Colorado Buffaloes lineman Aiden DeCorte enters transfer portal after emotional message to Coach Prime

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Corder | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 6:46 PM ET

When Aiden DeCorte announced he was entering the transfer portal, it wasn’t just another name on the list—it was a heartfelt moment that reminded Colorado fans of the emotional weight behind every roster move.

DeCorte, a 6-foot-3 offensive lineman and long snapper who transferred to Colorado from Central Michigan, didn’t see game action last season. But his presence in the locker room clearly made an impact. On social media, he shared a message that resonated far beyond stats or depth charts.

“Coach Prime, thank you so much for taking a chance on me… you truly helped me become a better version of myself every day,” DeCorte wrote on X. With three years of eligibility and a projected 3.88 GPA, he enters the portal as both a student and teammate any program would welcome.

Thank you to the University of Colorado for everything you have done for me. Coach Prime, thank you so much for taking a chance on me. Coach you will have an ever lasting affect on my life, what you have done to help me and the rest of the team goes so much further than on the… pic.twitter.com/yveF1PjhWJ
— Aiden DeCorte “Vending Machine” (@AidenDecorte) April 22, 2025

Deion Sanders, never one to let a message like that go unanswered, fired back with his trademark blend of care and charisma. “I Love u 2 Life son. Let me know if or whenever u need me. I’m calling u this week,” Sanders replied.

I Love u 2 Life son. Let me know if or whenever u need me. I’m calling u this week. https://t.co/3Mv6P0sf9B
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) April 22, 2025

It’s a rare look into the kind of relationships Sanders builds with his players—relationships that go beyond the field and into lifelong mentorship. His response wasn’t just a quote. It was a window into the culture he’s trying to build in Boulder.

While DeCorte didn’t crack the rotation in 2024, his departure comes at a time when Colorado’s offensive line room is in flux. With Coach Prime aggressively retooling the trenches after allowing 43 sacks last season, every roster shift matters. DeCorte’s exit clears space for new talent, but his leadership and work ethic are the type you don’t easily replace.

For DeCorte, the portal represents opportunity. For Colorado, it’s a reminder that behind every transfer headline is a human story. Expect Buffaloes fans to keep an eye on where the young lineman lands next—because this goodbye felt more like “see you later.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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