Early Signing Period: Colorado Signs Three G5 Players, More Expected

The Colorado Buffaloes may not have had nearly as big of a transfer haul as Deion Sanders' first class. However, they did manage to pick up a few critical signees on the first day of the Early Signing Period, including three from the Group of Five. 

Two of those transfers were from Conference USA, while one came from the University of Connecticut. 

Interior offensive lineman Yakiri Walker signed with the Buffaloes after spending the last three years with UConn. He was the starting center this past season. The Texas native will have two years of eligibility remaining. 

Also on the offensive line, UTEP's Justin Mayers will join the Buffs for the 2024 season. Mayers is a former All-Conference USA guard for the Miners. He has one year of eligibility remaining.

Finally, Liberty defensive back Preston Hodge was one of the more notable defensive back transfers this cycle. 247Sports had Hodge as the #4 safety in the portal. He had 48 tackles, three TFL’s, two interceptions, 10 passes defended and one forced fumble in 2023.

As the signing period continues into the weekend and the regular signing period looms, more G5 signees are expected. FIU offensive tackle Phillip Houston committed to Colorado earlier this week. 

Colorado currently have the last-ranked recruiting class in the Big-12, but the #1 overall transfer class, per 247Sports. Colorado have upwards of 16 transfers incoming with only six high school players, as of Thursday.