COLORADO FOOTBALL TRANSFER PORTAL BUZZ: BIG ADDITIONS AND MAJOR RECRUITING BATTLES AHEAD

Coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes have added three new transfers over the past week, continuing a dramatic roster overhaul. This past week’s portal pickups include a proven Mountain West cornerback in Tyrecus Davis, a massive young offensive lineman in Walker Andersen, and a battle-tested tackle in Andre Roye Jr.. Each brings a unique story – from JUCO grind to big-time upside – and could play a meaningful role as the Buffs gear up for the upcoming season.

Tyrecus Davis – CB Transfer from Wyoming (via Navarro College)

CU’s secondary gets an infusion of experience with Tyrecus Davis, a 5-foot-9, 185-pound cornerback who arrives as a graduate transfer after two strong seasons at Wyoming. Davis earned an extra year of eligibility thanks to the Diego Pavia decision, in which the NCAA granted JuCo players an additional season of college eligbility (this is also the reason that Davis’ former teammate, Preston Hodge, can play this upcoming fall.). A native of Greenville, Texas, Davis first made a name for himself at Navarro Community College, where he was a standout defensive back and earned second-team all-conference honors in 2022 while playing alongisde his once and future teammate, Preston Hodge. He attracted some FBS interest out of junior college – including an offer from Colorado State – but ultimately signed with Wyoming in 2023.

Davis quickly proved he could hang at the FBS level. In two years with the Cowboys, he had 60 total tackles, 15 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 forced fumbles, and even a blocked field goal. According to Pro Football Focus, he was Wyoming’s highest-graded cornerback in 2023 and the second-highest in 2024 – impressive consistency that underscores his value. He appeared in 9 games (5 starts) his first year at Wyoming and 8 games in his second, often drawing difficult assignments against the other team’s X receiver. In what ended up being his final game as a Cowboy, Davis recorded 7 tackles and a game-sealing interception against Washington State on Nov. 30, earning Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Strengths:

Davis brings a scrappy, playmaking mentality to the Buffs’ defensive backfield. Despite being on the smaller side for an outside corner, he isn’t afraid to stick his nose in run support or attack the football. His Wyoming film shows a nose for the ball – his 15 pass breakups in two seasons led the team, and he had a knack for timely turnovers (four takeaways last year alone). Coaches rave about his competitive fire and confidence.

Another strength is Davis’s special teams value. At Wyoming he blocked a field goal and was trusted as a punt/kick returner at times, showing his versatility and willingness to contribute in all phases. His background with Preston Hodge might also ease his transition – there’s chemistry there that could translate to the field for CU.

Weaknesses:

The most obvious knock on Davis is his size. At 5’9” he will be one of the smaller corners in the Big 12. Bigger receivers may pose a matchup problem, especially in jump-ball situations or red zone fades. To his credit, he’s played big – for example, he matched up against some tall Texas Tech receivers in his Wyoming debut and made a career-high 7 tackles – but the week-in, week-out grind of guarding Big 12 caliber wideouts will test him.

Davis will have to prove he can play bigger than his frame and maintain discipline against more polished route runners. Occasional lapses in technique or over-aggressiveness have led to getting beat on double moves in the past, something he’ll need to clean up against top receivers.

Realistic Expectation for 2025:

Davis comes to Boulder for one final season and he didn’t do so to ride the bench. Look for him to be in the thick of the competition for a starting cornerback spot opposite returning starter DJ McKinney. With Travis Hunter gone to the NFL and sophomore Colton Hood transferring out, the Buffs’ cornerback room is in flux. McKinney has one spot locked down, but the other boundary corner job is wide open among RJ Johnson, who had a terrific spring, and a slew of new arrivals (fellow transfers like Noah King from Kansas State and Teon Parks from Illinois State). I fully expect Preston Hodge to be a starter in the slot. Davis’s experience and playmaking production give him a strong case to seize the boundary corner role or at least be a heavy part of the rotation. Don’t be surprised if he’s playing a LOT in Week 1 – his savvy and competitive drive will be hard to keep off the field.

At worst, Davis should be a key nickel or dime package defender who provides quality depth and leadership to a very young secondary. He’s already 23 years old and has seen a lot of football; that maturity can rub off on the underclassmen. I’m sure that Davis has already circled September 20 on his calendar – Colorado hosts Davis’s old team, the Wyoming Cowboys, in Boulder that day. All told, this is a savvy late addition for Deion Sanders, and Davis will play this fall.

