Colorado’s outgoing star Kahlil Benson sends a heartfelt goodbye wish to Coach Prime & Co

Offensive lineman Kahlil Benson has shared a farewell message to the No. 23 Colorado Buffaloes. Benson has decided to leave the Buffaloes after one season with the team.

On Saturday, he thanked coach Deion Sanders and the team on X/Twitter for the opportunity and for helping him become a better player.

"Big Thanks To Coach Prime Coach Phil Loadholt And The Staff For Letting Me Showcase My Talents And To Be A Dominate Player. Also, The Guys On The Team For Keeping Me Motivated Always Remember To Believe And Never Stop Competing. Love Y'all, Will Always Be Family," Benson wrote.

Benson competed in nine games this season while dealing with injuries that prevented him from playing the entire season. The Buffaloes offensive line performed better in Coach Prime's second year with the program to protect quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

Colorado (9-4, 7-2 Big 12) finished the season with the most passing yards in their conference with 4,134 yards. On Dec. 28, the team ended their season with a blowout 36-14 loss to the No. 17 BYU Cougars (11-2, 7-2 Big 12) in the Valero Alamo Bowl.

On3's Pete Nakos reported on Jan. 2 via X/Twitter that Benson had entered the transfer portal. On Saturday, the offensive lineman confirmed on social media that he had left the Buffaloes to return to the No. 10 Indiana Hoosiers (11-2, 8-1 Big Ten) next season.

Benson played for Indiana for two seasons before transferring to Coach Prime's team on Dec. 9, 2023. He started 12 games for the Hoosiers at right tackle in the 2023 season. Indiana's offense was the fifth-best team in their conference in total yards with 5,543 yards. Benson joining the program could help the team continue to be among the best under coach Curt Cignetti.

Meanwhile, Deion has to help Colorado regroup in the offseason, as the team has lost several key players.

Colorado Buffaloes roster changes after 2024 season

Coach Prime may have difficulty leading his team to another bowl game next season. He will be without key players like Shedeur and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, who will enter the 2025 NFL Draft. The team has also lost players like Benson from the transfer portal.

On3 has shared that 20 players have transferred from the Buffaloes, with 12 already committed to new teams.

The NFL legend plans to stay in Colorado instead of joining his son in the NFL. He'll have five-star prospect quarterback Julian Lewis taking over his son's role as the new starter to lead the team next season.