Colorado made a significant transfer portal addition as it braces to lose some integral players.
On Monday, ESPN college football insiders Pete Thamel and Max Olson reported that defensive lineman Jehiem Oatis, ESPN’s top-ranked defensive player in its transfer portal rankings, committed to Colorado.
With 2024 Heisman winner cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders headed to the NFL Draft, the Buffaloes will look a lot different next season.
Adding Oatis is an excellent start to forging a new identity.
In announcing his decision, Oatis explained, “I feel like it’s beneficial for me, and I feel like I can give a lot of help to this season.”
“I will have a coach who I can depend on,” Oatis added.
The four-star recruit out of high school was a member of the 2022 recruiting class.
He spent his first three seasons at Alabama. In 29 games — including four in 2024 — Oatis had 57 tackles, five passes defended, three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
Colorado made significant defensive strides in Year 2 under Sanders, but it’s been led by its offense, which ranks 21st in scoring (34.5 points per game).
That could change with Sanders and Hunter going pro.
Sanders leads the Big 12 in numerous passing categories, including completion percentage (74.2 percent), passing yards (3,926) and touchdowns (35).
Hunter is first in the conference in receptions (92) and receiving touchdowns (14).
Losing Sanders and Hunter will be huge. But by adding Oatis, Coach Prime has softened those blows.
