Colorado Buffaloes' Biggest Transfer Loss As Portal Closes

The Colorado Buffaloes have lost over 30 players through the transfer portal. While Colorado coach Deion Sanders and the program have lost several elite athletes, one could be considered the biggest loss.

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffalos head coach Deion Sanders against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The transfer portal closed on Jan. 16, and the Colorado Buffaloes lost 37 players, per 247Sports. Colorado coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes lost talent on both sides of the ball, but one departure could have the biggest effect on the team.

Offensive tackle Jordan Seaton announced his intention to enter the portal just a couple of days before it closed. Seaton’s departure came as a surprise, given how late he entered the portal, and the Buffaloes are losing a talented player.

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffalos offensive tackle Jordan Seaton (77) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Why Jordan Seaton Is The Biggest Transfer Portal Loss

247Sports rates Seaton as a five-star transfer, the No. 4 player in the portal, and the No. 1 offensive tackle. Seaton was a five-star recruit out of IMG Academy, joining Sanders and the Buffaloes from the 2024 recruiting class.

He has spent two seasons with the Colorado Buffaloes, becoming an immediate role player with the team as a true freshman, starting in all 13 games.

Nov 16, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes offensive tackle Jordan Seaton (77) looks on before the game against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

In 2024, he allowed just three sacks out of 612 pass blocking snaps and went 10 straight games without allowing a sack. After a dominating true freshman season, Seaton entered 2025 with high anticipation and once again showed up for his team. 

Even with Colorado's 3-9 record, the offensive tackle’s success continued in his sophomore year. Seaton missed the final three games of the season due to an injury, but through 328 pass protection snaps, he allowed just two sacks and five quarterback hurries. 

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There was an expectation that Seaton would return for one more season, then declare for the 2027 NFL Draft. With his performance over the past two years, Seaton is already a projected first-round pick. With the chance to prove himself as a first-round pick, Seaton could have been a valuable asset for the Buffaloes in 2026.

Losing over 30 players to the portal is already challenging for a program, but he was a cornerstone of the offense and a team captain, who will not be easy to replace.

Aug 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes offensive tackle Jordan Seaton (77) before the game against the North Dakota State Bison at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis is set to take over the team in 2026, and Seaton was going to be a critical player in stopping the pass rush. Instead, Seaton will be finishing his collegiate career elsewhere.

Seaton has yet to commit to a new team, but is gaining interest from several top programs, including the Oregon Ducks and Texas Longhorns. Both programs would be ideal landing spots for Seaton to contend for a national title and remain a potential first-round draft pick.

Colorado Targeting Offensive Tackles Through The Portal

Not only did Seaton enter the portal, but offensive tackle Carde Smith is also departing the program after just one season with the Buffaloes. With that, the staff has targeted the position, and Colorado has received a commitment from three tackles through the portal:

Oct 11, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Missouri’s Jayven Richardson
Rutgers’ Taj White
Georgia’s Bo Hughley

All three players have experience at the Power 4 level and can compete for playing time for the Buffaloes. The Buffaloes' roster will be without several key players from the 2025 season, including Seaton, wide receiver Omarion Miller, and safety Tawfiq Byard.

The positive news is that the Colorado staff is being aggressive in the portal, looking to replenish the roster with the quantity of departures.