Why Colorado Buffaloes Are Dominating Transfer Portal Despite Rough Season

New Colorado football commit Danny Scudero revealed his thoughts on why the Buffs are dominating the transfer portal despite a difficult 2025 season.

Nov 1, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose State Spartans wide receiver Danny Scudero (10) runs in for the touchdown after the catch against the Hawaii Rainbow Wahine during the third quarter at CEFCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images | Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

A disappointing three-win season hasn't stopped the Colorado Buffaloes from landing several talented transfer portal players in recent days.

While coach Deion Sanders has certainly lost his fair share of players to the portal, the Buffs have so far rebounded with 16 transfer commits, primarily from Group of Six and FCS programs. Colorado's initial haul includes eight defensive linemen/EDGE rushers and two defensive backs, running backs, wide receivers and linebackers.

Dec 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Tulane Green Wave defensive lineman Santana Hopper (29) sacks North Texas Mean Green quarterback Drew Mestemaker (17) during the first half in the 2025 American Championship at Yulman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

In an interview with DNVR, former San Jose State wide receiver Danny Scudero shared his take on why he and so many other transfers have given their transfer commitment to Colorado.

"Obviously, the record (3-9) says what it says, but at the end of the day, you're going to a place where you can feel the love, but also feel the intensity in that building where everybody feels like they're locked in on the same page," Scudero told DNVR. "With talking to Coach Prime all the way down to some of their equipment guys, everybody is locked in on the same goal."

Danny Scudero on why guys want to come play for CU despite the down year:

“From talking to Coach Prime down to some of the equipment guys, everyone is locked in on the same goal…

When you have that type of similarity between everyone it makes you want to be a part of it”🗣️ pic.twitter.com/MM7lNZGh4p

— DNVR Buffs (@DNVR_Buffs) January 6, 2026

While Colorado's coaching staff has undergone a few changes this offseason, including the hiring of new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, Sanders' program has seemingly maintained its drive toward winning.

"When you have that type of similarity between everybody on staff, it makes you think, 'Well, I'd want to be a part of this," Scudero added. "I really felt that on my visit. I hope to say that the other guys that are visiting and have visited and committed felt the same thing. It was noticeable how locked-in everybody was on the visit and how eager everybody is to turn this thing around and how excited everybody is."

Danny Scudero's Projected Impact

Sep 27, 2025; Stanford, California, USA; San Jose State Spartans wide receiver Danny Scudero (10) catches the ball for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images | Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

Marion's unique "Go-Go" offense should allow Scudero and fellow 5-foot-9 wide receiver commit Kam Perry (Miami of Ohio) to be used in more than just the slot. "It's speed and speedy," Perry told DNVR regarding his relationship with Scudero.

At San Jose State this past season, Scudero caught 88 passes for 1,291 yards and 10 touchdowns, including four against the Wyoming Cowboys. The California native also totaled over 150 receiving yards against Central Michigan, New Mexico, Wyoming and Hawaii.

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

Expect Scudero, Perry and returner Quentin Gibson to all find success in Marion's offense as smaller wide receivers.

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Colorado Buffaloes' Transfer Portal Commits

Nov 16, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; New Mexico State Aggies linebacker Tyler Martinez (35) tackles Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed (10) during the first half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

As of Wednesday afternoon, "Coach Prime" owns 16 transfer portal commits.

• Wide Receiver Kam Perry (Miami of Ohio)
• Running Back Damian Henderson II (Sacramento State)
• EDGE Yamil Talib (Charlotte)
• EDGE Lamont Lester Jr. (Monmouth)
• Running Back Jaquail Smith (Sacramento State)
• Wide Receiver Danny Scudero (San Jose State)
• EDGE Balansama Kamara (Albany)
• Defensive Lineman Dylan Manuel (Appalachian State)
• Safety Naeten Mitchell (New Mexico State)
• EDGE Toby Anene (North Dakota State)
• EDGE Manny Ezeogu (James Madison)
• Defensive Tackle Tyler Moore (Coastal Carolina)
• Defensive Lineman Santana Hopper (Tulane)
• Linebacker Gideon Lampron (Bowling Green)
• Linebacker Tyler Martinez (New Mexico State)
• Cornerback Justin Eaglin (James Madison)