Can Deion Sanders Fix Colorado’s O-Line After Losing Jordan Seaton?

Colorado’s offensive line is entering 2026 with a giant question mark — and perhaps its biggest test yet under Deion Sanders.

The Buffaloes lost all five starters from last season, but the departure that hurts most is Jordan Seaton. The former Colorado standout, ranked as ESPN’s No. 1 transfer tackle, left Boulder for LSU after the SEC powerhouse put together a major NIL package.

That loss has forced Colorado to rethink how it builds its offensive front. Instead of searching for one player to replace Seaton, the Buffaloes are focusing on something more practical: creating a deep and flexible offensive line that can survive the grind of a college football season.

And according to offensive run game coordinator Gunnar White, that process is already underway.

Colorado Is Testing Multiple Offensive Line Combinations

White explained that Colorado is deliberately moving players around during camp rather than immediately naming a permanent starting five.

The reason is simple. Offensive linemen need to be prepared for injuries, position changes and unexpected lineup adjustments.

“You got to have the best five to play at all times,” White said on Thee Pregame Network.

He also stressed the importance of building chemistry before the games begin. If an injury forces a reserve lineman into the lineup, Colorado does not want that player learning his responsibilities for the first time under the bright lights.

In other words, the Buffaloes are trying to avoid the classic football nightmare: one injury and suddenly everyone looks like they forgot the playbook.

Nine Transfers Give Deion Sanders Plenty of Options

Colorado has brought in nine transfer offensive linemen while retaining six players from last season’s roster.

That gives the coaching staff a large pool from which to construct its new front five.

Bo Hughley, who transferred from Georgia, is competing for the left tackle position. Larry Johnson III provides another experienced option on the outside, while Rutgers transfer Taj White is battling for opportunities on the right side.

The competition continues in the middle.

Demetrius Hunter and Lafayette transfer Sean Kinney are among the players fighting for the center job. Yahya Attia and Jose Soto are competing for guard roles, while Ohio State transfer Jayvon McFadden is also part of the mix.

Rather than viewing the crowded room as a problem, Colorado appears to see it as insurance.

Gunnar White Wants 10-12 Reliable Linemen

White believes the Buffaloes need more than just five capable starters.

His goal is to develop roughly 10 to 12 offensive linemen who can comfortably operate in different combinations.

“That’s what we’re working towards every day,” White said.

That depth could become one of Colorado’s most important assets in 2026.

Offensive line injuries are almost inevitable during a long season. Having multiple players capable of filling different positions allows coaches to make adjustments without completely rebuilding the unit every time someone goes down.

For Colorado, that versatility could matter even more after losing every starter from last year’s line.

Seaton’s Departure Comes After a Difficult 2025 Season

Replacing Seaton was already going to be difficult. The bigger concern is that Colorado’s offensive line struggled badly in 2025.

The Buffaloes finished 3-9, averaged only 125.6 rushing yards per game and surrendered 38 sacks.

Those numbers leave little room for another season of instability up front.

Seaton had started 22 games at left tackle during his two seasons in Boulder, making his departure a significant blow. But Colorado cannot spend the entire 2026 season trying to recreate one player’s production.

The answer has to be collective.

That becomes particularly important with quarterback Julian Lewis entering his second year. If Colorado wants its offense to take a meaningful step forward, Lewis needs better protection and a running game capable of taking pressure off the passing attack.

Brennan Marion Is Betting Big on the New Group

Colorado offensive coordinator Brennan Marion has already expressed significant confidence in the revamped offensive line, suggesting that the group could become the best O-line he has coached.

That is certainly an ambitious prediction.

Now the players have to turn that confidence into production when the season begins.

White’s approach is less about replacing Seaton statistically and more about making sure Colorado is not overly dependent on any one offensive lineman.

That philosophy could ultimately prove more valuable.

If the Buffaloes can develop a starting five with strong chemistry while also preparing several reliable backups, one injury or lineup change won’t necessarily derail the entire offense.

Colorado’s Biggest Challenge Could Become Its Biggest Strength

Jordan Seaton’s move to LSU unquestionably leaves a major hole in Colorado’s offensive line.

But the Buffaloes have responded by creating competition across virtually every position.

Instead of asking, “Who replaces Seaton?” the better question may be, “Can Colorado build an offensive line deep enough that losing one player no longer changes everything?”

That is the challenge facing Deion Sanders and his staff.

If the new-look unit comes together, Colorado could turn one of its biggest offseason losses into a surprising strength. If the chemistry never develops, however, the Buffs could once again find their offense spending too much time protecting the quarterback and not enough time attacking defenses.

For now, Colorado is betting on competition, versatility and depth. The real verdict will come when the Buffaloes finally trade practice reps for Saturdays.

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