudero, transfer Kam Perry
Tight End
Needs to add: at least 3
Current Roster: Zach Atkins, Corbin Laisure, Zayne DeSouza
Offensive Line
Needs to add: at least 8
Current Roster: Jordan Seaton (LT), Chauncey Gooden (G), Yahya Attia (G), Andre Roye Jr. (T), Larry Johnson (T), true freshman Ben Gula (C), true freshman Xavier Payne (LT), true freshman Josiah Manu (T)
Defensive Line
Needs to add: at least 5
Current Roster: Quency Wiggins, true freshman Joseph Peko, junior college transfer Domato Peko Jr., transfer Lamont Lester Jr., transfer Yamil Talib, transfer Dylan Manuel, transfer Balansama Kamara
Linebacker
Needs to add: at least 4
Current Roster: Kylan Salter, true freshman Carson Crawford, true freshman Rodney Colton Jr., true freshman Colby Johnson
Defensive Back
Needs to add: at least 7
Corner: Isaiah Hardge, Makari Vickers, RJ Johnson, true freshman Maurice Williams, true freshman Preston Ashley
Safety: Ben Finneseth, Carter Stoutmire, true freshman Alexander Ward, true freshman Braylon Edwards, transfer Naeten Mitchell
Transfer Targets
Offense Targets
Louisiana RB Bill Davis. Davis, with the most generic name on this list, had 158 carries for 767 yards last season for the Ragin’ Cajuns. The 5’9″ 235-pound human bowling ball had a 76 PFF grade last season. Visiting this week.
Texas RB CJ Baxter. Baxter is a former 5-star prospect that was ranked the #1 RB in the 2023 class. He is currently ranked as the 9th best RB in the portal by 247 after rushing for 196 yards on 54 carries, for a 3.6 yard per carry average. Baxter had a 60.8 PFF ranking this past season, which is average, but a horrific 33.4 pass blocking grade. Visiting this week.
Texas WR Deandre Moore. The 6′ 192-pound Moore is a proven WR that has averaged over 500 yards receiving for Texas the last two seasons. This past season he had 38 ceptions for 532 yards and 4 TDs, averaging 14 yards per catch. Moore had a 71.8 PFF ranking last year, the highest PFF grade among Texas’ wide receivers. He could be a difference maker for the Buffs. Visiting this week.
Sacramento State WR Ernest Campbell. If Campbell joins CU’s team, he’ll probably become the 2nd fastest player in CU football history (behind Cliff Branch, who ran a 10.0 second 100-meter dash in 1972.) The 5’9, 145-pound Campbell ran track at Texas A&M during his freshman year and ran a 10.02 100-meter dash at the NCAA West First Round meet. That is world class track speed, and he was named an All-American in track. At Sacramento State last year, the jitterbug Campbell had 37 catches for 755 yards and 8 TDs (an average of over 20 yards per catch). Campbell had the 2nd highest PFF grade last season among offensive regulars for the Hornets (with an overall grade of 84.1). Unclear if CU is still after Campbell given addition of fellow SMURF WRs the SCUD MISSILE and Kam Perry.
Rutgers WR Ian Strong. The 6’3″ Strong totaled 95 receptions for 1,438 yards over the last 2 seasons for Rutgers. Strong will have 1 season of eligibility remaining. Strong finished with a 78.6 PFF ranking this past season. Visiting Cal and Notre Dame; CU pushing for visit.
Ohio WR Chase Hendricks. CU has offered Hendricks, a 6’ 200-pound WR that had 71 receptions for 1,037 yards this past season. In 2024, Hendricks caught 40 passes for 471 yards. Hendricks has one year of eligibility remaining.
Missouri OL Jayven Richardson. The 6’6” 313-pound Richardson started two games for the Tigers in 2025, finishing with a 61.4 PFF grade. The No. 4 Junior College offensive tackle prospect in the 2024 cycle, Richardson also spent time at Hutchinson Community College. Two years of eligibility remaining. Visiting this week.
Nevada OT Zach Cochnauer. The 6’5″ 306-pound Cochnauer started every game for Nevada and recorded a 79 PFF grade (top 25 nationally). He has allowed only 3 sacks in 1,278 career snaps. He has 1 year of eligibility remaining. Leaning towards Minnesota.
Western Carolina OG Manasseh Ripert. The 6’4″ 300-pound Ripert has an 82″ wingspan and finished the season with a 70 PFF pass blocking grade (but only a 59 PFF grade overall). Ripert has 2 years of eligibility remaining. Visiting this week.
