Five Uncommitted Transfers Who Could Complete Colorado’s Roster Overhaul

The Deion Sanders era at Colorado is defined by its velocity. The Buffaloes move fast, recruit faster, and are in a perpetual state of aggressive reconstruction. As the spring transfer portal window slams shut this Friday, that high-speed operation is entering its final, critical lap. Head coach Deion Sanders and his staff have already engineered a staggering overhaul, securing 35 transfer commits—the No. 17 class in the nation—to combat the 38 players who exited. Yet, a numbers gap remains, and specific, glaring needs on the depth chart persist. The final 72 hours are about surgical strikes, not volume. Here are five still-uncommitted prospects who could provide the final, transformative pieces to Colorado’s 2024 puzzle.

The Portal Push: Context for Colorado’s Critical Final Week

Let’s be clear: Colorado’s work in the portal has been impressive in scope and caliber. They’ve landed potential immediate starters like Texas receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. and under-the-radar gems like Sacramento State edge rusher Jaquail Smith. However, the exodus of talent, including five-star freshman offensive lineman Jordan Seaton and productive cornerback DJ McKinney, created holes that are not yet fully patched. The 2023 season was a masterclass in roster deficiency, particularly at linebacker and along the offensive line. While the Buffs have added bodies at these spots, the opportunity to add proven, high-level starters remains. This final window is about quality over quantity, targeting experienced players who can step in from Day One and change the complexion of a unit. The following players represent exactly that kind of opportunity.

Top Target: LB JB Brown, Kansas Jayhawks

If there is one name that should sit atop Colorado’s priority list, it’s JB Brown. The linebacker position was nothing short of a crisis for the Buffs in 2023, exploited ruthlessly by any team with a competent running game. The group lacked depth, size, and consistent playmaking. Brown checks every box. A two-year starter in the Big 12, he is a tackling machine with proven production against Power Five competition.

His 165 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles over the last two seasons speak to his consistency and nose for the ball. He is not just a fill-in; he would instantly become the leader and centerpiece of the linebacker room. Colorado has added other linebackers, but securing Brown would be the definitive statement that the soft underbelly of the 2023 defense has been fortified. This is the single most impactful move they could make before Friday.

• Key Attribute: Proven Power Five Production
• Immediate Impact: Day One starter and defensive signal-caller.
• Why Colorado Needs Him: To erase the glaring defensive liability that cost them multiple games last fall.

The Big Uglies: Fortifying the Trenches

The saga of Colorado’s offensive line continues. The unexpected departure of Jordan Seaton, a potential franchise left tackle, reopened a wound the Buffs thought was healing. The unit showed improvement this spring, but it remains a work in progress lacking in experienced, polished depth. The portal still holds a few linemen who could provide a major boost.

OG Philip Blidi, Indiana Hoosiers

A massive, powerful interior presence, Blidi started his career at Texas Tech before moving to Indiana. At 6’3″, 310 pounds, he brings a wealth of experience in major conferences. He’s a people-mover in the run game and has the strength to anchor against powerful defensive tackles. For a Colorado line that aims to be more physical, Blidi is a perfect fit at guard. He would compete for a starting job immediately and provide the kind of veteran stability that is invaluable in high-pressure road environments.

OT Kobe Weatherspoon, Ohio Bobcats

While Philip Blidi offers Power Five pedigree, Kobe Weatherspoon brings elite Group of Five performance. A First-Team All-MAC selection in 2023, Weatherspoon was a stalwart at left tackle for Ohio, starting 14 games. At 6’5″ and 303 pounds, he has the frame and footwork to protect the blindside. His technique and consistency are highly regarded. For Colorado, he represents a potential solution at tackle, allowing other players to slide into more natural positions. Landing a player of Weatherspoon’s accolades and experience this late in the portal cycle would be a major coup and directly address the void left by Seaton’s departure.

Secondary and Skill Position Depth

While line play is the priority, championship teams also find value in adding competition and depth at skill positions. Two players still on the board could provide exactly that for the Buffs.

S Jaden Mangham, Michigan State Spartans

Colorado’s secondary, while talented, saw significant turnover. Adding a player with the pedigree and size of Jaden Mangham would be a savvy move. The 6’3″, 200-pound safety started nine games for Michigan State last season, grabbing four interceptions and showcasing impressive ball skills. He is a long, rangy defender who can play in the box or over the top. With Shilo Sanders and Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig leading the safety room, Mangham would provide elite depth and a versatile third option, allowing defensive coordinator Robert Livingston to get creative with his packages. In a conference loaded with talented quarterbacks, you can never have too many defensive backs.

WR Jaden Smith, Charlotte 49ers

Yes, Colorado’s receiver room is stacked. But with the departure of Jimmy Horn Jr. and the constant search for dynamic playmakers, adding a weapon like Jaden Smith could be a low-risk, high-reward move. Smith is a big-bodied target (6’2″, 205 lbs) who led Charlotte in receiving last season. He is a physical player who excels in contested catch situations and could be a prime red-zone threat. In an offense that will spread the ball around, having another reliable, sizable target for Shedeur Sanders—especially in key short-yardage and scoring situations—could prove invaluable. He would add a different dimension to a receiver corps already rich with speed.

Predictions and the Path to a Complete Roster

The clock is ticking, and the competition for these remaining top talents is fierce. Based on need and fit, Colorado’s most likely and impactful gets would be JB Brown at linebacker and one of the offensive linemen, with Kobe Weatherspoon being the ideal target given his tackle experience. The staff’s ability to sell immediate playing time on a national stage is their greatest recruiting tool right now.

Prediction: Colorado lands at least two of the five players listed here, with a heavy push for Brown and Weatherspoon/Blidi. A successful final portal push would be defined by securing one premier linebacker and one starting-caliber offensive lineman. Doing so would transform the narrative from “they added a lot of players” to “they decisively fixed their biggest problems.”

Conclusion: The Final Pieces of the Puzzle

The Colorado Buffaloes have undertaken the most ambitious roster rebuild in modern college football history. The foundation for 2024 is set, with star power at the skill positions and a renewed sense of competition across the board. However, championships are won in the trenches and with defensive consistency. The spring portal window offers a rare second chance to address shortcomings. Targeting proven commodities like JB Brown and Kobe Weatherspoon isn’t just about adding players; it’s about installing keystones in areas that previously crumbled. If Coach Prime and his staff can close with this level of strategic precision, the Buffaloes won’t just be a fascinating story in 2024—they’ll be a materially better, deeper, and more dangerous football team ready to shock the college football world once again.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.