Colorado Buffaloes Under Pressure in the Transfer Portal

Following the College Basketball Crown, coach Tad Boyle and the Colorado Buffaloes now look forward to next season.

Key Transfer Portal Window for Colorado

Colorado Buffaloes Roster Outlook Following College Basketball Crown Loss Coach Tad Boyle Transfer Portal College Basketball — Feb 14, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Isaiah Johnson (2) of the Colorado Buffaloes drives while being defended by BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) during the second half at the Marriott Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images | Aaron Baker-Imagn Images

As a result of several players leaving in the transfer portal, the pressure is on Boyle to re-tool a roster that loses most of its production. Can the Buffs attract any top transfers to Boulder?

The Big 12 is a very competitive conference and being right in the middle of it is not what leads to success for Colorado. Boyle must find a way to maximize his roster. Inconsistent performances in Big 12 would only hurt the Buffaloes program in the long term if they really want to compete with the likes of Arizona and Houston at the top of the conference.

If Boyle does want to keep Colorado pointed in the right direction, he must find a way to have his players play consistently at their best, retain the rest of the roster, and recruit as much top talent as he can to start building the Buffaloes into a consistent force in the Big 12 sooner rather than later. Regardless of all the outside circumstances, the pressure on Boyle is mounting.

Returning Pieces

Guard Barrington Hargress

This past season, guard Barrington Hargress took on a big role in Boulder as he became one of Colorado’s top scorers as well as the main facilitator to create offense. He was someone Colorado relied on on the defensive end to put pressure on opposing guards and attempt to limit damage done from behind the arc.

Hargress has finished his junior campaign and is entering his fourth year of college basketball, and he has decided to return to Colorado for the 2026 season. Hargress showcased his ability to score and make plays for others in the College Basketball Crown against Oklahoma.

Against the Sooners, Hargress totaled 31 points and three assists, giving the Buffaloes an offensive threat all night long. Unfortunately, Hargress’s performance was not enough to get the win, but it gives hope that Colorado has a strong scorer to lead the team heading into next season.

Guard Ian Inman

Freshman guard Ian Inman was a player who did not have a massive role for Colorado in the 2025 to 2026 season, but at times was able to provide solid scoring off the bench.

Near the end of the season, Inman began to find his three-point shot, which created lots of opportunities to spread the floor and open up the lane for other guards and forwards to get easier shots in the paint. Because he was able to get some playing time in 2025.

Inman stepped into a starting role in the College Basketball Crown and was able to make some crucial shots to help the Buffaloes stay in the game. For the night, Inman recorded 10 points, three rebounds, and one steal on 2-6 from three-point range. However, Inman did have a stretch where he missed three straight free throws in regulation that could have helped Colorado close out the game in regulation.

Regardless of the result for the Buffaloes, Inman proved that he is a capable starter and can provide scoring from the perimeter to help stretch the floor. While no final decision has been made on whether Inman will return in 2026, there is no doubt Colorado would love to have him back.

Key Losses For Colorado:

Guard Isaiah Johnson

Freshman guard Isaiah Johnson led the Buffaloes in scoring this past season and was constantly a bright spot on a team that, for the most part, was inconsistent the entire season. His ability to score at all three levels gives Johnson tremendous value for his future in college basketball.

Before the College Basketball Crown, Johnson opted to enter the transfer portal, which leaves Colorado with a huge hole trying to find more consistent scoring from the backcourt. With the success he had in his freshman season, Johnson should receive offers from schools that could give him a chance to compete for a national championship and pursue a career in the NBA.

Forward Bangot Dak

Forward Bangot Dak has finished his third college season and was one of Colorado’s more important players on the interior. Dak provided consistent scoring inside the three-point line, around the paint, and mid-range areas. He was also Colorado’s leading rebounder and was one of the more reliable players Colorado had to defend the rim, as he led the team in blocks.

Dak decided to enter the transfer portal before the College Basketball Crown to see what opportunities are available. Dak has the opportunity to fit into several different playing styles due to his skill set, so it will be interesting to see which programs show interest in recruiting Dak to strengthen their frontcourt.

Dak’s length and versatility are something that could be very valuable to any program he decides to join.

Forward Sebastian Rancik

Buffaloes sophomore forward, Sebastian Rancik, was a great contributor for Colorado as he continued to develop his ability to contribute as a shooter and was also Colorado’s second leading rebounder.

When Rancik was forced to miss time due to an undisclosed injury later in the season, the Buffaloes really missed his presence, especially as a rebounder, but also his ability to alter shots at the rim. That was an area that Colorado really struggled in, especially against Arizona.

Because of his youth and the fact that he showed his ability to add spacing with his three-point shooting, Rancik has decided to enter the portal to see what offers he has and how he could contribute to a program that is closer to competing than Colorado currently is.

Rancik’s skillset to stretch the floor, contest shots in the lane, and provide a solid rebounding presence are traits that could help him join one of the top programs in the nation. If he is able to join one of these contenders, this could help his development significantly and give him a chance to win at the highest level.

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