CU target Manasseh Ripert.
Defense Targets
Utah DB Snowden Smith. Ranked a top 3 CB in the transfer portal, Smith had 85 tackles and 17 PBUs over the last 2 seasons. Snowden was All-Big-12 last season. Visiting 1/6 but Michigan pushing.
Boston College DL Edwin Kolenge. The 6’3″, 252 pound Kolege had 17 tackles and 1 sack last year for Boston College. He had a 66 PFF ranking this past season, ranking him 12th among BC’s defensive players with more than 100 snaps on the season. Visiting 1/6.
North Dakota State DL Toby Anene. Anene was arguably North Dakota State’s best player last season. He had 38 tackles and 7 sacks last season, finishing with an 83.7 PFF grade. Arguably one of the top pass rushers in his class, he had a 90.1 PFF pass rushing grade last year. Visiting 1/5. *** UPDATE: COMMITTED TO CU ON 1/5. ***
Coastal Carolina DL Tyler Moore. Moore played in 13 games for the Chanticleers this past season, recording 17 tackles including 5 for a loss. The 6′ 300-pound defensive tackle would add some much needed size to CU’s front line. Moore had a 72.3 PFF grade last season, 5th highest among Coastal Carolina defenders with more tha 100 snaps. Visiting 1/5.
New Mexico State DL Ezra Christensen. The 6’2″ 280-pound Christensen had the 3rd highest PFF score among interior DL in the FBS this season with an 88 grade. A very strong pass rusher from the interior defensive line, he finished with 27 QB hurries and 6 sacks. He has one year of eligibility remaining and started his career at Fresno State before transferring to New Mexico State. Visiting 1/6 but Washington is pushing.
UMass DL David Onuohu. Onouhu had 42 tackles last season for the Minutemen. The 6’1″ 235-pounder had a 75.6 PFF grade last season for the 0-12 Umass football team. Visiting this week but Texas Tech is pushing.
Mercer DL Andrew Zock. Zook was an FCS All-American last year for Mercer, finishing the season with 20 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. Completely dominant at FCS level, and finished the season with a 90.4 PFF grade. Visiting this week.
Notre Dame DL Armel Mukam. The 6’3″ 305-pound Mukam only played 69 snaps on Notre Dame’s defense this past season. However, he was relatively productive in his limited snaps and had a 72.8 PFF ranking. He has one year of eligibility remaining and had 11 career tackles at Notre Dame.
Notre Dame CB Cree Thomas. The 6’3” 189-pound Thomas played 30 snaps for Notre Dame this past season, his true freshman season. Thomas favors Colorado right now. Visiting this week.
Miami, OH DL Adam Trick. Trick finished the season with 8.5 sacks on the season and 66 (!) QB pressures. He had a 91.2 PFF grade on the season. The 6’4″ 250-pound Trick is a superior pass rusher and a future NFL player. He will have one season of eligibility remaining. Academic All-MAC, too. Favors Texas Tech and Wisconsin.
Sacramento State DL DeSean Watts. The 6’2, 318-pound Watts earned first team All-Big-Sky this past season. He ranked 4th overall among interior defensive lineman (with an 89.4 PFF grade!) and was tired for first against the rush (with a 91.6 PFF grade!). A real run stuffer.
UCLA DL Anthony Jones. The 6’5” 265-pound Jones had 20 tackles and 1.5 sacks last season for the Bruins. The Las Vegas native would provide a bit more size for the currently very undersized CU defensive front. Visiting this week.
Sacramento State DL Dylan Hampsten. Hampsten was named 2nd team All-Big-Sky this past season and led the team with 13 TFLs and 8 sacks. He had a 76.2 PFF grade. Prior to his time at Sacramento State, Hampsten spent 2 seasons at San Jose State. Hampsten has 2 years of eligibility remaining.
Tulane DE Jordan Norman. Norman posted 28 tackles, incluidng 8 TFLs, and 6 sacks this past season for the Green Wave. The 6’4″ 250 pound Norman had a 72.1 PFF grade last season for Tulane, the 2nd highest among Tulane’s edge players.
Georgia Southern DL MJ Stroud. The 6’2″ 235 pound edge earned first team All-Sun Belt this past season and finished with 15.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. Had a 73.7 PFF grade for the season, the 2nd highest on Georgia Southern’s team last year. Visiting this week.
Sacramento State DL Jayland McGlothen. The 6’2″ 292 pound McGlothen earned 2nd team All-Big-Sky this past season, finishing the season with 31 tackles, 9.5 TFLs and sacks. McGlothen has 2 years of eligibility remaining.
