Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Deion Sanders, Colorado Dealt Bad News on Saturday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jan 10, 2026 1:40 PM ET

In his third year with the Colorado Buffaloes, Deion Sanders went 3-9 and failed to reach bowl eligibility. It's the team's worst season under his leadership after it went 4-8 in 2023 and 9-4 in 2024.

Since the transfer portal opened on Jan. 2, the Buffaloes have lost 32 players, with the latest departure occurring on Saturday. CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz reported that Colorado safety Carter Stoutmire will be entering the portal.

The defense struggled in 2025, ranking 112th in points allowed per game (30.5) and 123rd in total yards allowed per game (425.7). However, Stoutmire put together a solid season.

He appeared in eight games, making seven starts. In that time, he racked up 38 tackles, five pass breakups, two quarterback hurries and one forced fumble.

Colorado Buffaloes safety Carter Stoutmire (23).Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Coming out of high school in the 2023 cycle, he was a three-star recruit, the No. 83 cornerback and the No. 869 player in the nation, per Rivals Industry Rankings. He has spent his entire collegiate career with the Buffaloes.

Stoutmire committed to Colorado and Sanders despite having offers from the Arizona Wildcats, Penn State Nittany Lions, SMU Mustangs, Kansas Jayhawks and Mississippi State Bulldogs.

He enters the portal with 92 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 12 pass deflections and two forced fumbles through three years.

As for Colorado, it will look to replenish its departing talent through the portal. The sting of Stoutmire's departure is lessened, considering Sanders has already landed three defensive back transfers.

That includes cornerback Cree Thomas (Notre Dame), cornerback Justin Eaglin (James Madison) and cornerback Naeten Mitchell (New Mexico State).

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

More must-reads: