After a tough 3-9 finish in 2025-including a 1-7 mark in Big 12 play-the Colorado Buffaloes are heading into 2026 looking to reset, reload, and reestablish themselves under Deion Sanders. This marks Coach Prime’s first full season without cornerstone talents like Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, and Shilo Sanders, and the absence of that high-end star power was felt throughout the fall. But with the Transfer Portal wide open and the Buffaloes in need of a serious talent infusion, Sanders and his staff went to work.
The result? A transfer class that might not have the same top-heavy flash as last year’s roster, but offers a deeper, more balanced foundation-one that could raise Colorado’s floor significantly heading into next season.
Let’s break down the key additions, the biggest losses, and what it all means for the Buffs in 2026.
Most Important Addition: Boo Carter (S, Tennessee Transfer)
Travis Hunter was a unicorn-a legit two-way threat who could change a game on either side of the ball. While you don’t just replace a player like that, Colorado may have found the next closest thing in Boo Carter.
Carter showed out as a freshman at Tennessee, making his mark as an elite safety with the kind of instincts and athleticism that jump off the screen. He’s also dangerous in the return game, giving Colorado a potential field-position weapon on special teams. Whether Sanders unleashes him in a two-way role or locks him in as a defensive anchor, Carter immediately becomes one of the most talented players on the roster.
Most Impactful Addition: DeAndre Moore Jr. (WR, Texas Transfer)
With Omarion Miller leaving Boulder, Colorado needed a new No. 1 target-especially with five-star quarterback Julian Lewis stepping in to take the reins. Enter DeAndre Moore Jr.
Moore comes over from Texas, where he quietly put together back-to-back seasons with 500+ receiving yards despite being the second or third option in a loaded receiver room. At Colorado, he’ll be the go-to guy, and that expanded role could unlock a breakout campaign. Don’t be surprised if Moore flirts with the 1,000-yard mark in 2026-he’s got the speed, hands, and route-running polish to be a game-changer in the Big 12.
Sleeper Addition: Liona Lefau (LB, Texas Transfer)
Every defense needs a tone-setter in the middle, and Liona Lefau might be that guy for Colorado. He’s coming off two straight seasons with 60+ tackles at Texas, where he played alongside standout linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. Lefau brings physicality, range, and leadership-traits this Colorado front seven desperately needed.
He won’t be the flashiest name in this class, but he might be one of the most important. If he can anchor the middle of this defense and help elevate the unit’s consistency, he could be in the conversation for All-Big 12 honors by season’s end.
Highest Upside Addition: Richard Young (RB, Alabama Transfer)
Deion Sanders has made a habit of betting on former elite recruits, and Richard Young is the latest swing-for-the-fences addition. Once the nation’s top-ranked running back coming out of high school, Young found himself buried on Alabama’s depth chart behind a host of NFL-caliber backs.
Now, he gets a fresh start in Boulder, and the opportunity is there for the taking. If Young can tap into that five-star potential, he could become the centerpiece of Colorado’s ground game-a dynamic, every-down back who gives the Buffs some much-needed balance on offense.
Biggest Loss: Jordan Seaton (OL)
This one stings. Jordan Seaton was a cornerstone piece on Colorado’s offensive line and a projected top-10 NFL Draft pick. Losing him to the portal leaves a massive hole up front-especially with a young quarterback like Julian Lewis stepping in.
Seaton was one of the best pass blockers in the country, and his presence would’ve been a huge asset in keeping Lewis upright and confident in the pocket. Replacing that level of talent isn’t easy, and unless Colorado hits big on its offensive line development, this could be the loss that’s hardest to overcome.
Position Group Grades
Offense: B
There’s no sugarcoating it-losing both Seaton and Omarion Miller hurts. But Colorado did a solid job patching holes and adding upside. The offensive line remains a question mark, but there’s talent in the room, and if the transfers can gel quickly, this unit could surprise some people.
The key will be how quickly Julian Lewis adjusts to the college game and whether his new weapons-Moore, Young, and a retooled offensive line-can help him reach his ceiling.
Defense: A-
This side of the ball might just be the strength of the 2026 Buffaloes. Boo Carter and Randon Fontenette form one of the most intriguing safety duos in the country, giving Colorado a strong back-end foundation. Up front, Liona Lefau and Ezra Christensen add physicality and experience to a front seven that needed both.
If this group can stay healthy and find cohesion early, they could carry the Buffs through some growing pains on offense.
Overall Transfer Portal Grade: B+
Deion Sanders didn’t bring in the same type of headliners as last year, but this portal class might be more balanced-and better suited for long-term success. The Buffaloes are clearly betting on upside, bringing in former blue-chip talent with something to prove.
Will it be enough to push Colorado into Big 12 title contention? That’s still a big “if.”
But this roster has more depth, more defensive bite, and a quarterback with sky-high potential. If the pieces come together, the Buffs could be one of the more intriguing teams to watch in 2026.