Bowling Green LB Gideon Lampron. Lampron had 119 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks last season. He was a first team All-MAC selection last year, and is widely considered one of top 2-3 linebackers in the transfer portal. Lampron has one year of eligibility remaining. Visiting this week; battle between CU and Oklahoma.
LB propsect Gideon Lampron.
Kansas State DL Chiddi Obiazor. The 6’6″ 280 pound DE had 28 tackles and 2 sacks for Kansas State in 2025. Finished with a 68 PFF grade on the season.
James Madison CB Justin Eaglin. The 6’1″ 175-pound Eaglin earned All-Sun-Belt honors and had 5 interceptions last year. Finished the year with a 75.1 PFF grade and 31 tackles.
Louiasina Tech safety Michael Richard. The 5’11” 185-pound Richard finished last season — his sophomore year — with 33 tackles while battling injuries (he missed 3 games). He had a 69.6 PFF grade last year. However, his freshman year he was named a freshman All-American while leading CUSA freshman in pass breakups.
Sacramento State CB Jason Oliver. Oliver was a CU Buff and part of the “Louis Vitton” purge in 2023. This past season, the 6’ 175-pound Oliver had 36 tackles and 2 interceptions this year and earned First Team All-Big Sky honors. He recorded an 81.4 PFF grade and held WRs to a 41.9% catch rate. [As a point of reference, last year’s best defensive back for the Buffs, Tawfiq Byard, had a 74.9 PFF grade.]
Northern Colorado safety Cam Chapa. Chapa stared 11 games at safety for the Bears, and was named 1st team All-Big Sky this past season. He led the Big Sky in solo tackles (with 63) and totaled 4 interceptions. The Eaglecrest HS product would be a good add for the Buffs in the defensive secondary.
Can you tell I’m frustrated with CU football right now? Well, if you’d like to see a proposed solution that will work with Deion Sanders’ apparent insistence on living in the transfer portal, check out this story about maximizing roster slots 80 through 105 to give the team more continuity and program players:
I for one like salty John. And the CU state sponsored media will fawn over the new adds without the context we get here. And on and on it goes….
Thanks Max!
Thanks John for your work here. Fantastic stuff.
Thanks Erich!
I’m personally excited for the all-sub-5’10 lineup at WR. Defenses are gonna have a hard time keeping track of everyone.
That’s why I hope CU adds Ernest Campbell out of the portal, too. Can you imagine a 4 WR lineup with Ernest Campbell, Kam Perry, Danny Scudero and Quentin Gibson? All WRs under 5’10” and 180 pounds! It’s like the Miami Dolphins in the 1980s!!!
You’re going to be busy keeping this updated for the next week and a half. Thanks for putting all this work in. So many moving parts for Buff fans to keep track of and this blog delivered.
Thanks Nik! (and BuffNik is worth a follow on X, CU fans!)
John, I like the write up. I posted below you on Netbuffs. Have you checked out: https://www.cfbdepth.com/colorado-portal-tracker/
They really like our additions to date! I think it is a pretty cool site. I have no clue how they aggregate or algorithm, but following them and P&R from last season, I thought they were better overall evals than 247/On3-Rivals.
Huh – I haven’t seen that site before. I’ll check it out. Thanks for introducing it to me!
Right now, CU’s transfer class is ranked 9th in the aggregate by 247. I think the class should do well in the rankings given the large number of needed transfers. Right now, on a per player star basis, CU’s class is ranked about 34th nationally by 247.
Also, if you look at it, check out last season’s depth chart. There are some errors and stuff they need to update (coaching staff), but I thought they mostly hit on their evals of CU’s players throughout the season.
Good stuff, as always, John. Just curious, if we continue to stock up on Sac State players, does a 5-3 / 4th place Big Sky record translate to anything higher than last place in the Big 12? Maybe it’s the best way forward, but it’s hard to believe these undersized unknowns are the answer.
Hi Dave. It’s the million dollar — technically $20m — question.
I think there’s enough high end talent at the Big Sky / Dakota State levels that, with great coaching and development, CU can field a very competitive Big 12 team by plucking all conference level players.
Now, whether CU can develop and “coach up” that talent is an open question.
Thank you John for the effort in this article.
Those speedy WRs would be good with the new GoGo offense. I just realized that we lost Staub to the transfer portal…guess we will be picking up some new QBs. Any indications on who those could be?