Barrington Hargress isn’t backing down from the idea that Colorado’s freshman group can help right away, even with one of the class’s biggest names working through an injury setback.
The Buffaloes had to rebuild fast after a heavy offseason exodus through the transfer portal, and Tad Boyle’s answer was to load up on the recruiting trail. Colorado signed seven freshmen in the 2026 class, with four-star guard Rider Portela leading the way according to 247Sports. Portela has been dealing with an undisclosed right-hand injury, but Hargress said the group around him has already shown plenty.
“We brought in so many guys who are selfless, willing to do what it takes to win and make those hard decisions,” Hargress said. “When I look at all the freshmen, I’ve seen nothing but guys that have gotten into the gym, gone into very difficult practices, and have played their hearts out, and whether they make mistakes or not, they’re being very aggressive and doing the things that we need them to do.”
That confidence comes from experience. Hargress has already seen what an overlooked freshman class can do in Boulder. In his first season with Colorado, Isaiah Johnson, Ian Inman and Alon Michaeli all arrived as three-stars or lower by 247Sports and still turned in strong 2025 seasons.
Portela’s injury has centered on his shooting hand, which naturally raises questions, but neither he nor Hargress has suggested he’ll be out for games. Hargress made it clear the staff is still counting on him.
“There’s been a big focus on all of those guys, and when Rider gets back, he’ll be a big piece of that,” Hargress said. “But [the rest of the freshmen] are also very skilled. It’s been a very good thing to have those young guys still give us a little bit of a push.”
Even without Portela fully available, the rest of the class has given Colorado reasons to be encouraged. Guards Alex Dickeson and forward Goc Malual both had success in Australia’s National Basketball League, giving them a level of pro experience that could matter once Big 12 play starts.
Colorado also added guards Luke Mirhashemi and Amir Jones, both known in high school as capable scorers and passers. The class is rounded out by forwards Chase Hill and Eric Jacobsen, with Hill bringing scoring touch and Jacobsen offering rebounding upside in the frontcourt.
With that many newcomers in the mix, Colorado is probably going to uncover at least one surprise contributor. Given Boyle’s track record, it would not be a shock if there are more than one waiting in that group as the Buffs head toward an intriguing 2026 season.
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Why Colorado Won Over A Major Transfer So Fast
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Neelys arrival gives the Buffaloes a player who should matter on both ends, especially on the glass and in the half court. He is expected to take on a major role right away, and the speed of his decision says plenty about how quickly Colorado made its case. The only real question now is how soon that comfort level turns into impact once the season starts. [Read more 🡒]
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What makes this one stand out is the fit as much as the production. Moore sounded genuinely eager to join Deion Sanders and Brennan Marion, and Marions connection matters here after first recruiting him at Texas in 2022 before getting another chance to bring him to Boulder. For Colorado, it is another sign that the staffs recruiting pitch is resonating with players who already know what Marion can do with receivers. [Read more 🡒]