Sad News: Colorado’s projected starting center entering the transfer portal

Improving Colorado’s lackluster offensive line has been a focal point for the Buffaloes since Deion Sanders took over, and while the 2024 unit showed improvements, there was still work to be done to compete in the Big 12.

Unfortunately for the Buffaloes, that task just got tougher as Freshman All-American center Cash Cleveland is hitting the transfer portal, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.

Cleveland played in six games during his true freshman season, making his debut against Arizona. He went on to start in the final four games of the season, playing 296 snaps and only allowing one sack and two hurries.

The former three-star recruit became the first true freshman walk-on to start at center for the Buffaloes in week 10 against Utah. In his four starts, Cleveland provided much-needed stability to the position after Hank Zilinskas’ struggles. Cleveland and Zilinskas have both entered the portal this offseason.

Playing his last season at IMG Academy, Cleveland played alongside fellow star freshman left tackle Jordan Seaton.

With the departure of Cleveland, the starting job at center will likely fall to Louisiana Tech grad transfer Zarian McGill. As a Bulldog, McGill played in all 12 games, with three starts at center.

The Buffaloes brought in Xavier Hill, an offensive lineman transfer from Memphis, last week, who can provide the team with some position flexibility as well. Hill played a staggering 916 offensive snaps and was the Tigers’ highest-rated player by Pro Football Focus last season.

If Colorado hopes to compete with an ever-improving Big 12, they have to continue to improve their offensive line in the spring portal season.

With the Buffaloes’ starting center now up in the air, the team will get a better look at their options during their spring game.

Colorado’s spring game will be this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. MT and televised on ESPN2.