A four-star recruit, Hayden (5-11, 215 pounds) was considered the 24th-best running back by college recruiting analysts in 2022.  He played two seasons with the Buckeyes, rushing 130 times for 663 yards and six touchdowns.  Two players to join him with Colorado are defensive tackle Rayyan Buell and offensive tackle Payton Kirkland.

BREAKING: Ohio State RB transfer Dallan Hayden has committed to Colorado, he tells @SWiltfong_https://t.co/BShIARmmlP pic.twitter.com/8GDCfyEc0Y

— On3 (@On3sports) April 22, 2024

Deion Sanders and his team have seen several prominent players hit the NCAA transfer portal this spring.  Josh Newberg said, “Colorado is going to Binge and Purge.”   He may have a point, as Coach Prime’s recruiting efforts aren’t to be in vain, landing three recruiting commitments from this weekend.

Upon departing the program, Cormani McClain had the Buffaloes in his crosshairs, saying he was to “be a part of a real and great program.  I don’t wanna play for clicks.” On3 also reports that McClain has “USF, UCF, and Memphis” interested in his talent.  One recruiting tactic to land McCain is to offer him a role similar to Travis Hunter – playing offense and defense.   

Another transfer for the Buffs is defensive end J.J. Hawkins, who also decided to go portal surfing.

Colorado defensive lineman J.J. Hawkins has entered the transfer portal, @On3sports has learned.

The former Ole Miss transfer played in 10 games in 2023, starting in one against Oregon State. https://t.co/VNvB2Ek6qR pic.twitter.com/K7vgzytdhQ

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) April 22, 2024

Colorado’s starting quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, posted on social media, “If you’re not a player here, that means you’re not good enough.”  Some have considered it a challenge and other kids must be convinced it’s worth playing for the Pro Football Hall of Famer in Boulder. 

Nonetheless, the thirst for drama and suspense in playing for Deion Sanders will only be quenched once the Buffaloes contend for the national championship.

Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders and cornerback Travis Hunter are not just highly-touted, they are potential Heisman Trophy candidates for the upcoming 2024 regular season.  Their stellar performances led by Deion Sanders have sparked speculation that both athletes will choose to enter the 2025 NFL Draft.  If they do, their exceptional talent will undoubtedly attract the attention of professional teams.

However, Coach Prime told Bean why the rumor was unfounded and did not come from him.

“I have more than six owners that are friends.  I have more than six GMs that are friends.  You got to understand, I played 14 [seasons], and I worked another 17, I believe, in the NFL Network and CBS.  I know a lot of people.  Come on.  So I would I would never do that?  Before, I would disclose, if I was that stupid, I wouldn’t disclose the teams I would want them to play for.  I would disclose the several that I wouldn’t.  That’s stupid.  That’s stupidity.  I would never do that.”

In 2023, Shedeur Sanders passed for 3,230 yards, 27 touchdowns, and three interceptions for a 151.7 quarterback rating.  His impressive collegiate career stats include two seasons at Jackson State University.  Sanders has completed 914 of 1,331 passes for 10,219 yards, 97 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions, averaging 2271.03 total yards of offense, with a passer efficiency rating of 154.66.  Shedeur is also dangerous on the ground, rushing for 1,102 yards and 13 scores.

Hunter plays in the Buffaloes’ secondary and is effective as a wide receiver. On offense, he has 75 receptions for 909 receiving yards and nine touchdown receptions.     When he flips the script, he has five career interceptions, fifteen passes defended, a pick-six, and one fumble recovery in 17 games.

Deion Sanders believes the tandem of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter has the talent to be selected in the first round, and many pundits agree.