The transfer portal has become a revolving door in college football, and Colorado is feeling the effects. After a rocky season under Deion Sanders, the Buffs have seen some key names walk out the door - most recently, five-star offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, who’s now headed to Lane Kiffin’s LSU squad. That’s a major pickup for the Tigers and a tough loss for Coach Prime, who had high hopes for Seaton anchoring Colorado’s line.
And Seaton isn’t the only one. Omarion Miller and Kaidon Salter, two other high-upside talents, have also moved on.
For a program trying to build something sustainable, that kind of attrition raises eyebrows. But while the headlines focus on who’s leaving, what’s happening behind the scenes might be just as important - and maybe even more telling about where this team is headed.
Enter Damian Henderson II.
The former Sacramento State running back isn’t just another name added to the roster. At 210 pounds, Henderson brings a combination of size, speed, and versatility that fits exactly what Colorado’s offense has been missing.
His 2025 stat line - 91 carries, 565 yards, 5 touchdowns, and a 6.2 yards-per-carry average - doesn’t just look good on paper. It tells the story of a player who can move the chains, hit the big play, and bring some much-needed balance to an offense that leaned heavily on the passing game last season.
One of the biggest issues for Colorado in 2025 was pass protection and consistency out of the backfield. Coach Prime had his sights set on Texas standout CJ Baxter to fill that role, but when that didn’t pan out, the Buffs pivoted - and landed a guy who might be an even better fit for their current needs.
Henderson isn’t just a runner. He’s a back who can protect the quarterback, serve as a reliable check-down option, and keep defenses honest.
That’s the kind of versatility that can elevate an entire offense.
And while the noise around the program has been loud - with every departure drawing scrutiny - there are signs that this team is quietly building something stronger. During a recent team outing, Henderson offered a subtle but telling message: “Hey, I’m telling you, we got a nice room this year.”
No names, no shots fired - just confidence. And that kind of quiet belief goes a long way in a locker room trying to find its identity.
Losing talent like Seaton is never easy, especially when you're trying to rebuild a program with national attention on your every move. But it’s also true that not every departure is a disaster - and not every addition flies under the radar. Henderson’s arrival may not grab headlines like a five-star flip, but it might end up being one of the more important moves of the offseason for Colorado.
As always in college football, the real answers come when the pads go on and the lights come up. But for now, don’t sleep on what’s brewing in Boulder. The Buffs may have lost some flash, but they might’ve gained some much-needed substance - and that could make all the difference when the season kicks off.