WHICH CU FOOTBALL TRANSFERS WILL MAKE THE BIGGEST IMPACT IN 2024?
The roster overhaul hasn’t been as big as it was a year ago — yet — but head coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes will once again be counting on several transfers to play key roles if they are to make some noise in their return to the Big 12Conference this year.
Sanders has said multiple times that he wanted to go out and get experienced starters through the transfer portal this offseason, and he’s certainly done that. Where exactly those transfers fit in and how much of an impact they’ll make remains to be seen, but here’s a look at the 10transfers that could be the most impactful during the 2024season
One of the better defensive linemen in the Pac-12, he was second-team All-pac-12last season after putting up 39tackles, 11.5tackles for loss and six sacks. He also had 11quarterback hurries. CU needs impact in the trenches on defense and Green is arguably the best pickup of the offseason.
Given the amount of talent and experience returning to the Buffs’ secondary, it’s unclear where Hodge fits in, but he’ll find his way on the field. He had 48tackles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions and 10passes defended in 2023, helping Liberty to a 13-0 regular season.
It’s been well documented how much Sanders wanted to revamp his offensive line. Five experienced FBS starters — and top prep recruit Jordan Seaton — have all joined the herd, but Mayers might be the best transfer of the bunch. He earned All-conference USA honorable mention the past two seasons, starting all 24games for the Miners at left guard. He’s allowed just two sacks in the past two seasons. Like Hodge, it’s tough to project where he’ll fit in, especially with Travis Hunter and Cormani Mcclain both back at corner. But, like Hodge, it might be tough to keep him off the field. He wasn’t a starter at OSU but played 596snaps and led Cowboys’ corners in tackles (38) and had five pass breakups in 2023.
CU never had a true tight end last year, but Metayer fits the mold. He caught 23passes for 258 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore at Cincinnati in 2023 and will look to make an impact as a receiver and blocker.
Another key piece to the puzzle on the defensive front, Nwankwo played four seasons at Houston with 32starts, posting 95tackles, 13tackles for loss and five sacks in his career. In 2023, Nwankwo played 10games, posting 25tackles, five tackles for loss and a sack.
With Jordan Domineck graduating, the Buffs need pass rushing help and Okunlola provides it. Last season, in 11games for the Panthers, Okunlola recorded 18tackles, six tackles for loss and five sacks. He also forced a fumble and had a fumble recovery.
Sheppard led Vandy in receptions, yards and touchdowns the past two years. He had 47catches for 684yards and eight scores this past season. In four seasons with the Commodores, Sheppard caught 152passes for 2,067yards and 21touchdowns. Once he gets here in the summer, he figures to be a favorite target of quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
CU needs someone to step up at linebacker and Wade is a candidate to do that as he hopes to become a starter for the first time in college. Last year, he played in all 12regular season games, recording 35tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, three quarterback hurries and a blocked kick. He also made an impact as a true freshman reserve in 2022with the Wildcats.
Has the potential to be one of the most exciting players on the field this year. He set FAU single-season records for catches (108) and receiving yards (1,168) this past season, ranking second nationally in receptions. He caught 252passes for 2,703yards and 21TDS in four years with the Owls. In addition, he was an FWAA first-team All-american as a punt returner this year, as well as being named the AAC special teams player of the year.