Former Colorado All-American linked to SEC team in college football transfer portal

Just days before Colorado’s spring game, the Buffaloes lost one of their most promising young stars—and now he may be reuniting with a familiar face down South.

Sources confirm that Mississippi State has shown serious interest in former Colorado center Cash Cleveland, the true freshman All-American who stunned fans last fall by rising from walk-on to starter. With three years of eligibility remaining, Cleveland’s name in the portal has already turned heads across college football—especially in Starkville, where former Colorado offensive line coach Phil Loadholt now resides.

Cleveland’s departure hit hard. After anchoring the Buffaloes’ offensive line in the final four games of 2024, he posted elite protection stats—just one sack allowed over 296 offensive snaps. Originally a walk-on from IMG Academy, Cleveland earned Freshman All-American honors from On3, PFF, and 247Sports. His exit, reportedly sparked by a denied scholarship request, sent shockwaves through the locker room. Star lineman Jordan Seaton, also an IMG alum, shared on X: “Can’t even build a true brotherhood anymore… too much I and ME.”

Mississippi State’s interest makes sense. Their offensive line is rebuilding after losing Jesse Ramil and Jacorey Whitted to the portal—and Loadholt, now coaching the Bulldogs’ O-line, knows exactly what Cleveland brings. As one of Coach Prime’s most trusted assistants last season, Loadholt oversaw Cleveland’s growth first-hand in Boulder. Their reunion could offer the Bulldogs immediate experience and continuity up front.

Standing 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, Cleveland brings toughness, intelligence, and versatility across the line. He’s proven he can thrive in pass-heavy systems and SEC physicality won’t intimidate him. For a Mississippi State squad in need of instant-impact talent, he’s more than a stopgap—he’s a foundational piece.

For Buffs fans, Cleveland’s departure represents more than lost production—it’s a culture hit. His story embodied the program’s promise under Deion Sanders: opportunity earned, not given. Replacing that won’t be easy.