No team in the country recruits the transfer portal better than Deion Sanders and the Colorado football team.
The Buffaloes brought in a handful of impactful transfers last offseason and proved that Boulder is a premier destination for talented players in the portal. Although the transfer portal doesn’t officially open until Monday, Dec. 9, players from all over the nation have already announced their intention to enter.
With that in mind, here are 10 players that Deion Sanders and his Colorado football staff should target:
Kevin Concepcion, WR
Concepcion is the No. 1-ranked transfer wide receiver in the portal, according to 247Sports. The NC State transfer racked up 1,299 yards and 16 touchdowns on 124 catches over the last two seasons with the Wolfpack. Concepcion is expected to look at Colorado, Alabama, Auburn, Penn State and Kansas State, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.
Micah Hudson, WR
Hudson was a five-star recruit in the 2024 class and is the No. 2-ranked transfer wide receiver in the portal, according to 247Sports. The Texas Tech transfer caught eight passes for 123 yards in his true freshman season with the Red Raiders. The Colorado football team is a contender for Hudson’s services, according to Rivals.
Eric Rivers, WR
The Colorado football team can’t have enough talented receivers, especially with its top four pass catchers from 2024 headed to the NFL. Rivers totaled 1,172 yards and 12 touchdowns on 62 receptions this season for FIU. The No. 4-ranked transfer WR, according to 247Sports, finished the 2024 campaign among college football’s top five leaders in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
Brady Wilson, OL
Wilson is the No. 6-ranked transfer interior offensive lineman in the portal, according to 247Sports. The UAB transfer is a three-year starter with over 2,300 career snaps played for the Blazers. Wilson has the fifth-highest grade nationally among centers, according to Pro Football Focus, and the best PFF grade among AAC centers this season.
Xavior Gray, OT
Gray is the No. 2-ranked transfer offensive tackle in the portal, according to 247Sports. The Liberty transfer has the second-highest run-blocking grade among Conference USA tackles this season, according to PFF, and allowed just one sack on 528 snaps. The all-conference lineman could be a good fit opposite of left tackle Jordan Seaton.
Dillon Thieneman, S
Thieneman was the 2023 Big 10 Freshman of the Year and a Freshman All-American. The Purdue transfer has racked up 210 total tackles, eight PBUs and six interceptions over the last two seasons with the Boilermakers. Thieneman might be exactly what the Colorado football secondary needs after the loss of Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig and Shilo Sanders.
Jamel Johnson, CB
Johnson was a lockdown cornerback this season, only allowing opponents to complete 37% of their passes against him. The Temple transfer totaled 47 tackles, nine PBUs and two INTs in 2024 for the Owls. With Colorado football cornerbacks Travis Hunter and Preston Hodge headed to the NFL, Johnson would be a good fit alongside D.J. McKinney and Colton Hood.
Jaden Mickey, CB
Mickey is the No. 2-ranked transfer cornerback in the portal, according to 247Sports. The Notre Dame transfer was the Fighting Irish’s third CB in the rotation this season but entered the portal after four games to preserve a year of eligibility. Mickey will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Josiah Trotter, LB
Deion Sanders loves recruiting players with NFL pedigrees to the Colorado football team. Trotter is the son of former NFL Pro Bowler Jeremiah Trotter Sr. and the brother of Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. The West Virginia transfer racked up 93 total tackles (37 solo) and an interception for the Mountaineers in 2024.
Bryun Parham, LB
Parham is the No. 2-ranked transfer linebacker in the portal, according to 247Sports. The Washington transfer played in four games for the Huskies this season before entering the portal to preserve his final year of eligibility. Parham arrived at Washington after three seasons at San Jose State, where he amassed 199 tackles and 5.5 sacks across 32 games (24 starts).
Additional portal targets for Colorado football
Devon Dampier, New Mexico QB transfer — Accounted for 3,934 total yards of offense (2,768 passing, 1,166 rushing) and 31 total touchdowns (12 passing, 19 rushing) in 2024.
Ahmad Hardy, UL-Monroe RB transfer — Rushed for 1,351 yards and 13 TDs as a true freshman in 2024.
Barion Brown, Kentucky WR transfer — Has five career kick return touchdowns (most in SEC history).
JaVonnie Gibson, Arkansas-Pine Bluff WR transfer — The HBCU All-American recorded 1,215 receiving yards (No. 2 in FCS) and nine TDs (No. 1 in SWAC) in 2024.
Arlis Boardingham, Florida TE transfer — Hauled in 44 receptions for 417 receiving yards and six touchdowns over the last two seasons.
Jordan White, Liberty OL transfer — The No. 6-ranked interior offensive lineman in the nation, according to PFF, has lined up a visit to Colorado football later this month.
CJ Heard, FAU DB transfer — Racked up 73 tackles and a forced fumble as a freshman at FAU in 2024.
Cole Wisniewski, North Dakota State DB transfer — The former All-American safety has totaled 194 career tackles and eight interceptions.
Jamel Johnson, TCU DB transfer — Compiled 71 total tackles, three PBUs and one forced fumble in 2024.
Keeshawn Silver, Kentucky DL transfer — The former five-star recruit is “expected to be the highest-paid, non-quarterback transfer,” according to On3’s Pete Nakos.
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