One Colorado Football Transfer Could Be On Outside Again

A former blue-chip running back for the Colorado Buffaloes may struggle to find his footing in 2026.

Apr 11, 2026; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the start of the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Colorado Buffaloes’ running back room is expected to have a variety of standouts in 2026. New offensive coordinator Brennan Marion’s ‘Go-Go’ offense features up to three running backs at a time, and they are expected to be getting the ball more than anybody else.

While the likes of Damian Henderson II, Micah Welch and DeKalon Taylor have all had successful summer and fall camps, Alabama Crimson Tide transfer Richard Young is battling setbacks once again. He has been battling injury during the offseason, and it may have him on the outside once again in his fourth year of college football. At the least, Young is not expected to make an impact until later in the season for Colorado.

Richard Young’s offseason setback

Aug. 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide players and coaches participate in a media day with reporters and fans at the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility. Fan Mike Bailey leans in close to talk two quarterback Ty Simpson and running back Richard Young. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

In his press conference on August 20, Colorado running backs coach Johnnie Mack gave insight into Young’s offseason struggles. According to him, while Young has made great strides during the latter portion of fall camp, he missed substantial time during the summer and is behind the rest of the room in the scheme.

“Richard Young, he came back from injury, so he missed a lot of the summer, and a lot of people don’t understand that. Like he missed a lot of the summer, which kind of had him behind a little bit. So now, he's starting to figure out the system, learn the system a lot more, and I think he's starting to get comfortable. So it's going to take some time for him, but he's growing every day,” Mack said. 

Richard Young’s high expectations out of high school

Friends and family attend a signing day celebration for Richard Young and Kelton Henderson at Lehigh Senior High School in Lehigh Acres on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022. Fnp Lehigh Signing 0024 | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Young’s situation is particularly disappointing given how highly-touted he was out of high school. He was a unanimous four-star recruit according to the major recruiting services, with ESPN even listing him as the No. 1 running back from the state of Florida in the 2023 class.

It was understandable why he was looked at as fondly as he was, as his high school career as something to behold. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in both of his last two seasons of high school, with his junior campaign being particularly impressive. That year, he tallied 1,755 yards and 19 touchdowns on a whopping nine yards per carry, per MaxPreps.

He received offers from 52 FBS programs, with all but five coming from Power Four teams according to 247Sports.

Richard Young’s disappointing Alabama Crimson Tide stint

Nov 9, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Richard Young (9) slips one the tackle of LSU Tigers linebacker Whit Weeks (40) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

He eventually committed to Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide, hoping to follow in the footsteps of the many great Alabama running backs that had come before him. But despite the high expectations, Young never produced at a high level.

He battled some injuries, but mostly fell behind in a stacked running back room. Across three seasons in Tuscaloosa, Young tallied just 234 yards and five touchdowns on 59 carries. For reference, he rushed for more yards than that in a single game against the North Fort Myers Red Knights in his junior season of high school, per MaxPreps.

Young hoped to shake that disappointing start to his career by transferring to coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes, but this injury setback may only prolong it. If he can keep making good progress in catching up with the rest of the unit, he could still have a good season. However, he faces tough odds once again to start his 2026 campaign.

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