With Deion Sanders’ Colorado team off to a 1-2 start, it wouldn’t be shocking if some of Colorado’s top players considered the transfer portal. Their season had a tough start, with rumors circulating about Sanders’ potential retirement due to health problems. Since then, Colorado has struggled to find its identity early in the year. Here are five Buffs players who might consider the portal jump.
5 Colorado Players Who Could Enter the Portal
Julian Lewis, QB
Lewis was a four-star recruit who came to Colorado this year. But so far, Lewis has spent his time sitting and watching. He is 2-for-4 passing on the year for 8 yards so far. Particularly if Deion Sanders sticks with Week 3 starter Ryan Staub as his top QB, sophomore Staub definitely blocks the freshman Lewis from seeing more time in the years ahead.
Jordan Seaton, OT
Seaton, who was a massive prospect heading into last season, started every game for Colorado in 2024 as a true freshman. The massive tackle will have an opportunity to see playing time for virtually any power conference school. The 6’5″, 330-pound Seaton has both the size and the skill set to be a significant starting tackle at almost any program. He’d be hard to replace if he decided to leave Colorado for the transfer portal.
Joseph Williams, WR
Williams is another returnee who had a significant role in 2024, albeit at another school. Williams caught 30 passes for 588 yards and five touchdowns at Tulsa last year. He’s grabbed eight catches for 117 yards and a score, and the 6’2″ sophomore target would not have difficulty finding other power conference teams that would be interested in adding him. Given his size and speed, he’s a potentially significant contributor at his next stop.
DJ McKinney, DB
The 6’2″ cornerback played a bunch as a freshman in 2024, finishing the year with 62 tackles, nine pass breakups, and three interceptions. He has nine stops and another interception so far in 2025. A product of the Texas high school system, McKinney would not struggle with picking a new school. He’d be an intriguing prospect for the vast majority of teams and could elect to take his chances at another school instead of sticking at CU.
Tawfiq Byard, S
Byard, who transferred over from South Florida, has been a busy man in the 2025 season with the Buffs. He leads the team with 19 tackles on the year, including 1.5 tackles for loss. Byard doubtlessly came to Colorado to learn college football from one of the sport’s elite defensive mentors. He’s also 6’1″ and has both a nose for the football and an ability to bring the hammer on opposing rushers or receivers. Byard could be the guy to watch.
Read More:
Potential Kaidon Salter Portal Landing Spots
Possible Julian Lewis transfer portal spots
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