Walker Andersen – OT Transfer from UCLA

Walker Andersen is another massive addition to Colorado’s offensive line pipeline. The former UCLA Bruin is only a redshirt freshman, but he arrives in Boulder standing somewhere between 6-foot-5 and 6-foot-8 (more on that in a second) and tipping the scales around 300+ pounds. Andersen claims he’s 6’8” and 335 lbs, although UCLA’s official roster listed him at 6’5”, 290 as a freshman last fall. Either way, we’re talking about a huge frame for Colorado’s O-line coaches to develop. Andersen spent one season at UCLA (he did not see any game action in 2024, preserving a redshirt year) and comes to CU with four full years of eligibility remaining. In essence, he’s like adding an extra high school recruit, but one who’s had a year of Pac-12 (err, Big 10) conditioning under his belt.

Coming out of El Dorado High School (Placentia, CA), Andersen was not a nationally heralded recruit – in fact, it’s possible Anderson was a preferred walk-on for the Bruins – but he did earn some local accolades. He was a first-team All-CIF Division 7 selection and his league’s Lineman of the Year as a senior, also competing in the Orange County All-Star game. Still, as a prospect Andersen flew under the radar of major recruiting services. UCLA liked his potential enough to bring him in, yet after one year in Westwood, he hit the portal in search of an opportunity to play. Since entering the portal on April 16, Andersen drew a flurry of offers from smaller Division I programs – schools like Alabama A&M, North Alabama, Norfolk State, Delaware State, and Mississippi Valley State all pursued him. However, Anderson didn’t receive any “Power 4” offfers until Colorado came calling.

Strengths:

Size, size, and more size. You simply can’t teach a 6’8” wingspan or the kind of bulk Andersen might grow into. New offensive line coach Gunnar White has explicitly stated the profile he looks for: “Athletes and size…we try to get length on the edge. My philosophy is that if you get tackles, [they] can easily screw down inside… You don’t see 6-foot-6 people just walking around the Earth… much less that are strong and fast and have great bend.” Andersen fits that bill to a T. He’s exactly the kind of long-framed athlete that White is talking about.

Weaknesses:

Andersen is extremely raw and unproven above the high school level. He hasn’t played a live snap of college football yet, and even his high school competition was at a smaller-division level in California. There will be a steep learning curve as he adjusts to Big 12-caliber defensive linemen. Technique-wise, he’s likely a project in pass protection – keeping a low pad level at 6’8” or so is challenging, and leverage issues could plague him early on. He will need to refine his footwork and hand placement significantly before he’s ready to take on edge rushers in games.

Additionally, Andersen’s recruitment (or lack thereof) by other major programs suggests he’s seen as a bit of a long shot. The fact that only lower-tier FCS/FBS schools were vying for him in the portal hints that he wasn’t on the two-deep at UCLA and, probably, wasn’t close. He’ll have to shed any “project” label through hard work and development. Until we see him in fall camp drills, it’s hard to gauge where his fundamentals are. Fans should temper expectations and give Anderson time to grow.

Realistic Expectation for 2025:

Barring an astounding breakout, Andersen is likely headed for a reserve role this fall. Andersen will likely sit near the bottom of the depth chart initially.

The ideal scenario is that Andersen spends 2025 developing his body and technique under Gunnar White and newly arrived veteran line coaches like Andre Gurode and George Hegamin. If he can transform that raw size into functional strength and clean footwork, he could compete for a two-deep spot by 2026. With so many new linemen, depth roles are still crucial – injuries happen, and it’s possible Andersen could find himself as an emergency backup tackle this year due to his length. But realistically, Colorado will hope to stash him and groom him. His goal for this fall should be to learn the playbook, absorb coaching, and improve daily in practice.

In the big picture, adding Andersen is about building an offensive line of the future. The Buffs have a mix of veteran portal linemen who can play right away and young talent to develop. Walker Andersen squarely falls into the latter category. He’s a big framed prospect who could eventually become a starting tackle in Boulder – just don’t expect it overnight. For now, enjoy the optics of having another giant player on the biggest team in college football.

Andre Roye Jr. – OT Transfer from Maryland

To cap off the transfer trifecta, Colorado landed Andre Roye Jr., a 6-foot-6, 295-pound offensive tackle from the University of Maryland. Roye arrives in Boulder as a redshirt junior with two years of eligibility remaining, and he brings something the Buffs desperately need up front: starting experience at the Power Four level. In 2024, Roye started seven contests (and appeared in eight) at left tackle for the Terrapins. He helped block for the Big Ten’s third-ranked passing attack (268.4 yards/game) and even was part of a dominant rushing effort (248 team rushing yards vs. UConn) that was Maryland’s best single-game ground total since 2020.

