There aren’t many familiar names on the Colorado football roster anymore.
Yet, with the transfer portal closing on Friday, head coach Deion Sanders’ team is coming together as he prepares for his fourth season in Boulder.
Unofficially, the Buffs have filled 81 scholarship spots for next season, just 22 of them by players who were on the team this past season. Only five of those 21 were on the team in 2024.
So far, there are 59 newcomers, including 43 transfers from four-year schools, 15 high school recruits and one junior college transfer.
While the Buffs could add a few more players, here’s a position-by-position look at how the roster is taking shape.
Quarterback
Returners: Julian Lewis, 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, R-Fr.; Dominiq Ponder, 6-5, 200, Jr. (walk-on)
Transfers: Isaac Wilson, 6-0, 210, So. (Utah)
Incoming freshmen: Kaneal Sweetwyne, 6-3, 195, Fr.
Scholarship players lost: Kaidon Salter (graduated); Ryan Staub (transfer to Tennessee).
Outlook: Lewis, a five-star recruit in the 2025 class, got his feet wet with four games this past season, including two starts. He’s the projected the starter after throwing for 589 yards and four touchdowns. Wilson comes to CU looking to compete for the job, though. He started seven games for the Utes in 2024, throwing for 1,510 yards, 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Ponder and Sweetwyne add talent and depth.
Running back
Returners: DeKalon Taylor, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Micah Welch, 5-9, 215, Jr.; Titus Bautista, 5-10, 185, So. (walk-on); Cole Gaddis, 6-0, 200, So. (walk-on); Leonardo Valle, 6-1, 210, Fr. (walk-on)
Transfers: Richard Young, 5-11, 212, Jr. (Alabama); Damian Henderson II, 6-2, 210, Jr. (Sacramento State); Jaquail Smith, 5-11, 171, So. (Sacramento State); Bryce Hicks, 5-9, 185, So. (West Georgia; walk-on)
Incoming freshmen: Cameron Newton, 5-11, 171, Fr.
Scholarship players lost: Dallan Hayden (transfer to Memphis); Kam Mikell (transfer to Georgia Southern); Simeon Price (transfer portal).
Outlook: The offense under new coordinator Brennan Marion depends on a strong run game, and this is an intriguing group of backs. Henderson and Smith played for Marion, so they know the offense. Welch led the Buffs in rushing this past season (384 yards) and Taylor was playing well before a season-ending injury. Young is a former four-star recruit who could benefit from a fresh start, and Newton was highly productive in high school.
Receiver
Returners: Hykeem Williams, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Joseph Williams, 6-2, 200, Jr.; Quanell Farrakhan Jr., 6-1, 180, So.; Quentin Gibson, 5-9, 155, So.; Kaleb Mathis, 5-9, 165, Jr. (walk-on); Tagert Bardin, 6-0, 160, Jr. (walk-on); Ronald Coleman, 5-9, 165, Jr. (walk-on); Carson Westbrook, 5-11, 170, So. (walk-on)
Transfers: DeAndre Moore, 6-0, 192, Sr. (Texas); Kam Perry, 5-9, 154, Sr. (Miami-Ohio); Danny Scudero, 5-9, 174, Jr. (San Jose State); Ernest Campbell, 5-9, 145, So. (Sacramento State)
Incoming freshmen: Xavier McDonald, 6-3, 160, Fr.; Christian Ward, 6-3, 205, Fr.
Scholarship players lost: Sincere Brown (graduated); Jack Hestera (graduated); Terrell Timmons Jr. (transfer to Memphis); Omarion Miller (transfer to Arizona State); Dre’Lon Miller (transfer to Baylor); Isaiah Hardge (transfer to Tennessee)
Outlook: CU lost its top receiver (O. Miller) to the portal, but picked up significant production from players such as Scudero (nation-leading 1,291 receiving yards), Perry (976 yards), Moore (532 yards), and Campbell (755 yards). Joseph Williams is CU’s top returner (489 yards), while Hykeem Williams, Farrakhan and Gibson all bring exceptional talent to the table. Competition for starting jobs and playing time will be tough.
Tight end
Returners: Zach Atkins, 6-4, 240, Sr.; Brady Kopetz, 6-4, 270, Sr.; Zayne DeSouza, 6-6, 260, R-Fr.; Corbin Laisure, 6-5, 250, R-Fr.; Charlie Williams, 6-4, 245, Jr. (walk-on)
Transfers: Fisher Clements, 6-7, 265, Sr. (Northern Colorado)
Incoming freshmen: None
Scholarship players lost: Sav’ell Smalls (graduated)
Outlook: There’s been less change here than at any other position, but having Atkins back is big for the Buffs, who could rely more on the tight end in Marion’s offense. Kopetz was recently put on scholarship and Clements was added after playing 646 snaps at UNC the past four years, including 292 this year. DeSouza and Laisure could be ready to contribute after a year of redshirting.
