Another day, another farewell. One season in Boulder, and the 6’6, 325-pound junior OL seems to have realized that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. He joined Deion Sanders and Colorado for the 2024 season after transferring from Indiana, where he played for four seasons. And now he’s going back home, and the Buffs HC has a fitting farewell message for this star player. 

On Saturday, Kahlil Benson announced on his social media that he’ll be transferring back to Indiana for the 2025 season. He posted, “Big Thanks To Coach Prime Coach Phil Loadholt And The Staff For Letting Me Showcase My Talents And To Be A Dominate Player. Also, The Guys On The Team For Keeping Me Motivated Always Remember To Believe And Never Stop Competing. Love Y’all, Will Always Be Family.” The post hooked Deion Sanders, who shared it on his X account on January 5 with a message, “Love ya my man and tell mama she can still cook eventho u dipped on me. Lololol I’m gon miss ya man.”

It may just be one season, but Kahlil Benson made the most out of his stay in Boulder. He primarily played at right guard in 2024 and racked up 318 snaps in seven games. He also played two games at left guard and two more at right tackle.

Earlier in the season, Benson vowed to protect QB Shedeur Sanders and even created a brainchild called DT2 (Don’t Touch 2). He strived to keep his word by allowing two sacks, one QB hit, and three hurries in his 405 total offensive snaps. His versatility is one reason why his departure is a huge loss for Deion Sanders and Colorado. But despite his decision to transfer, he’s in perfect terms with the Buffs.

Kahlil Benson revealed his true emotions behind his decision in another post, which went, “And It’s Never Any Hard Feelings Coach It Was Not Easy I Did Shed Some Tears ❤️” While it’s hard to leave loved ones behind, his return to Indiana is met with pomp and celebration as they welcome back a familiar face.

Benson played for the Hoosiers from 2020 to 2023 under HC Tom Allen. Now that they have a capable coach in Curt Cignetti who led the Hoosiers to a playoff appearance, the return could be a win for Benson. But what about Colorado’s offensive line without him? 

Colorado O-line takes a hit

For Deion Sanders, the main focus for the 2024 season was an improved offensive line. And Colorado delivered that, although there is room for improvement. Kahlil Benson was a force in the O-line, and his transfer is a big blow for the Buffs offense. Furthermore, the departure of O-line coach Phil Loadholt to Mississippi State has also added more tension to the already thinning line. But the work to haul in more O-line players is in progress. 

Colorado is set to bring in a new set of offensive linemen in 2025. Deion Sanders already signed Carde Smith and Chauncey Gooden of the 2025 class. He’s also added transfer players Aki Ogunbiyi and Carter Miller. Jordan Seaton and Cash Cleveland will return for the next season. So, it looks like the Buffs are still in good hands. 

Kahlil Benson’s exit ruffled Colorado, but there are no hard feelings attached. In the end, all’s well that ends well.