Roye’s path to Colorado has been interesting. He was a well-regarded recruit in the class of 2022 – a composite three-star and top-50 offensive tackle nationally – coming out of St. Frances Academy in Baltimore. He initially committed to Penn State as a high school senior, even drawing offers from big programs like USC, Tennessee, and Baylor. Ultimately, Roye flipped to his hometown Maryland Terrapins. After redshirting in 2022, he saw action in 2023 (appearing in six games as a reserve) and then earned the starting left tackle job in 2024 as a redshirt sophomore. His season had ups and downs – he was carted off with a leg injury in late October during a game at Minnesota, which caused him to miss the final stretch of the year. In February 2025, Roye left the Maryland program (with local reports indicating he was seeking a fresh start amid incoming competition for his job). The Buffs swooped in during the spring transfer window, and Roye announced his commitment to CU shortly therafter.

Strengths:

Roye’s biggest strength is his experience against top competition. He has lined up across from the likes of Ohio State and Michigan edge rushers and lived to tell the tale. In fact, Roye “held his own against some of the Big Ten’s best pass rushers” during his starting stint, according to one Maryland blog. At 6’6” and roughly 300 pounds, he has the prototypical size for a tackle and flashes a strong initial punch in pass protection. He’s also fairly athletic for his size – his high school profile noted good footwork and reach, which is how he ended up as a left tackle. Run blocking comes naturally to him when he’s able to leverage his strength. Maryland’s offense often had him blocking in space on screens and draws, indicating he can move when needed.

Another strength is his versatility and “plug-and-play” potential. Colorado’s coaches have noted that Roye could conceivably play either tackle spot or even slide inside to guard if needed. That position flexibility is a huge plus for building a cohesive O-line. Roye’s frame (long arms, sturdy base) and his having been in a college strength program for three years mean he should be ready physically to contribute immediately. He’s not an 18-year-old who needs to bulk up; he’s a grown man who’s been through Big Ten battles. Intangibles-wise, Roye was praised by Maryland coaches for being a hard worker and a good teammate. By all accounts he handled losing his starting job gracefully when injured, and he’s hungry to prove himself again.

Finally, his addition bolsters the overall depth and floor of Colorado’s line. Even if he isn’t an All-Conference caliber player, having a guy who’s been through the fire can stabilize an otherwise young unit.

Weaknesses:

While Roye did start in the Big Ten, it wasn’t always pretty. His PFF grades were subpar, reflecting inconsistency in his performance. Overall, Roye had a PFF score of 43. In Maryland’s early-season win over Virginia, for instance, Roye was the Terps’ lowest-rated player by a wide margin, logging a dismal 31.9 grade from PFF. He also drew two pre-snap penalties in that game (a false start and even an “encroachment” as an offensive lineman, for jumping early on a 4th-and-1) – mental mistakes that proved costly. Penalties were a theme throughout his 2024 season; he was flagged multiple times for false starts and holds, enough that it became a talking point for Maryland’s coaches. That hints at a lack of discipline or focus at times.

Roye’s pass protection, while solid in terms of limiting sacks, wasn’t flawless either. PFF charting indicated he gave up a number of pressures and hurries, even if the QB didn’t always go down. Quicker edge rushers sometimes beat him with inside moves, suggesting his footwork can be a bit slow to adjust. There were snaps where his technique got sloppy – lunging at rushers or setting his hands too wide and getting swiped away. So, consistency is a concern: can he bring his A-game every week, or will it be a rollercoaster?

Another factor is that Roye is coming off a lower-leg injury from last October. We assume he’s fully recovered by now (reports didn’t indicate it was a particularly catastrophic injury), but it’s something to monitor. Lastly, even though he has two years left, Roye might have a sense of urgency that could be double-edged – he wants to start and make an impact now, so how will he handle it if he isn’t an immediate starter? At Maryland, competition coming in via the portal seemingly prompted him to leave. He’ll face stiff competition at CU as well, so he’ll need to embrace a fight for his job.

Realistic Expectation for 2025:

Roye projects as an immediate contender for playing time, though I’d be surprised if he was a starter week one. Colorado has completely re-tooled its O-line (again) and will have a mix of returning youngsters and fellow transfers vying for roles. Jordan Seaton – who, coincidentally, grew up just 30 minutes from Roye in D.C. – is expected to lock down the left tackle spot. Roye will likely focus on the right tackle position or possibly guard.