Offensive line
Returners: Phillip Houston, 6-5, 250, Sr.; Larry Johnson III, 6-7, 350, Sr.; Andre Roye Jr., 6-6, 295, Sr.; Yahya Attia, 6-4, 340, So.; Chauncey Gooden, 6-3, 380, R-Fr.; Hudson Steber, 6-3, 270, Fr. (walk-on)
Transfers: Leon Bell, 6-8, 330, Sr. (California); Demetrius Hunter, 6-2, 310, Sr. (Houston); Jayven Richardson, 6-6, 307, Sr. (Missouri); Taj White, 6-5, 308, Sr. (Rutgers); Bo Hughley, 6-7, 295, Jr. (Georgia); Sean Kinney, 6-2, 305, Jr. (Lafayette); Jose Soto, 6-3, 312, Jr. (Sacramento State); Jayvon McFadden, 6-3, 295, R-Fr. (Ohio State).
Incoming freshmen: Ben Gula, 6-5, 285, Fr.; Josiah Manu, 6-5, 295, Fr.; Xavier Payne, 6-7, 320, Fr.
Scholarship players lost: Zy Crisler (graduated); Kareem Harden (graduated); Xavier Hill (graduated); Zarian McGill (graduated); Aki Ogunbiyi (graduated); Tyler Brown (transfer to JMU); Carde Smith (transfer to Memphis); Jordan Seaton (transfer portal); Walker Anderson (transfer portal); Cooper Lovelace (transfer portal)
Outlook: There will be another OL overhaul this offseason, with Johnson (right tackle) being the only full-time starter coming back. Even he’s not guaranteed a starting job, as Bell and White were regular starters at tackle at their previous schools and Houston was CU’s right tackle starter in 2024 before an injury cost him the 2025 season. Richardson, Roye and Hughley also have starting experience at tackle and will compete. The Buffs aren’t as deep at guard, but they like the development of Attia and Gooden. Soto was a full-time starter at right guard at Sac State and McFadden will compete. Hunter figures to take over at center after having that role for two seasons at Houston, but Kinney will battle after starting at center at Lafayette. Kinney or some of the tackles could help at guard, too.
Defensive line
Returners: None
Transfers: Ezra Christensen, 6-2, 280, Sr. (New Mexico State); Santana Hopper, 6-2, 265, Sr. (Tulane); Vili Taufatofua, 6-3, 259, Sr. (San Jose State); Sedrick Smith, 6-4, 321, Jr. (Maryland); Samu Taumanupepe, 6-3, 376, Jr. (Baylor); Dylan Manuel, 6-1, 300, Jr. (Appalachian State); Tyler Moore, 6-0, 297, Jr. (Coastal Carolina)
Incoming freshmen: Joseph Peko, 6-3, 310, Fr.
Scholarship players lost: Anquin Barnes Jr. (graduated); Taurean Carter II (graduated); Tavian Coleman (graduated); Amari McNeill (graduated); Mana Taimani (graduated); Tawfiq Thomas (transfer to Georgia Tech); Jehiem Oatis (transfer to Ole Miss); Brandon Davis-Swain (transfer to Texas A&M); Gavriel Lightfoot (transfer to San Diego State); Christian Hudson (transfer to Boston College).
Outlook: It’s a completely new room this year and plenty of competition for playing time. Hooper was first team All-AAC after earning first-team All-Sun Belt at App. State in 2024. Christensen was first-team All-Conference USA this year, while Taufatofua was All-Mountain West honorable mention and Manuel a top lineman at App. State. Smith, Moore and Taumanupepe will all be looking for bigger roles than they had at their previous stops. Peko, the son of CU defensive line coach Domata Peko, will hope to compete, too.
Defensive end
Returners: Quency Wiggins, 6-5, 255, Sr.
Transfers: Toby Anene, 6-4, 259, Sr. (North Dakota State); Balansama Kamara, 6-3, 257, Sr. (Albany); Domata Peko Jr., 6-4, 235, Jr. (Ventura Junior College); Immanuel Ezeogu, 6-1, 239, So. (James Madison); Lamont Lester Jr., 6-2, 230, So. (Monmouth); Yamil Talib, 6-2, 240, So. (Charlotte)
Incoming freshmen: None
Scholarship players lost: Keaten Wade (graduated); Arden Walker (graduated); Alexander McPherson (transfer to Penn State); London Merritt (transfer to Clemson); Samuel Okunlola (transfer portal); Nikhil Webb Walker (transfer portal)
Outlook: Wiggins enters his third year at CU still aiming for a full-time starting role. He’ll have plenty of competition, especially from Kamara and Lester, who were first-team All-CAA. Lester was the CAA defensive rookie of the year. Anene earned second-team All-Missouri Valley. Peko, Ezeogu and Talib will all look to compete and bring experience to the table.
