Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes are rolling into 2026 with an average roster age of 20.63, a number that immediately puts them tied for the 16th oldest team in the entire FBS. This isn’t just a random stat, it’s a direct consequence of their all-in approach to the transfer portal.
The Portal Puts Some Miles On
Under Coach Prime, the Buffs have gone hard on the transfer portal every single offseason, grabbing 40-plus transfers this year alone. That’s the new blueprint in college football, right? Focus on current production over long-term development. The data from RotoWire shows this strategy totally flips the script on roster age across the board, making most teams a little bit older since the portal got so big. So when you see Colorado rocking an average age that’s practically college senior level, it makes sense given how much they lean on the portal.
How Colorado Stacks Up (And Who’s Even Older)
Let’s put that 20.63 in perspective. In the Power Four, Colorado is the fifth-oldest team out there. Zoom in on the Big 12, and they are the third-oldest. Who’s got more mileage than the Buffs in their own conference? Only Oklahoma State and UCF. On the flip side, Georgia is rolling with the country’s youngest squad at 19.81, thanks to landing those top-tier freshman recruiting classes. And the absolute oldest team? That’d be UTSA, clocking in at 21.02, a team that prioritizes development and keeps its players in the program for three to four years. Different strategies, wildly different results.
This push for a more seasoned roster, built through the portal, means Colorado isn’t just playing college football, they’re playing a more experienced brand of it. What will that blend of talent and veteran presence bring to the field this season? We’re all waiting to see if this older approach pays off in a big way.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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