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 12 Conference 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 10 transfers that could be the most impactful during the 2024 season.
DL BJ Green (Arizona State), 6-foot-1, 270 pounds, Sr.: One of the better defensive linemen in the Pac-12, he was second-team All-Pac-12 last season after putting up 39 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. He also had 11 quarterback hurries. CU needs impact in the trenches on defense and Green is arguably the best pickup of the offseason.
DB Preston Hodge (Liberty), 6-0, 195, Sr.: 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 48 tackles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions and 10 passes defended in 2023, helping Liberty to a 13-0 regular season.
OL Justin Mayers (UTEP), 6-4, 320, Sr.: 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 24 games for the Miners at left guard. He’s allowed just two sacks in the past two seasons.
CB D.J. McKinney (Oklahoma State), 6-0, 174, So.: 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 596 snaps and led Cowboys’ corners in tackles (38) and had five pass breakups in 2023.
TE Chamon Metayer (Cincinnati), 6-5, 245, Jr.: CU never had a true tight end last year, but Metayer fits the mold. He caught 23 passes 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.
DL Chidozie Nwankwo (Houston), 5-11, 295, Sr.: Another key piece to the puzzle on the defensive front, Nwankwo played four seasons at Houston with 32 starts, posting 95 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and five sacks in his career. In 2023, Nwankwo played 10 games, posting 25 tackles, five tackles for loss and a sack.
Edge Samuel Okunlola (Pittsburgh), 6-4, 245, So.: With Jordan Domineck graduating, the Buffs need pass rushing help and Okunlola provides it. Last season, in 11 games for the Panthers, Okunlola recorded 18 tackles, six tackles for loss and five sacks. He also forced a fumble and had a fumble recovery.
WR Will Sheppard (Vanderbilt), 6-3, 205, Sr.: Sheppard led Vandy in receptions, yards and touchdowns the past two years. He had 47 catches for 684 yards and eight scores this past season. In four seasons with the Commodores, Sheppard caught 152 passes for 2,067 yards and 21 touchdowns. Once he gets here in the summer, he figures to be a favorite target of quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
LB Keaten Wade (Kentucky), 6-4, 245, Jr.: 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 12 regular season games, recording 35 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, three quarterback hurries and a blocked kick. He also made an impact as a true freshman reserve in 2022 with the Wildcats.
WR LaJohntay Wester (Florida Atlantic), 5-11, 167, Sr.: 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 252 passes for 2,703 yards and 21 TDs 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.
