Colorado Transfer Portal Analysis: Top 5 Buffs who've left Coach Prime for other teams 

While Colorado and "Coach Prime" tend to be the victors of the transfer portal, it doesn't mean they don't sustain losses. Even a team as successful as Colorado is destined to lose some contributors. In fact, at least 16 Colorado players have elected to move on in the portal.

Here's a rundown of the five biggest losses Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes have suffered.

Colorado Transfer Portal Analysis: 5 biggest Buffs losses

Linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green, making a tackle here, has decided to transfer to Alabama. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

#5. Morgan Pearson, LB/TE

Pearson was a three-star recruit from Oklahoma. He spent two seasons at Colorado and played a few snaps on special teams, but missed significant action. He was recruited as a linebacker, but shifted to tight end at Colorado. His versatility could be a big help at his next spot. Pearson's athleticism could allow him to make an impact on either side of the ball.

#4. Yakiri Walker, OL

A transfer from UConn, Walker spent three seasons with the Huskies. He redshirted in 2021, but then saw significant action in 2022 and 2023. Walker was one of the top linemen on the squad in 2023, which led him to transfer to Colorado. He saw action in just one game with the Buffs, but has two years left to play and could be a significant contributor at guard or center.

#3. Tyler Johnson, OL

Johnson came to Texas in 2019 and spent three years at the school, but only played in a single game. He transferred to Houston, where he played in 2022 and 2023. Johnson was an all-conference level played in two seasons with the Cougars, then transferred to Colorado in 2024.

Johnson played in only three games, but will now be able to play another season elsewhere. He was one of the top offensive linemen in the portal a season ago and should still be significant this time around.

#2. Dayon Hayes, Edge

A four-star recruit from Pennsylvania, Hayes spent four seasons at Pittsburgh. Hayes worked his way into increasingly more playing time there. In 2023, Hayes had 45 tackles and 11 tackles for loss. He also had four sacks and broke up four passes. Hayes transferred to Colorado for 2024.

He suffered a knee injury in the fourth game, ending his season with 16 tackles, including four tackles for loss. He still has a year to play as a medical redshirt, and has chosen to transfer to Texas A&M.

#1. Nikhai Hill-Green, LB

Hill-Green is about to embark on his fourth school in four seasons. He started at Michigan, redshirting in 2020. Hill-Green then did well as a redshirt freshman, making 50 tackles including two tackles for loss.

He then transferred to Charlotte for 2023, making 73 tackles with nine tackles for loss. Hill-Green then came to Colorado for 2024, finishing with 82 tackles and 12 tackles for loss. He's already announced his remaining season will come at Alabama in 2025.

What do you think of Colorado's portal losses? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.