Last season at Incarnate Word, DeKalon Taylor made a habit of producing explosive plays.
Colorado is hoping Taylor can do the same this season in Boulder, but he’ll need some of the other newcomers to step up around him – especially the big guys up front.
More than a month after the Buffaloes’ spring game, nearly a dozen transfers have joined the herd, with the emphasis on offense thus far. Here’s a look at the newcomers that have been added so far this spring, with about a dozen scholarship spots still open.
Running back: The 5-foot-9, 166-pound Taylor is a speedster who got an opportunity to start in the backfield last season at Incarnate Word and took advantage. He rushed for 909 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 6.0 yards per carry. He had several runs of 30-plus yards, including a 97-yard touchdown. Also an exceptional returner, Taylor scored on a punt return last year. In the spring, CU head coach Deion Sanders said the staff planned to add two running backs, but Taylor is the only addition so far. There are only three other scholarship backs, so the Buffs could add another one or two.
Receiver: CU has signed three receivers this spring, adding some diversity to the group. Former Campbell star Sincere Brown is the biggest in the room (6-5, 190 pounds) after a breakout season in 2024 for the Camels, with 61 catches for 1,028 yards and 12 touchdowns. Hykeem Williams is another big receiver (6-2, 215) who was a five-star recruit out of high school before going to Florida State. He has the potential for a breakout year in 2025. The latest addition is a former Buff walk-on, Jack Hestera, who caught 52 passes for 689 yards and seven touchdowns over the last two years at Charlotte and Utah State. He brings experience and sure hands to the room. With 11 receivers now on scholarship, the Buffs could be done building this room.
Offensive line: This area has been a priority for two years and after adding four linemen in January, the Buffs have signed three more this spring. Xavier Hill (6-4, 318) was first-team all-conference at Memphis last year and he can play tackle or guard. He might turn out to be one of the best additions of the offseason. Last week, CU added former Maryland tackle Andre Roye Jr. (6-6, 294), who started seven games last year. Also added this spring was former Tennessee backup tackle Larry Johnson III (6-7, 348), who will compete for a starting role. The spring additions put CU at 14 scholarship linemen. There could be another one or two (particularly at center) on the way.
Cornerback: Sanders said during the spring that he hoped to add three corners, but that was before projected starter Colton Hood left for Tennessee. So far, the Buffs have added two more corners, so they could still be in the market for another one or two. Illinois State transfer Teon Parks has good size (6-1, 180) and had a good season in 2024, his first as a starter. He posted 43 total tackles, one interception and 13 pass breakups. Noah King also has good size (6-2, 200) as he comes over from Kansas State. He signed with K-State in December and enrolled in January, so he has yet to take a college snap, but he was a four-star recruit in the 2025 class. The Buffs have seven corners on scholarship.
Safety: Two safeties have been added this spring, which is how many Sanders said the Buffs would like to add. John Slaughter is a 6-2, 195-pounder who was a backup safety and special teams player at Tennessee. Former Auburn safety Terrance Love has joined the mix, too. The 6-2, 220-pounder was mainly a special teams contributor at Auburn. Love and Slaughter could both be poised for breakout seasons in a new environment. CU lost both 2024 starters to the NFL, but has six on scholarship thus far. CU could still add another safety, but it is a competitive room that includes Ben Finneseth, Carter Stoutmire, Tawfiq Byard and talented freshman TJ Branch Jr.
Based on the list of priorities Sanders gave during the spring, there are still a few areas the Buffs are likely to address. Sanders said he wanted to add a defensive tackle, one or two linebackers, a tight end and possibly a couple of centers. None of those positions have had additions yet this spring.
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