The back half of college football’s Transfer Portal window would figure to be the slower part. Most players who are planning to change schools made up their minds several weeks ago, and entered the portal shortly after it opened.
When a standout player jumps in late in the process, it can send shock waves through the program and the fan base.
The Colorado Buffaloes have lost three dozen players to the portal (and signed almost that many newcomers) including stars like D.J. McKinney, Omarion Miller, Carder Stoutmire, Dallan Hayden and Dre’Lon Miller. Perhaps CU Head Coach Deion Sanders was aware and planning for these departures, maybe not. But they happened early in the process so the shock wears off while the pursuit of high caliber replacements continues.
The latest departure will be a tough one to rebound from.
Just shortly before the opening of the three day “no contact” window for all teams in regards to the portal, Colorado was hit with a bombshell when star left tackle Jordan Seaton – a starter since he stepped on campus to year ago, an All-Conference performer, and the third highest graded recruit to ever sign with CU back in 2024 – announced in an open letter that he too, was entering the portal.
It now appears that the player rated as the top available portal recruit out there is facilitating a bidding war. Asking price is starting at $2.5 million and it could go as high as $3 mil+ before he signs. That’s quarterback money, and a dollar figure that Colorado simply can’t match.
Seaton’s departure for a more lucrative stop will further exacerbate an already tenuous relationship between CU and many of it’s high dollar boosters, at least one of whom has stated that he’s not giving any more NIL money due to a lack of loyalty from the players who are the recipients of it. Booster Dan Stroh told The Denver Post, “We’re not just going to write checks and hope (the players) come,” he said. “You give them (that) check and the guy’s gone tomorrow. To hell with that. That ain’t happening to me. No allegiance, no money.”
Seaton’s departure leaves a huge hole in what was already going to be a rebuilt offensive line. The future first-round draft pick had led everyone around the program to believe he was staying in Boulder, only to do an about face and enter the portal. Rumored landing places include Oregon, Texas, LSU and Florida. Seaton is from the east coast and had previously developed a close relationship with Maryland Head Coach Mike Locksley, but the thought is that now, entering his junior season and what could be his final year in college football, he wants a chance to play for a playoff contender. He’s leaving behind some hurt feelings.
Last fall, Seaton was given the Colorado Heart Award, voted on by fans.
Now he’s headed to a different school to finish his college career.
Deion and Buffaloes Forced to Deal with Monster Transfer Portal Departure