Who are his competitors? Transfers like Mana Taimani (from Ole Miss), Xavier Hill (from Memphis) and Larry Johnson III (from Tennessee) have starting experience and could be slotted at guard or tackle. Hill, in particular, has played tackle and might be penciled in at RT. There’s also returning player Phillip Houston, who started at RT last year but is recovering from an ACL tear.

Think of Roye as a bit of an insurance policy and an immediate-depth upgrade. In an ideal scenario, he pushes the younger guys to elevate their game. If injuries strike, Roye can step in and the drop-off won’t be severe. And if Roye himself shows marked improvement (perhaps under new coaching and a fresh scheme he cuts down the penalties and refines his technique), he absolutely has the talent to be a solid starter in the Big 12. Remember, he’s a former top-300 recruit who had offers from powerhouse programs. The raw tools are there.

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Recruiting Roundup: Future Buffs to Watch

The excitement around Colorado isn’t just about incoming transfers – the high school recruiting trail is hot as well. Deion Sanders’ charisma and the program’s momentum have the Buffs in the mix for several talented prospects. Here’s a quick recruiting roundup of some upcoming decisions and milestones on the horizon:

G’nivre Carr is a rather large human being.

• G’nivre Carr (2026 OL/DL) – A rising junior at IMG Academy, Carr is set to announce his college commitment on June 25. The 6’4”, 330-pound trench prospect (he projects as an interior lineman) took an official visit to Colorado in late May and loved it – “Who wouldn’t want to play for Coach Prime?” he said during the trip. Carr has also visited power programs like Florida, Miami, Georgia, and Tennessee, which comprise the rest of his finalists. The Buffs have made a strong impression, but they’ll be battling SEC country for this one. Keep an eye on June 25 to see if Deion Sanders can pull him to Boulder.
• Cederian “CJ” Morgan (2026 WR) – One of the nation’s elite talents, Morgan is a five-star wide receiver out of Alabama (ranked the No. 2 WR in 2026). He was in Boulder recently for an official visit that had fans buzzing – quarterback recruit Julian Lewis even dropped a hint on social media, suggesting Morgan would look great in black and gold. Morgan has named Colorado as one of his final six schools alongside heavyweights Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, and Georgia. He’s set his commitment date for July 2 after finishing all his visits. Landing Morgan would be a game-changer for CU’s 2026 class, but even being in the final mix shows how far Buffs recruiting has come under Deion Sanders. I’ve heard that CU likes where they stand with Morgan right now.
• Manoah Faupusa (2026 DL) – This mammoth 6’3”, 350-pound defensive tackle from California has Colorado in his recently announced Top 5 schools. Faupusa (a three-star run-stuffer with a growing reputation) narrowed his list to Colorado, North Carolina, Maryland, Oklahoma State, and Arizona. The Buffs are recruiting him hard – and interestingly, Faupusa has a connection to CU’s staff, as he grew up a fan of defensive line coach (and fellow Tongan) Domata Peko. With his size and strength, Faupusa would be a fantastic addition to the 2026 D-line class. This battle looks to come down to whether he wants to stay out West (Colorado/Arizona) or head east. No commitment date yet, but the Buffs have positioned themselves well here…I’d be surprised if he doesn’t end up a Buff.
• Jordan Deck (2026 DB) – Colorado made the final four for four-star safety Jordan Deck out of Frisco, Texas. Deck is rated as one of the top 25 safeties in the 2026 class and trimmed his list to Colorado, Michigan, Penn State, and Baylor. He already took official visits to Boulder and State College, with trips to Ann Arbor and Waco coming in June. Word is that Michigan and Penn State might be leading, but the Buffs aren’t out of it yet. He plans to decide in late June, so Colorado’s coaches have a little time left to make their pitch. Landing Deck would give CU a big, 6’3” playmaker in the secondary.
• Jordan Clay (2026 WR) – Yet another “Jordan” on the radar, Clay is a 4-star wide receiver from San Antonio who recently included Colorado in his Top 10 schools. This is a big-time prospect – Clay is currently ranked No. 86 overall in the 2026 class and the 8th-best wideout according to 247Sports. His top 10 list is a who’s who of college football blue-bloods: Miami, Notre Dame, Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, USC, UCLA, Baylor, Stanford and Colorado all made the cut. Clay has explosive 6’3” size and speed, reminiscent of some of the bigger receivers that have suited up for the Buffs — think Will Sheppard 2.0.

Overall, the recruiting momentum remains strong. The Buffs are in play for multiple blue-chippers and high-upside players in the 2026 class. Stay tuned to BuffsBlog for developments.