Curt Cignetti turned Indiana football around by using the transfer portal to bring in experienced, high-production players from the lower levels of college football.
Deion Sanders seems to have taken notice.
Over the last 2 years, Cignetti added 51 scholarship transfers, and the vast majority of them came with proven track records and playing experience at their previous school. Cignetti did NOT go after 4 and 5-star high school recruits that were languishing on the bench at Alabama or Georgia or any other generic football power.
This is because, in Cignetti’s mind, it doesn’t matter where the players began their careers or what level they previously played at; he cared more about on-field results. Of the 15 transfers that received All American or All-Big-10 honors at Indiana, only four came from Power 4 schools (Fernando Mendoza, Pat Coogan, Riley Nowakowski, Louis Moore). In other words, 73.3 percent of IU’s most impactful transfers arrived from Group of 6 schools.
Of the 16 transfer commits to Colorado, 10 earned all-conference recognition at their previous school. This is an incredible statistic — and will immediately make CU one of the most interesting teams to follow this upcoming season for football junkies. I have written, repeatedly, that CU’s true impact transfers have largely been climbers, players who up-transferred because they were dominating at their previous stops and were ready for a bigger stage.
Examples include DeKalon Taylor (Incarnate Word), Xavier Hill (Memphis), Zarian McGill (Louisiana Tech), Joseph Williams (Tulsa), Tawfiq Byard (South Florida), LaJohntay Wester (FAU), and Preston Hodge (Liberty). These are hungry players that weren’t escaping disappointment – they were chasing opportunity.
Until this off-season, one could argue that Deion Sanders valued potential over production when evaluating and recruiting out of the portal. He was willing to take a big swing on a talented player that has underperformed to see if he and his staff could turn them around.
Too often they couldn’t.
Deion Sanders now knows that, and had adjusted accordingly.
College football isn’t really about the first-round picks – it’s about the 5th, 6th, and 7th round picks. That’s what makes a college roster competitive. You can’t have a 5-star player surrounded by underperforming players. You need to have them surrounded by high motor good (albeit maybe less talented) players. You need really, good role players.
Deion Sanders seems to have learned from his mistakes. This is as positive a development as we’ve seen at CU in the last 12+ months.
CU Incoming Transfer Commits
Defensive Players
DL Santana Hopper (Tulane)
Hopper finished last season with 39 tackles and 4 sacks, earning all-conference honors for the Green Wave. Hopper is a dynamic pass rusher — he had 23 QB hurries last year. He graded out with an 80.5 PFF grade for the season (!). The 6’2″ 265 pounder previously earned all-conference honors at Appalachian State. He was ranked the #16 defensive lineman in the transfer portal by 247.
DL Tyler Moore (Coastal Carolina)
Tyler Moore is a 6′ 297-pound defensive tackle that was a part-time starter for Coastal Carolina this past season. He appeared in 6 games, recording niine tackles. His PFF grade showed that he arguably should have played more last season, as he finished last sason with a 72.3 PFF grade. Moore is a stronger run defender than he is a pass rusher.
DL Toby Anene (North Dakota State)
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. 247 ranked Anene as the #205 overall transfer prospect in this year’s class and the 28th ranked edge. The 6’4″ 260 pound Anene will immediately become one of CU’s best defensive linemen.
DL/LB Immanuel Ezeogu (James Madison)
The 6’2″ 240 pound Ezeogu had 8 tackles last season for the Dukes. He has 3 years of eligibility remaining. He finished the season with a 65.3 PFF grade. He is a physical speciem and there is a lot of physical talent here — his speed coming around the edge jumps off the film.
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.
LB Tyler Martinez (New Mexico State)
Martinez was 2nd team Conference USA member and a team captain for the Aggies. He posted 145 tackles, 3.5 TFLS and an interception over the last 2 years. Last season he had a PFF grade of 66.2, which is slightly better than average. CU will need the 6’2″ 225 pound Martinez, who has one year of eligibity remaining, to be a solid starting linebacker this upcoming season.
LB Gideon Lampron (Bowling Green)
Lampron is a stud and will be an All-American candidate for the Buffs. He finished last season with 95 tackles and 9 QB hurries from his linebacker position, where he was a team captain and first team All-MAC. He had an 86.4 PFF grade last season (!) while earning honorable mention All-American honors from Phil Steele. Prior to his time at Bowling Green, Lampron was an FCS All-American linebacker for the Dayton Flyers. It’s fair to expect that the 6″ 220-pound Lampron will immediately become one of the best players on CU’s roster.
DB Justin Eaglin (James Madison)
Eaglin was named first team all-conference at James Madison, where he had 35 tackles, 8 PBUs and 5 interceptions last year, including one in the college football playoff vs. Oregon. Eaglin is a very strong run defender from his cornerback position. The 6’1″ 175-pound Eaglin finished the season with a very strong 75.1 PFF grade and he will immediately become a starting cornerback for the Buffs.
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.
Offensive Players
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.
