The Colorado Buffaloes football team has been making waves in the sport for the past two years with their use of the transfer portal, as head coach Deion Sanders has been making changes to the roster since his arrival in Boulder. However, this strategy may have backfired when leading rusher Dylan Edwards decided to transfer to Kansas State. Edwards, who had 321 yards on 76 carries and a touchdown last season, also showcased his play-making abilities as a receiver with 36 catches for 299 yards and four touchdowns. He will have three years of eligibility remaining at Kansas State. Edwards’ transfer announcement came with a post on social media thanking Colorado for their support and showing his excitement for the new opportunity.
Edwards’ decision to transfer to Kansas State was influenced by his family ties to the program, as his father played for the Wildcats from 1992 to 1994. In his final season, Leon Edwards ran for 203 yards and two touchdowns. At Kansas State, Edwards will join quarterback Avery Johnson, who is set to take over as the starting quarterback following the departure of last year’s starter, Will Howard, who transferred to Ohio State in the offseason. Kansas State had a successful season last year, finishing with a 9-4 record and a win in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
The transfer of Dylan Edwards to Kansas State has brought attention to the impact of the transfer portal on college football programs. While the portal can be used to bolster a team’s roster with talented players, it can also result in key players leaving for other opportunities. The loss of Edwards, who was a versatile and productive player for Colorado, will require the Buffaloes to adjust their offensive scheme and find a replacement for his production. It remains to be seen how Sanders and the coaching staff will address this challenge and maintain the team’s competitiveness in the upcoming season.
Edwards’ departure from Colorado also prompted former players to voice their opinions about the program under Deion Sanders. One former player took a shot at Sanders’ coaching style, suggesting that some players may not want to play for “clicks,” implying that the focus on social media and publicity may not align with the values of all players. This criticism highlights the potential downsides of high-profile coaches using unconventional methods to attract and retain players. It raises questions about the balance between building a successful program and maintaining a positive team culture.
Moving forward, Kansas State will benefit from the addition of Dylan Edwards to their roster, as he brings a combination of rushing and receiving skills that can help elevate their offense. With his family connection to the program and ample eligibility remaining, Edwards has the potential to make a significant impact at Kansas State. Meanwhile, Colorado will need to regroup and find ways to replace Edwards’ contributions on the field. The transfer portal continues to shape the landscape of college football, providing opportunities for players to find new environments and teams to adapt to changing rosters. The impact of transfers on programs like Colorado and Kansas State underscores the importance of recruiting, player development, and maintaining a cohesive team culture in the dynamic world of college athletics.
