Deion Sanders lands DL, RB in transfer portal

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders wasted little time attacking the transfer portal as The Buffaloes begin a roster overhaul after a difficult 2025 season. After a rough 3-9 campaign that included just one win over the Big 12, Sanders and his staff are clearly focused on adding proven production and upside on both sides of the ball.

One of the first passes came on offense. Sacramento State running back Damian Henderson II announced his commitment soon after the opening of the portal, and the news was first shared publicly by Hayes Fawcett.

“Sac State transfer RB Damian Henderson II has committed to Colorado, he tells On3 sports. Has totaled 91 carries for 565 yards and 5 TDs this season (6.2 IPC),” Favcett posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Henderson’s move to Boulder is closely tied to a recent coaching change in Colorado. Sanders hired former Sacramento State coach Brennan Marion as offensive coordinator after the season, and Henderson now follows Marion to the Buffs.

Henderson spent two seasons at Colorado State before transferring to Sac State for the 2025 season, where he became a productive part of Marion’s offense. Coming out of high school, he had three stars with offers from the Oregon Ducks, Washington Huskies, Arizona Wildcats, San Jose State Spartans and Colorado State Rams.

Colorado also looked to its defense, which struggled mightily in 2025. The Buffs ranked last in the Big 12 in yards allowed and were unable to consistently generate pressure. That context makes the addition of Monmouth Hawks defensive lineman Lamont Lester Jr. is especially crucial.

“Monmouth transfer DL Lamont Lester Jr. has committed to Colorado, Pete Nakos reports,” reported On3 on X, formerly Twitter.

Lester Jr., a freshman FCS All-American, enjoyed a stellar freshman season at Monmouth, recording 36 tackles and two forced fumbles. He joins former Charlotte 49ers defensive end Yamil Talib as part of Portal’s attack focused on defense, addressing an area that clearly needed a boost.

Portal’s additions come after a season that followed a 9-4 rout of Colorado when Travis Hunter won the Heisman Trophy and Shedeur Sanders won the Johnny Unitas Golden Hand Award. With both stars now in the NFL, 2025 exposed depth and consistency issues across the roster.

Despite speculation about the program’s direction after losses piled up, Colorado’s leadership remained steadfast in its support for Sanders. Now, with the 2026 season looming as a pivotal year, early wins by the likes of Henderson and Lester Jr. signal that Sanders intends to retool quickly and aggressively to get Colorado back on track.