Deion Sanders and the Colorado football program had a packed house of fans in attendance for their spring game Saturday, but the program was dealt a significant blow on Monday.
According to Max Olson of The Athletic, as many as 15 Buffaloes scholarship players entered the transfer portal on Monday.
While Colorado’s football program seemed to be making significant strides under the leadership of Sanders, the mass exodus of scholarship players is a big loss.
Among the players entering the portal include some key offensive weapons from last year’s squad.
The Buffs’ leading running back from last season, Deion Smith, declared his intention to enter the portal, as did junior wide receiver Montana Lemonious-Craig, who led the team in receptions.
Update: 15 entries today. OLB Devin Grant has entered the transfer portal.
— Max Olson (@max_olson) April 24, 2023
Lemonious-Craig had just enjoyed a monster spring game, during which he caught three receptions for 154 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
The full list of players entering the transfer portal includes Lemonious-Craig, Davis, Jordyn Tyson, Grant Page, Chase Sowell, Jackson Anderson, Alex Harkey, Aaron Austin, Jason Oliver, Aubrey Smith, Xavier Smith, Oakie Salave’a, Shakaun Bowser, Devin Grant and Tyrin Taylor.
Since Sanders took over as Colorado’s head football coach, a total of 43 players have transferred out of the program, according to Olson.