Colorado football kicked off its spring practices on Monday, debuting the new-look Buffaloes, who are looking to flip the script on the program after a disappointing 3-9 season.
It’s another offseason with incredible turnover, with the Buffs bringing in over 40 new transfers from across the college football world. While last year’s roster never quite came together, this time will be critical for Colorado’s renovated coaching staff to bring this group up to the task of competing in the Big 12 Conference.
Advertisement
The transfers will be key to transforming the team, so here are five to keep an eye on as the team begins to gel.
CB Justin Eaglin
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan (11) attempts to make a catch over James Madison Dukes cornerback Justin Eaglin (30) during the second quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Fresh off a fantastic performance against Oregon in the College Football Playoff, Eaglin looks poised to take the next step and become a solidified top cornerback for a Power 4 team. Luckily for the former JMU star, Colorado lost their top corner in DJ McKinney, creating a huge gap in the secondary. Eaglin excelled at generating turnovers last year in the Sun Belt Conference, something the Buffs lacked in 2025. Look for Eaglin to do the same in the spring to claim that top spot.
Advertisement
WR Ernest Campbell
Refugio’s Ernest Campbell watches team practice at the high school on Aug. 4, 2023, in Texas.
Colorado brought in so many talented wideouts in the portal, yet none excite me more than Campbell. The speedster was incredibly explosive under new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion at Sacramento State last season. While he has some development to do on the technical side, speed is one thing you can’t teach. He’s bound to have at least a few explosive highlights this spring, but there’s still time to get on the hype train.
S Boo Carter
Sep 20, 2025; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Boo Carter (23) returns a punt against the UAB Blazers during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
Carter was one of the biggest names the Buffs landed in the portal, but there are numerous questions surrounding the young safety. The most significant, in my mind, is how he can bounce back after playing only eight games in 2025 due to discipline issues. With the roster turnaround, the Buffs are looking for leaders, and Carter could be the perfect fit as long as he has the play to back it up.
Advertisement
LB Tyler Martinez
Linebacker Tyler Martinez drops back in pass coverage as the Aggies opened their season on Saturday night against the Bryant Bulldogs at Aggie Memorial Stadium.
Along the same lines as Carter, Martinez missed most of the 2025 season, though his absence was due to injury. When he wasn’t hurt, Martinez was one of the best players on the field for New Mexico, and he comes in at a needed position for the Buffs. How Martinez can bounce back and provide solid tackling for the Buffaloes will be critical in the season. Colorado was one of the worst run-stopping teams in the nation last year, and having great tacklers like Martinez back to full strength will go a long way in making sure that doesn’t happen again.
OT Bo Hughley
Georgia offensive lineman Bo Hughley (59) celebrates as Sanford Stadium is turned red as the game goes into the fourth during the second half of a NCAA college football game against UAB in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023.
Hughley is listed here because he is the most likely replacement for star left tackle Jordan Seaton, but you could replace him with any transfer offensive tackle, and it would be justified. Colorado’s offensive line might have been its weakest unit down the stretch in 2025, and for the sake of freshman quarterback Julian Lewis, it cannot be at that level again. Hughley’s ability to excel and protect Lewis’ blind side will be a major point of contention leading up to the season and throughout the spring.
Advertisement
Contact/Follow us@BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football spring practice transfer players to watch
