This spring, the talk of the college football world has been Colorado football, especially after a wave of players left the program via the transfer portal earlier this month. Head coach Deion Sanders, the second-year frontman for the Buffs, downplayed the alarming number of players darting for the portal, believing the talent coming in would outweigh the production leaving.
On Sunday, Colorado earned a commitment from star defensive lineman and Pittsburgh Panthers transfer Dayon Hayes. A few hours later, the Buffs landed Texas Longhorns transfer and former four-star offensive line recruit Payton Kirkland. Coach Prime and the Buffaloes have made massive strides in acquiring high-end talent after losing double-digit players to the spring window of the transfer portal, including former five-star mega prospect Cormani McClain.
Payton Kirkland: Headed to Colorado
Payton Kirkland, one of the top offensive line recruits in the class of 2023, will head to the Colorado football program for the 2024 season. Kirkland, a former four-star prospect, committed to the Texas Longhorns out of Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Florida. The six-foot-five, 360-pound offensive lineman also held offers from the Oklahoma Sooners, Florida Gators, Miami Hurricanes, and Michigan State Spartans, among others.
BREAKING: Former Texas OL Payton Kirkland has Committed to Colorado, he tells @on3sports
The 6’6 350 OL will have 4 years of eligibility remaining
“Let’s continue building something special. Sko Buffs”https://t.co/suqDmKvzDZ pic.twitter.com/17Ss2UvqUy
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 21, 2024
Kirkland did not see game action as a true freshman. However, Texas posted one of the best seasons in college football last year. The Longhorns went 12-2 and 9-1 in conference, making the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history. They lost in the semi-finals against the then-undefeated Washington Huskies, 37-31.
Colorado Football: Replenished Offensive Line
Under first-year head coach Deion Sanders, the Colorado football program had a three-game improvement in the win column last season. However, they struggled on the offensive line, allowing a nation-leading 492 sack yards. Only Old Dominion allowed more sacks per game. Despite the constant pressure, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the son of coach Deion Sanders, threw for 3,230 yards and 27 touchdowns against three interceptions.
Alongside Texas Longhorns transfer Payton Kirkland, the Colorado Buffaloes will have almost an entirely new offensive line next fall. Transfers Kahlil Benson, Yakiri Walker, Justin Mayers, and Tyler Johnson will play a significant role in 2024. Benson appeared in 24 games with the Indiana Hoosiers since 2022. Meanwhile, Walker transferred from UConn, while Mayers comes from UTEP. Both were long-term starters. Additionally, a five-star prospect and the top offensive tackle in the class of 2024 per 247Sports, Jordan Seaton, will play for the Buffaloes next season.
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