What's Happening?
Two key freshmen from the University of Colorado's football team, defensive tackle Brandon Davis-Swain and offensive lineman Carde Smith, have announced their intention to enter the transfer portal. Davis-Swain,
a redshirt freshman, was a significant part of Colorado's defensive line rotation, having played the second-most snaps among interior defensive linemen last season. He recorded 15 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass deflection. Smith, a true freshman, was the second-highest rated prep recruit for Colorado in 2025, following quarterback Julian Lewis. Although he played in three games as a special teamer and redshirted his first collegiate season, Smith was expected to take on a larger role in the offensive line next year. Both players are seeking new opportunities, with Davis-Swain having three years of eligibility remaining and Smith four.
Why It's Important?
The departure of these two players is significant for the Colorado football program, which has already seen five players leave via the transfer portal in the last three days. Davis-Swain's exit impacts the defensive line's depth and experience, while Smith's departure affects the future of the offensive line, where he was anticipated to play a crucial role. These losses could influence the team's performance in upcoming seasons, as they lose promising talent that was expected to contribute significantly. The transfer portal has become a critical component of college football, allowing players to seek better opportunities, but it also poses challenges for teams in maintaining a stable and competitive roster.
What's Next?
As the transfer portal opens on January 2, Colorado will need to address these gaps in their roster, potentially looking to recruit new talent or attract transfers to fill the void left by Davis-Swain and Smith. The coaching staff will likely focus on strengthening their recruitment efforts to mitigate the impact of these departures. Additionally, other players on the team may need to step up to fill the roles vacated by these freshmen. The situation highlights the dynamic nature of college football rosters and the ongoing need for strategic planning by coaching staff to maintain team competitiveness.
