Despite Mass Exodus, Colorado Surprisingly Branded to Have Productive Transfer Portal

Since Deion Sanders took over the Colorado football program, mass “hire & fire” have been a part of his coaching strategy. Last season, he removed over 50 players and brought in 53 through the portal. The program lost 31 players this season but added 33, boosting their roster. However, the strategy seems to have worked for the Colorado program as their offense has improved comparatively. Last season, they won 4 games, an improvement from 1 win in the 2022 season. Hence, Coach Prime would expect an improvement.

However, Coach Prime’s mass transfer strategy has also been scrutinized due to losing crucial players like Dylan Edwards and Cormani McClain. Hence, fans expect to improve this season despite the mass exodus.

Fans optimistic about Deion Sanders despite the mass exodus

College football journalist Brian Howell took to X on April 28th to tweet about Colorado’s offseason transfer strategy. He tweeted, “Colorado’s offseason in the transfer portal so far …
Scholarship players lost: 31
Scholarship players added: 33
We’ll see how they come together, but on paper the #cubuffs have a better roster, IMO.”

The Buffs have been criticized for losing key players, including a gap in their WR department. This gap was clear after the abrupt and sudden announcement of Dylan Edwards moving to the transfer portal. He left after Alton McCaskill and Sy’veon Wilkerson also left, thus leaving CB Isaiah Hardge for the RB position.

However, Colorado fans are still optimistic about their offense, reflected by their comments after the spring game. Shedeur Sanders and LaJohntay Wester were among those who impressed everyone. Coach Prime also saw the offensive line allowing just one sack and a few pressures in the game despite it being their first outing together, thus giving hope to the fans and management.

Key points for Deion Sanders in the O-line

The spring game was between the offense and defense, as the offensive side secured a 29-24 victory. The fans quickly noted that the offense had improved comparatively, and hence, they were confident going into the new season. However, they also noted a few issues with the improved O-line.

However, there were still a few issues lingering. The biggest concern regarding the offense pertains to a quality backup for Shedeur Sanders. He will probably play his last season with the Buffs, but they still don’t have a decent option. The other issue is WR’s absence, which led to a makeshift adjustment for CB Isaiah Hardge to start at the RB position.