Transfer Portal Targets
Defense
Vanderbilt LB Randon Fontenette. Fontenette is a 6’2″ 220 pound linebacker that had 52 tackles last season for the Commodores. The senior-to-be had a 68.1 PFF grade last season while playing in the SEC and was a 2-year starter for Vandy. Visiting CU 1/7 and CU is trending strongly.
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 and there are unconfirmed rumors that he has already committed to play for the Buffs. CU is trending strongly.
Pitt LB Rasheem Biles. Biles waa named 2nd Team All-ACC this past season, where he had 85 tackles. He ranked 2nd in the ACC in total tackles. The 6’1″ 216-pound Biles would give CU a fantastic linebacker duo playing alongside Gideon Lampron. Visited CU 1/6 but Florida State pushing.
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 visiting Michigan today. A Michigan lean given Whittingham in Ann Arbor.
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. Visited 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. Visited 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 and Tulsa are 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 but Tulane is pushing.
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. Virginia is pushing.
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 but Nebraska is pushing. Damn Corndogs.
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. Visited 1/4 and trending toward CU.
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.
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. Leaning toward Boise State.
Offense
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. Visited this week but Kentucky is pushing.
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. Visited this week but Kentucky is pushing.
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). Visisted this week. CU must add him to give CU a 4-WR lineup of 5’9″ Ernest Campbell, 5’9″ Quentin Gibson, 5’9″ Kam Perry and 5’9″ Danny Scudero. CU stongly trending here.
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. Visited 1/6.
Rutgers OL Taj White. White started 11 games last year for the Scarlet Knights at right tackle, missing one game with an injury. White is a better run blocker than a pass blocker. He had a 66 PFF grade, making him a slightly above average linemen in the Big 10. White would add some much needed depth to the CU frontline. White is 6’5″ 329 pounds. There are rumors that he has silently committed to Colorado.
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.
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, transfer Jaquail Smith, transfer Damian Henderson II. [Kam Mikell transferred out of the program this week.]
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. [Terrell Timmons transferred out of the program this week]
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: 1-2
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, transfer Toby Anene, transfer Immanuel Ezeogu, transfer Santana Hopper, transfer Tyler Moore
Linebacker
Needs to add: at least 2
Current Roster: Kylan Salter, true freshman Carson Crawford, true freshman Rodney Colton Jr., true freshman Colby Johnson, transfer Gideon Lampron, transfer Tyler Martinez
Defensive Back
Needs to add: at least 6
Corner: Isaiah Hardge, Makari Vickers, RJ Johnson, true freshman Maurice Williams, true freshman Preston Ashley, transfer Justin Eaglin
Safety: Ben Finneseth, Carter Stoutmire, true freshman Alexander Ward, true freshman Braylon Edwards, transfer Naeten Mitchell
Brief Rant #3,127
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 /scene.
What to Read/Watch When You’re Not Diving into the Transfer Portal
- The read of the week —-the National Guard comes to Memphis on the day of the Country Blues Festival (Kingfish shoutout!):
https://oxfordamerican.org/oa-now/a-bluff-city-blues
- Chess boxing is a real thing.
- NFL Mock Drafts are starting to emerge.
- I thought the Stranger Things finale was “just ok” but enjoyed this article from Alan Seigel.
https://www.theringer.com/2025/12/29/stranger-things/stranger-things-end-peak-tv-era-netflix
- I’m surprised that Baltimore fired John Harbaugh. Sort of relatedly, in an alternate timeline where he was fired 2 weeks ago, would he be the next head coach at Michigan? ($)
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6948144/2026/01/07/john-harbaugh-fired-ravens-new-coach/
Want to read more from BuffsBlog? How about the scoop on CU’s incoming true freshmen? We’ve got the defensive newcomers covered here:
And the offensive newcomers covered here:
Love the site – best CU source there is.
We have a lot of work that remains to be done on the offensive line. That’s a concern for me. It just doesn’t seem like there’s a lot of names on the “visiting” list from the o-line…are you concerned?
I just got another name – Taj White. Rutgers OL that has 20 career starts. I’ve heard he may be a silent commit to CU.
Thanks for the updates, John. Any rumors on QB additions? Even rumors of rumors?
I know CU was “in” on Cal Davis QB Caden Pinnick. He was an FCS All-American, but he ended up committiing to Washington State.
It’s tough to recruit a QB to CU when there’s ALREADY an entrenched true freshman QB — it’s a unique situation. I could see CU after someone like Davis Warren, the former Michigan QB. But that’s not sourced — it’s just something I think might make sense.
Chess boxing and the blues (Kingfish is amazing) makes this the best and quirkiest CU blog on the planet. Well done!
Kingfish is fantastic.
I am told I have, uhhhh, diverse interests. Don’t get me started on pro wrestling – I could talk for hours about the glory of 1980s pro wrestling.
Love the idea of Coach Prime going after more proven players from the lower levels of college football. We need more guys who will perform according to performance not their recruiting rankings.