Coach Prime loses CU’s star player to the portal

Colorado’s highest-rated signee in more than a decade is leaving the Buffaloes program.

CU Buffs star offensive tackle Jordan Seaton plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal after two seasons with the Buffaloes, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. The departure is a significant blow for coach Deion Sanders as the program tries to build around rising sophomore quarterback Julian Lewis.

Seaton, a 6-foot-5, 295-pound sophomore, was a rare Five-Star Plus+ recruit and the No. 18 overall prospect in the 2024 class according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He also ranked as the nation’s No. 1 offensive tackle and No. 5 prospect in Florida coming out of high school.

The left tackle started all 13 games as a true freshman and earned Freshman All-American honors. He was the highest-graded true freshman offensive tackle in pass protection among players with at least 100 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, and didn’t allow a sack in 11 of his first 13 career games.

Prior to his second season in Boulder, Seaton earned multiple preseason All-American and All-Big 12 nominations. As a sophomore, he was one of the country’s premier pass protectors, posting a 91.4 PFF pass-blocking grade through the first month of 2025 — the highest mark in the nation at that point. He had his struggles in the run game, but earned second-team All-Big 12 honors and was a midseason All-American according to multiple outlets.

Coach Prime has been aggressive in the portal this cycle, landing Biletnikoff Award finalist Danny Scudero from San Jose State and defensive back Boo Carter as the Buffaloes try to load up around Lewis. But losing their blindside protector with two years of eligibility remaining just before he’s likely to be a first-round pick in the NFL Draft creates a glaring hole on the offensive line.

Prime has had to make a love of moves coming off a 3-9 season and having now lost their three best players to the portal.

The transfer portal window closes on Thursday. As the season ended, it seemed Seaton would leave, but he stayed. With him waiting so long, plus all the changes, some fans had their hopes grow that he would stay. However, Seaton will instead enter the market as one of the most sought-after targets available.

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