Saddening; Colorado football’s newly strengthened offensive line in disarray as Deion Sanders’ key OL jumps ship to transfer portal
One of Colorado’s biggest issues during Deion Sanders’ rookie season was the team’s offensive line. Despite getting off to a strong start with a 3-0 record, the Buffaloes finished the 2023 season with a record of 4-8, with struggles down the stretch being a major factor in the team’s decline.
While the program worked diligently to resolve issues ahead of the 2024 season, the team faced a major setback. Offensive guard Jack Bailey entered the transfer portal as a graduate student after just one season in Colorado.
Bailey arrived in Boulder from Kent State as one of several players Sanders scouted through the transfer portal last offseason and started 12 games. As a graduate, he can enter the portal at any time outside the transfer window without penalty. Possible reasons for Jack Bailey’s departure
Jack Bailey followed head coach Sean Lewis and offensive line coach Bill O’Boyle from Kent State to Colorado after becoming members of Deion Sanders’ coaching staff. The transfer was easy. In 2022, he played in 12 games under the guidance of two coaches. However, Lewis and O’Boyle, who served as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, respectively, have since left Colorado.
Lewis was hired as the new head coach at San Diego State, and O’Boyle teamed up with Northwestern as the new offensive coordinator. Their departures are believed to have influenced Jack Bailey’s decision to leave Buffalo. He has one year left on his contract and the defender wants to join a team where he is guaranteed to play. He is one of 14 players to transfer from the program.
Major addition to the Colorado offensive line ahead of the 2024 season
Improving the offensive line has been a key aspect of Colorado’s offseason strategy after Colorado allowed the second-most sacks in the Football Bowl Division in 2023. The Buffaloes acquired Tyler Johnson (Houston), Phillip Houston (FIU), Jakari Walker (UKON), Justin Myers (UTEP) and Khalil Benson (Indiana) through the transfer portal.
Five-star prospect Jordan Seaton has also committed to the 2024 class. A strong, reliable offensive line is essential to a team’s success because it protects the quarterback and creates opportunities for the offense to be effective. Deion Sanders and his team are hoping things improve for next season.
