Colorado is navigating a mass college football transfer portal exodus during the 2024 offseason. Despite their impressive recruiting efforts, Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes have lost many players. Former Jackson State football running back Se'Veon Wilkerson joined the list of players leaving the program on Tuesday.
After spending one season with Colorado, Wilkerson has entered the transfer portal, per On3. Wilkerson followed Deion Sanders to the Buffaloes in 2023 after playing with the renowned football coach at Jackson State a year prior.
Se'Veon Wilkerson had a breakout year with the Tigers in 2o22. He rushed for a career-high 1,167 yards and nine touchdowns. His production did not carry over to Colorado though. Wilkerson amassed 190 yards and three touchdowns with the Buffaloes in 2023. Now, he is looking for a new start.
Wilkerson is not the only player joining the list of departing Buffaloes. On3 learned that Freshman RB Dylan Edwards is also planning to enter the transfer portal. Edwards totaled 76 carries for 321 yards in 2023. In addition, he tallied 36 receptions for 300 yards and four TDs.
Edwards and Wilkerson should have no problems finding a program to contribute to. Colorado's running back depth has taken a hit. Nevertheless, Deion Sanders and company are on top of getting replacements.
It will be interesting to see who else the Buffaloes bring in to boost their offense. Colorado is retaining star quarterback Shedeur Sanders and wide receiver Travis Hunter. If they can add a supportive running back to take the pressure off their passing game, they should see an improvement in 2024-25.
Speaking of improvements, Colorado's players are playing a big role in adding to the team's recruiting efforts.
Colorado football continues to recruit despite exodus
Senior safety Shilo Sanders and brother Shedeur are making a concerted effort to increase the team's reach, given their social media activity in mid-April.
Shilo Sanders asked players on Instagram to direct message him if they were a defensive player interested in transferring to Colorado, while offensive players were to message Shedeur.
The brothers' moves came just after the Buffaloes lost receiver Tar’Varish Dawson, offensive tackle Savion Washington, safety Myles Slusher, offensive lineman David Conner, and defensive lineman Chazz Wallace.
Before that, OT Isaiah Jatta also entered the portal. It remains unclear how many players intend to leave the Colorado football program. Their exodus is alarming but should not be too big of an issue considering the talent they are bringing in.
The Buffaloes 2024 recruiting class is promising, and one of the top offensive linemen in the country is considering joining the program. Arkansas transfer OL Andrew Chamblee planned a trip to Boulder in mid-April as he assesses options for his next team.
If Colorado can develop its talent and continue to add through recruiting and the college football transfer portal, it will be poised for short and long-term success.
The Buffaloes finished at 4-8 after the 2023 season and were last in the Pac-12 standings. Their record was a three-win improvement from the previous year, but they leave more to be desired. Can Deion Sanders' squad leap and earn a bowl game berth in 2024-25?