Buffs Beat

Colorado Offers James Madison Transfer Who Starred In College Football Playoff

The Colorado Buffaloes are in the market for James Madison transfer cornerback Justin Eaglin, who recorded a College Football Playoff interception last month.
Jack Carlough|
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
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

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Colorado BuffaloesJames Madison Dukes

The lone college football transfer portal window of the offseason is now open, and the Colorado Buffaloes have wasted no time getting in on the action.

Fresh off an appearance in the College Football Playoff, James Madison transfer cornerback Justin Eaglin announced an offer from Colorado on Friday morning. Eaglin recorded five interceptions this past season, including one in James Madison's opening round loss to the Oregon Ducks on Dec. 20.

Colorado Offers James Madison Transfer College Football Playoff Justin Eaglin Buffaloes Dukes Deion Sanders Portal Targets CU
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan (11) attempts to make a catch over James Madison Dukes cornerback Justin Eaglin (30) during the second quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Along with those five interceptions, Eaglin closed his redshirt junior season with 35 total tackles, eight pass breakups and a blocked kick. He earned second-team All-Sun Belt honors before announcing his decision to enter the portal on Dec. 27.

Eaglin used a photo of former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders' signature watch flex in announcing his offer from the Buffs.

A North Carolina native, Eaglin has spent his entire four-year college career at James Madison. Before breaking out this past season, the 6-foot, 177-pound defensive back recorded 12 tackles and an interception in 2024.

“(Eaglin’s confidence) was kind of knocked down in the winter after a tough season,” now-former James Madison defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler said in October, per The Breeze JMU. “It just grew throughout the spring. He was back in fall camp and it just stepped up, higher and higher.”

Justin Eaglin's Potential Fit At Colorado

Colorado Offers James Madison Transfer College Football Playoff Justin Eaglin Buffaloes Dukes Deion Sanders Portal Targets CU
Sep 21, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Christian Hamilton (7) makes a catch as James Madison Dukes cornerback Justin Eaglin (30) defends in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

With Ivan Yates graduating and DJ McKinney, Noah King and Teon Parks all entering the transfer portal, Colorado's cornerback room needs experienced help. Returners Makari Vickers, RJ Johnson and two-way player Isaiah Hardge will be joined by class of 2026 signees Braylon Edwards, Preston Ashley, Maurice Williams and potential two-way standout Alex Ward.

Considering his college experience and success, Eaglin would likely become Colorado's top cornerback if he chooses to commit. Vickers struggled in 2025, Johnson battled injuries and Hardge's future is likely on the offensive side of the ball.

Colorado Offers James Madison Transfer College Football Playoff Justin Eaglin Buffaloes Dukes Deion Sanders Portal Targets CU
Sep 20, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders and wide receiver Isaiah Hardge (17) during the first quarter against the Wyoming Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

"It starts at the beginning," coach Deion Sanders said of his cornerbacks earlier this season. "You got to have focus. We talked about focusing and finishing before the game, and we talked about it at halftime. Pretty much, we told them what it's gonna be... We pretty much dictated what was gonna happen if we didn't change the way we went about our job. We got to do a much better job on the back end. We do."

MORE: New Colorado Athletic Director's Opinion On Deion Sanders Is Loud And Clear

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MORE: Colorado Looking to Add Weapons for Julian Lewis in Transfer Portal

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Other Early Transfer Portal Targets

Colorado Offers James Madison Transfer College Football Playoff Justin Eaglin Buffaloes Dukes Deion Sanders Portal Targets CU
Cajuns Runningback Bill Davis 7, Louisiana's Ragin Cajuns take on the ULM Warhawks. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | SCOTT CLAUSE / USATODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Multiple other talented transfer portal players have also been linked to the Buffs, including a few who plan on visiting Boulder soon.

  • Appalachian State defensive tackle Dylan Manuel
  • Mercer EDGE Andrew Zock
  • New Mexico State defensive tackle Ezra Christensen
  • Western Carolina offensive lineman Manasseh Ripert
  • Louisiana running back Bill Davis
  • Louisiana Tech defensive back Michael Richard
  • Georgia Southern EDGE MJ Stroud

As expected, Colorado has so far targeted transfers from non-Power Four schools.

Published
Jack Carlough
JACK CARLOUGH

Jack Carlough is lead reporter for Colorado Buffaloes on SI. Jack graduated from the University of Colorado with a bachelor's degree in journalism and minors in business and sports media. Born and raised in the Boulder area, Jack began covering Colorado athletics in 2018 and was the head sports editor of the CU Independent during his college career. More recently, he spent over three years as the managing editor of the USA Today Sports Network's Colorado Buffaloes Wire, where he covered Colorado's hiring of head football coach Deion Sanders. Other publications Jack has written for include the Boulder Daily Camera, Left Hand Valley Courier and SB Nation’s Ralphie Report. In 2022, the Colorado Press Association awarded Jack second place in its annual Class 5 Best Sports Column Writing category.

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