The 2024 transfer portal has been one rough patch for Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes. Following the accusations that Buffaloes transfers like Cormani McClain and Xavier Smith made against the program, Coach Prime, the Buffs head coach, has embarked on a healing journey. 

What better way to heal from the trauma than finding the best replacements for those who have gone? Hence, Deion Sanders has a newfound purpose. Amidst the speculation of Julian “JuJu” Lewis fever, here are some other significant names that Kevin Borba on Locked on Buffs podcast revealed who hold high expectations to present the Buffs with a charged-up 2024 season.

DJ McKinney is a defensive boost for the Buffs

Former Oklahoma State cornerback D.J. McKinney seemed to have no prospects in the Colorado Buffaloes till 2023. However, as he got loaded up on the defensive talent in the Buffs rosters, he did leave a mark during his first spring in Boulder. As McKinney stepped in Boulder after spending two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Sanders’ defense seems to have an edge for the player. He seems confident about his talents that will fulfill Buffs DC Robert Livingston’s expectations as he claimed, “I got an advantage in it (press-man) because of my length. I got quick feet.” Hence, McKinney, who redshirted in 2022 carrying a record of 596 defensive snaps, seems to be a good fit for the Coach Prime squad. 

Dallan Hayden’s promising record adds excitement 

April 22 was notable for running back Dallan Hayden, who committed to the Buffaloes after spending two seasons at Ohio State. With the Buckeyes, the 5-foot-10, 205-pound sophomore rushed for 663 yards and six touchdowns. As Borba pointed out, “He’s like a little Muscle Hamster he’s like not the tallest but he’s also pretty strong, pretty fast”. Not many know that Hayden was the first prospect that Coach Prime reached out to in the transfer portal.

BJ Green II’s transition from Sun Devils to Buffaloes

Deion Sanders found trust in Arizona State transfer B.J. Green II to fill the void in the edge rusher position. As delved into by Pro Football Focus, the former Sun Devil is known as college football’s active leader in quarterback pressures. Going by the records that Green amassed, the PPF credits the edge rusher with 107 career pressures throughout three years. Besides, the Buffs will be a comfort zone for him since he has been under Deion Sanders’ mentorship since he was his first coach in Atlanta.

All eyes on Lajohntay Wester

The 5-foot-11, 167-pound Florida Atlantic University transfer, LaJohntay Wester, has been an explosive addition to the CU Buffs’ offense. Going by the records, he was second nationally in catches (108) and 14th in receiving yards (1,168) while scoring eight touchdowns. He did receive a warm welcome in Boulder as Borba informed, “Wester is coming in with confidence he’s coming in with Shedeur Sanders telling him over Twitter “hey we want you to come over here he’s like hey Big Head come over here come to Colorado” he is one of the fastest guys in the country had.” The Buffaloes have high expectations from the player named a first-team All-American at punt returner by the Football Writers Association of America. 

All-Conference talent Justin Mayers’s role in the offensive revamp

The only motive that Deion Sanders and company had while recruiting Justin Mayers was to safeguard the Buffs’ offensive line that struggled during a 4-8 campaign in 2023. Shedeur Sanders is the most sacked quarterback in the country; the UTEP transfer aims to change the game for CU up front. He said he’s slotted in at left guard for now but could play the right side if needed. The 6-foot-4, 320-pound Mayers, who was All-Conference USA honorable mention twice, seems to hold high hopes to transform new line coach Phil Loadholt’s aspirations into reality. 

While McClain and Smith have dragged Deion Sanders and Co. to the dirt, the Buffaloes have enough reason to turn back even stronger. It is now to be seen how these latest additions stand up for themselves and Colorado in the bigger picture.