Dallan Hayden is on the move again. The junior running back announced he’s entering the transfer portal when it opens on January 2, marking another departure from Colorado’s offense as the Buffs continue to retool ahead of spring ball.
Hayden came to Boulder from Ohio State with plenty of buzz before the 2024 season, but his time in black and gold never quite hit the high gear many expected. Over two seasons, he put up 522 rushing yards - a stat line that includes flashes of his talent, a few timely runs, but ultimately not the breakout campaign fans hoped for.
To be fair, Hayden’s Colorado chapter was shaped by more than just the box score. A high ankle sprain slowed him down in 2024, and that’s the kind of injury that doesn’t just hurt - it lingers.
Even when he was on the field, he was rarely running behind a stable offensive line. The Buffs’ front five struggled with consistency all year, and the offense leaned heavily on the passing game.
That meant Hayden was often asked to make something out of nothing, facing stacked boxes and limited space to operate.
Still, his departure leaves a real gap in Colorado’s backfield. The Buffs now need a dependable early-down runner - someone who can not only move the chains but also block in pass protection, catch out of the backfield, and finish drives in the red zone.
That’s not just a luxury under offensive coordinator Brennan Marion - it’s a necessity. Marion’s scheme thrives on balance and versatility, and right now, the backfield is light on proven production.
The pressure is now on the coaching staff to find answers, whether through the portal or internal development. With spring ball on the horizon, Colorado’s running back room suddenly becomes one of the most important position groups to watch.