Why Jordan Seaton transfer portal exit is a nightmare for Deion Sanders
Jordan Seaton leaves Colorado football for the transfer portal. Image Source: Ralphie Report
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders has suffered his most damaging roster loss yet, as star offensive tackle Jordan Seaton announced he is entering the NCAA transfer portal, ending his two-season run with the Buffaloes. The decision immediately reshapes the college football landscape, with Seaton becoming the top uncommitted non-quarterback in the portal and one of the most sought-after linemen in the country.
Seaton revealed the move in an Instagram post on January 12, calling his departure from Boulder “hard to put into words” while expressing gratitude to Sanders, his teammates, and Colorado fans.
Who Is Jordan Seaton? A Five-Star Cornerstone for Colorado
Seaton arrived at Colorado as a five-star recruit out of IMG Academy in Florida, ranked as the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2024 recruiting class and one of the most significant signings of Sanders’ early tenure.
The 6-foot-5, 330-pound lineman started immediately as a true freshman and went on to start 22 games at left tackle across two seasons. Despite missing Colorado’s final three games in 2025 due to injury, Seaton earned second-team All-Big 12 honors, cementing his reputation as a future first-round NFL Draft prospect.
Why Jordan Seaton’s Exit Hurts Deion Sanders the Most
Colorado finished the 2025 season 3–9, with an offensive line that ranked last in the Big 12, surrendering 38 quarterback sacks. Seaton was expected to be the anchor of a rebuilt offensive front, particularly with freshman quarterback Julian Lewis projected as a foundational piece of the offense.
Instead, his departure leaves a massive hole at left tackle, one of the most critical positions in college football, and removes a player Sanders had hoped would stabilize the program long term.
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Transfer Portal Chaos Continues for Colorado
Seaton’s decision comes amid a wave of departures. Colorado already had more than 30 scholarship players enter the transfer portal following the 2025 season, including multiple starters on both sides of the ball.
While Sanders has aggressively countered by bringing in 31 incoming transfers, Colorado’s transfer class currently ranks No. 22 nationally, and replacing an elite offensive tackle like Seaton is far more difficult than adding depth elsewhere.
Was NIL Money the Real Reason?
While neither Seaton nor Sanders publicly cited money as a factor, signs strongly suggest Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities played a major role.
Former Colorado wide receiver Omarion Miller, who also entered the portal, reacted to Seaton’s announcement with a telling comment: “Get yours brudda.” The remark fueled speculation that Seaton’s market value, already enormous, was simply too high for Colorado to match in the current NIL landscape.
According to 247Sports, Seaton ranks as the No. 4 overall transfer recruit, trailing only three quarterbacks, players who traditionally command the largest NIL deals.
What’s Next for Jordan Seaton?
Although Seaton technically has two years of eligibility remaining, he is widely expected to play one more college season before declaring for the NFL Draft, where he projects as a potential first-round selection.
With his size, experience, and résumé, Seaton is expected to command one of the largest NIL packages ever for an offensive lineman, making him a prime target for national title contenders seeking an instant upgrade.
A Parting Message Filled With Gratitude
In his farewell message, Seaton made it clear his exit was not rooted in dissatisfaction with Colorado.
“This chapter may be closing,” he wrote, “but the impact of this experience and the people who helped shape it will stay with me for life.”
FAQ
Who is Jordan Seaton?
Jordan Seaton is a former Colorado Buffaloes offensive tackle, five-star recruit from IMG Academy, and one of the top players in the 2026 transfer portal.
Why did Jordan Seaton leave Colorado?
While not officially stated, the move is widely believed to be driven by NIL opportunities and his rising market value as an elite offensive lineman.
Is Jordan Seaton entering the NFL Draft?
Not yet. Seaton is expected to play one more college season before declaring for the NFL Draft.
How good is Jordan Seaton?
Seaton started 22 games, earned All-Big 12 honors, and is considered a future first-round NFL pick.
How does this affect Deion Sanders?
Losing Seaton removes a cornerstone player from Colorado’s rebuild and creates a major hole on an already struggling offensive line.
How many players has Colorado lost to the transfer portal?
Colorado has lost more than 30 scholarship players following the 2025 season.
Where will Jordan Seaton transfer?
No destination has been announced, but top Power Five programs are expected to pursue him aggressively.
How much is Jordan Seaton worth in NIL?
Exact figures are unknown, but analysts expect Seaton to command one of the highest NIL deals for an offensive lineman in college football.
