Why Colorado's Incoming Transfer Portal Class Is Better Than Last Year's

More will be known come fall, but all signs point to the Colorado Buffaloes' incoming transfer portal class having an edge over last year's group for one critical reason.

Nov 1, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores defensive back Randon Fontenette (2) attempts to intercept a pass during the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Outside of a few impact players, the Colorado Buffaloes largely missed on last year's incoming transfer portal class.

The group, which was meant to help offset the losses of quarterback Shedeur Sanders, cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter and others, lacked leadership and ultimately struggled to produce wins. Coach Deion Sanders admitted the shortcoming late last season, but the work has been put in to ensure last year's mistakes don't repeat themselves.

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

In the month of January alone, Colorado added 42 incoming transfers from a mix of FCS, Group of Five and Power Four schools. Most importantly, the class features a healthy number of players who were successful both on the field and as leaders with their prior teams.

While appearing on the "DNVR Buffs Podcast" earlier this week, Colorado insider Phillip Dukes shared his take on why this year's transfer portal class feels different.

.@DukestheScoop on the difference between Colorado’s 2026 portal class vs. last year 👀

“I think last year it was more about WHAT you got…

This year I think it’s more WHO you got.” 🗣️🗣️ pic.twitter.com/vRNT9Km6nU

— DNVR Buffs (@DNVR_Buffs) January 29, 2026

"Last year, it was more so about what you got. Oh, I got this guy, the 6-(foot)-4. I got this guy, he was a five-star," Dukes said. "This time it's more of who you got. Oh, he was a captain previously. When you talk to people at that school, they say he was a first-in, first-out type of guy."

New Buffs who've been praised for their leadership include safety Randon Fontenette (Vanderbilt), linebacker Gideon Lampron (Bowling Green) and others who were captains at their prior schools.

Oct 4, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders on the sidelines during the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Dukes then compared Colorado's enhanced recruiting approach to an old roster-building tactic used by the NFL's Atlanta Falcons.

"There was a time in Atlanta where the Falcons wouldn't draft a certain type of player if they didn't have a certain type of resume, and they called it the 'Falcon Filter.' Because previously, you had the stuff with Mike Vick going on and all this other stuff," Dukes said. "There's kind of like a Buff filter right now. 'Hey look, how much do you like ball?' is the question when they're calling a recruit."

MORE: Colorado Transfer Receiver Adds New Dimension to Buffaloes Offense

MORE: Deion Sanders Causes Controversy with Fines for Colorado Players

MORE: The Most Impactful Transfer Portal Addition For Colorado

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Coach Prime Taking Hands-On Approach

Nov 29, 2025; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders yells at his team during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Kansas State Wildcats at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images | Scott Sewell-Imagn Images

After spending last summer in Texas recovering from bladder cancer, Sanders has taken a more hands-on approach with Colorado's recruiting efforts this offseason. "Coach Prime" told Thee Pregame show that he's vetting every transfer on the Buffs' radar with hopes of finding players who better fit his program's goals.

Evaluating transfers isn't an easy endeavor with how quickly rosters change each year, but Colorado has seemingly settled on a better formula after learning from last year's shortcomings.

Oct 25, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) catches the ball during the fourth quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Other key incoming transfers to know include wide receivers DeAndre Moore Jr. (Texas) and Danny Scudero (San Jose State), defensive lineman Ezra Christensen, offensive tackle Bo Hughley (Georgia), cornerback Justin Eaglin (James Madison) and running back Damian Henderson II (Sacramento State).

For a complete look at Colorado's latest transfer portal class, check outColorado Buffaloes on SI's transfer portal tracker.