Inside linebacker
Returners: Kylan Salter, 6-2, 230, Jr.; Bo LaPenna, 6-1, 235, Sr. (walk-on); Gage Goldberg, 6-0, 210, So. (walk-on)
Transfers: Gideon Lampron, 6-0, 220, Sr. (Bowling Green); Liona Lefau, 6-1, 227, Sr. (Texas); Tyler Martinez, 6-2, 225, Sr. (New Mexico State)
Incoming freshmen: Rodney Colton Jr., 6-1, 225, Fr.; Carson Crawford, 6-4, 220, Fr.; Colby Johnson, 6-2, 195, Fr.
Scholarship players lost: Jeremiah Brown (graduated); Martavius French (graduated); Reggie Hughes (graduated); Shaun Myers (transfer to UAB); Mantrez Walker (transfer to UAB)
Outlook: The Buffs picked up significant experience in the portal, led by Lefau, who played 42 games at Texas, including his last 20 as a starter. Lampron was first team All-MAC, was top 10 nationally in tackles for loss (17.5) and was an FCS All-American at Dayton in 2024. Martinez was second team All-Conference USA in 2024 before missing eight games this year with an injury. Salter will look to push for a job in his second year in Boulder, while all three freshmen have the ability to push for time, too.
Cornerback
Returners: RJ Johnson, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Makari Vickers, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Kole Mathis, 5-8, 140, So. (walk-on)
Transfers: Justin Eaglin, 6-0, 177, Sr. (James Madison); Emory Floyd, 6-1, 195, Sr. (Appalachian State); Paul Omodia, 6-2, 198, Jr. (Lamar); Jason Stokes, 6-2, 184, So. (Utah); Cree Thomas, 6-1, 190, R-Fr. (Notre Dame)
Incoming freshmen: Preston Ashley, 5-11, 185, Fr.; Maurice Williams, 5-11, 170, Fr.
Scholarship players lost: Tyrecus Davis (graduated); Preston Hodge (graduated); Ivan Yates (graduated); DJ McKinney (transfer to Notre Dame); Teon Parks (transfer to TCU); Noah King (transfer portal).
Outlook: Johnson and Vickers were part-time starters this past year and both battled injuries. They’ll fight for jobs, but have plenty of competition. Eaglin was second team All-Sun Belt after helping JMU reach the College Football Playoff, while Floyd was All-Sun Belt honorable mention. Omodia tied for fourth in the FCS with 13 pass breakups, earning second team All-Southland Conference. Stokes and Thomas were both highly recruited in the 2025 class and come to CU aiming for starting roles. Ashley and Williams can’t be counted out for playing time, either.
Safety
Returners: Ben Finneseth, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Nathaniel Watson, 5-10, 180, Jr. (walk-on)
Transfers: Randon Fontenette, 6-2, 220, Sr. (Vanderbilt); Naeten Mitchell, 5-10, 175, Jr. (New Mexico State); Jaydan Hardy, 5-10, 180, Jr. (Oklahoma); Boo Carter, 5-11, 200, Jr. (Tennessee); Jah Jay Boyd, 5-11, 173, So. (Indiana).
Incoming freshmen: Braylon Edwards, 5-11, 180, Fr.; Alexander Ward, 6-1, 180, Fr.
Scholarship players lost: John Slaughter (transfer to Purdue); Carter Stoutmire (transfer to Arkansas); Tawfiq Byard (transfer to Texas A&M); TJ Branch (transfer to UCF); Terrance Love (transfer portal)
Outlook: After losing starters Byard and Carter, CU went out and grabbed reinforcements. Fontentette was a team captain and two-year starter at Vandy, helping it win 10 games this year. Mitchell was second-team All-Conference USA and had 93 tackles. Carter had some off-field issues at Tennessee before being dismissed from the team, but is a former four-star recruit who was productive when on the field. Finneseth is a team leader who started half the games in 2025 and he’ll look to keep a starting role. Hardy and Boyd were reserves for CFP teams and will push for playing time, as well.
Special teams
Returners: Damon Greaves, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Daniel Gerlach, 6-0, 160, Jr. (walk-on); Elliott Arnold, 5-10, 165, R-Fr. (walk-on); Aiden DeCorte, 6-1, 300, So. (walk-on); Luke Whiting, 6-4, 225, So. (walk-on)
Transfers: Joshua McCormick, 6-0, 205, Sr. (Grambling State); Trey Young, 5-11, 210, So. (Saddleback College)
Incoming freshmen: None
Scholarship players lost: Buck Buchanan (graduated); Alejandro Mata (graduated)
Outlook: Greaves returns for a second season as the Buffs’ punter, but the rest of the unit will look different. McCormick was signed as a kickoff specialist, but could be called upon for long field goals at times. Arnold could be in line to be the primary place kicker. Whiting looks to take over as the long snapper.
