Crushing Blow for Deion Sanders as O-Line Weapon Jack Bailey and 13 Others Move On From Colorado Buffaloes

College football sees another transfer, this time shaking up the Colorado Buffaloes. Jack Bailey, a graduate transfer who anchored their offensive line last season, has entered the transfer portal. This decision comes after a challenging season for the Buffs’ offensive line.

Bailey, the towering 6’3″, 280-pound graduate transfer, arrived at Colorado two weeks before their 2023 spring game. He followed coaches Bill O’Boyle and Sean Lewis, who had previously recruited him at Kent State. However, both O’Boyle and Lewis have since moved on — Lewis as San Diego State’s head coach and O’Boyle leading Northwestern’s offensive line. Now, following in their footsteps, Bailey seeks a new team and a fresh start. However, his departure seems not the only blow to the Buffs.

Bailey delivers a massive blow to the Buffs

After just one season with the Colorado Buffaloes, Ohio native Jack Bailey has entered the transfer portal as a graduate student. This move, outside the usual window due to his graduate status, allows him immediate eligibility at his new destination. Despite starting all 12 games at left guard for CU in 2023, Bailey departs as the Buffs’ offensive line undergoes a significant redesign. The OL coach, Phil Loadholt, and head coach, Deion Sanders, have aggressively reshaped the front line, adding five transfers and the top-rated 2024 recruit, Jordan Seaton. They even prioritized revamping the offensive line this offseason, which gave the second-most sacks among FBS teams. 

Read More: Transfer Portal News: Deion Sanders’ Colorado Defense Could Eye 6′2″, 215 Lbs, 5-Star Recruit From Texas

While Bailey’s contribution is undeniable, his departure opens a spot the Buffs hope to fill through the spring transfer window. His immediate eligibility adds another wrinkle, as teams can immediately snatch him. Players are always on the move, looking for the best fit for their skills, just like teams constantly try to reshape their rosters to stay competitive. However, Bailey isn’t alone in his exit – he’s just one of 14 players transferring out of Colorado, raising concerns about the program’s direction.

Buffs rebuilding their future after the blow

The Buffs kick off spring practice on March 18, with their annual Spring Game set for April 27. But before taking the field, they face a significant challenge – filling the void left by Jack Bailey, a key contributor to their 28-point-per-game offense, who’s entered the transfer portal. He’s not alone, as other key players like freshman quarterback Kasen Weisman, running back Anthony Hankerson, wide receiver Chernet Estes, and tight end Caleb Fauria are also departing. These losses are undoubtedly a significant blow to the Buffs.

Read More: “Gonna Miss U My Man”: CU Buffs Dealt a Blow as Deion Sanders Bids Farewell to a Loyal Player’s Loss to Transfer Portal

However, there’s still hope. With 12 scholarship offensive linemen on the roster and another transfer window approaching, the Buffs have options to fill the gaps. College football’s landscape changes as the Buffs and the departing players like Bailey chart their futures. Share your thoughts on what the Buffs will do next in the comments.