Deion Sanders, Colorado Lose Former 4-Star Prospect to Transfer Portal

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Deion Sanders, Colorado Lose Former 4-Star Prospect to Transfer Portal

Colorado Buffaloes running back and former four-star prospect Dallan Hayden intends to enter the transfer portal in January.

The 5-foot-10, 205-pound Hayden rushed for 326 yards and a touchdown on 4.7 yards per carry this season. He transferred to Colorado ahead of the 2024 season after beginning his career at Ohio State.

Hayden saw an increased workload in Colorado’s final four games, totaling 44 carries and 199 rushing yards. Only running back Micah Welch (384) and quarterback Kaidon Salter (356) had more rushing yards than Hayden, who is expected to have one year of eligibility remaining, according to On3.

Defensive end Samuel Okunlola also plans to enter the portal when it opens on Jan. 2. Colorado is expected to see at least 19 players enter the portal.

What to Know About Dallan Hayden and the Colorado Buffaloes

Colorado Buffaloes running back Dallan HaydenMark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

247Sports ranked Hayden the nation’s No. 19 running back and the No. 7 player in Tennessee during the 2022 signing class. For his career, Hayden has rushed for 1,185 yards and eight touchdowns on 4.5 yards per attempt. He has also recorded 26 receptions for 168 yards.

In a 2021 scouting report, 247Sports’ Allen Trieu praised Hayden as a “physical runner who will lower his shoulder and initiate contact when he needs to.”

“Runs hard, and does not stop on contact,” Trieu wrote. “Shows wiggle and elusiveness but mostly appears to be a one-cut-and-go back. Has shown that he can catch the ball and run routes and uses his physicality as a pass-blocker as well.”

Hayden’s potential impending departure comes after a disappointing 3-9 season for the Buffaloes, Colorado’s second losing season in Deion Sanders’ three years as head coach. Opponents outscored the Buffaloes 366–251, and Colorado lost eight of its nine Big 12 games.

Colorado opens the 2026 season against Georgia Tech on Saturday, Sept. 5. The Buffaloes also have nonconference games against Weber State (Sept. 12) and at Northwestern (Sept. 19).

Sanders and the Buffaloes signed 12 players during the early signing period, led by four-star linebacker Carson Crawford (Carthage, Texas) and four-star safety Preston Ashley (Brandon, Miss.). 247Sports ranks Colorado’s signing class No. 76 nationally and No. 12 out of 16 Big 12 programs.

Related: Deion Sanders, Colorado Set to Replace Hall of Famer on Coaching Staff

Related: Former Colorado Defender and Deion Sanders Recruit to Enter Transfer Portal

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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