The Colorado Buffaloes continue to reshape their offensive line with a clear emphasis on experience and size, and their latest addition fits that mold perfectly. Former Cal right tackle Leon Bell has committed to join Deion Sanders’ program, bringing with him not just size-he’s a towering 6-foot-8, 330 pounds-but also meaningful Power Five experience.
Bell started eight games for the Golden Bears this past season, appearing in ten overall and logging 583 snaps, all at right tackle. According to Pro Football Focus, he gave up just three sacks and 20 pressures-solid numbers considering the level of competition in the Pac-12. He’s not just a big body; he’s a proven contributor who’s been tested in real game situations.
Before his time at Cal, Bell’s journey began at Kilgore Community College, where he made a name for himself by earning first-team All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference honors in 2022. That performance helped him land a spot at Mississippi State, where he played limited snaps across two seasons but still managed to crack the starting lineup once at right tackle.
Bell becomes the fourth offensive tackle transfer with starting experience to join the Buffs this offseason, alongside Bo Hughley (Georgia), Jayven Richardson (Missouri), and Taj White (Rutgers). That’s not just depth-it’s a full-on rebuild of the trenches with players who’ve been in the fire before.
And it’s not just the tackle spots getting attention. Colorado has also brought in two veteran centers-Demetrius Hunter from Houston and Sean Kinney from Lafayette-as well as Jose Soto, a starting guard from Sacramento State. When you look at the full picture, it’s clear that Coach Prime and his staff are prioritizing battle-tested linemen who can step in and compete right away.
Returning players like Larry Johnson III and Andre Roye Jr., who combined for 10 starts at right tackle last season, will now be pushed by this influx of talent. That kind of internal competition is exactly what you want if you're trying to elevate the level of play in the trenches.
With 37 transfer additions already this offseason and 73 scholarship spots reportedly filled, Colorado is making it clear: the rebuild isn’t just about flash and headlines-it’s about winning in the trenches. And Leon Bell is the latest piece in that blueprint.