Former Colorado Running Back Enters Transfer Portal After NFL Stint

A former Colorado Buffaloes backfield weapon joins the suddenly growing list of NFL rookies seeking a late college football return.

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders looks on during a time out in the game against the Utah Utes during the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray-Imagn Images

College football is experiencing new history involving the NFL. Which now includes a former Colorado Buffaloes and coach Deion Sanders running back.

Yet this past talent is leaving the league and his brief pro career to reclaim one more eligibility season somewhere.

The Former Colorado Running Back Re-Pursuing the College Game

Jul 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Anthony Hankerson (30) during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Seattle Seahawks are planning to waive Anthony Hankerson, but there's a twist per Pete Nakos of On3.

Hankerson must clear waivers to return to the college football game. He's now aiming to follow a brand new trend sparking across the NFL and collegiate realm. Players who graduated high school in 2022 can now aim to add a fifth season of eligibility, including undrafted rookies like Hankerson. The move became made possible by a judge in Louisiana during the week of Aug. 17, with a former Ole Miss star at the forefront.

"This come on the heels of the Dae’Quan Wright situation, the headliner of the players in this unique situation," Nakos wrote. "Wright was one of 16 football players who filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in the state of Louisiana this past week. The court ruled that the 16 players, some of whom were competing in NFL training camps, could return to college with eligibility for the 2026 season."

There's still a curveball for Hankerson if an NFL team claims him off waivers. Especially one that may need some running back depth due to an injury.

Looking Back at Anthony Hankerson's College Career

Nov 8, 2025; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers running back Anthony Hankerson (0) is recognized on the field during senior ceremonies before the game against the Sam Houston Bearkats at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Hankerson played for two different Colorado coaches.

He started off with coach Karl Dorrell in the 2022 season, racking up 274 rushing yards and scoring three times. But 2022 became the last season of that era, as Colorado severed ties with the head coach following a 1-11 season.

Sanders arrived one year later and began a re-galvanization of the Buffaloes. Colorado started the season upsetting then-national championship game runner-up TCU before finishing 4-8. Hankerson toted the rock for the first Sanders-led team; ending with 319 rushing yards, one touchdown plus caught 16 passes for 71 more additional yards.

But Hankerson never finished out his career with the Buffaloes, ultimately landing with Oregon State in the more truncated Pac-12 (Beavers and Washington State were the last two teams left in the conference). Hankerson still produced a pair of 1,000-yard seasons in Corvallis, including hitting a career-best 1,086 yards in 2025. And he scored 24 rushing touchdowns the last two seasons there.

He ended up going undrafted despite his stellar production. Hankerson delivered a brief stop with the Miami Dolphins before landing with the defending Super Bowl champions. He even received brief action against the Tennessee Titans, touching the ball seven times for a combined 19 yards in that 19-16 loss.

Determining if Colorado Buffaloes Have Room on the Roster

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the game against the Delaware Fighting Blue Hens at Folsom Field. | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Sanders has raved about his 2026 roster. Especially having the presence of offensive coordinator Brennan Marion breathing new life into a struggling unit ahead of the season.

Marion presents a running back-by committee approach with the "Go-Go" offense, which comes across as appealing for Hankerson.

Except Colorado looks way too deep in the backfield. Alabama transfer Richard Young arrives as a Doak Walker Award watch list candidate. Marion also has two of his former Sacramento State backs in JaQuail Smith and Damian Henderson II on board. Plus DeKalon Taylor and returning leading rusher Micah Welch help fill this room.

As a result, Hankserson likely will need to look elsewhere outside of Boulder.

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