Report: Deion Sanders, Colorado Lose LB Nikhai Hill-Green to Transfer Portal

Colorado linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green is planning to enter the transfer portal, according to Pete Nakos of On3.com.

Hill-Green initially transferred to Colorado after spending the 2023 season with Charlotte, earning All-Big 12 Second Team honors in his lone year with head coach Deion Sanders' program.

He was a key member of a Buffaloes defense that made improvements across the board from 2023 to 2024, helping the team progress from 4-8 to 9-3.

In 12 appearances, Hill-Green racked up 82 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, two sacks and two interceptions.

Dealing with losses in the transfer portal isn't new for Sanders, as the team underwent roster turnover ahead of his first season in 2023 as well as the 2024 offseason. Portal additions such as Hill-Green have been key to the Buffaloes' turnaround this year, and Coach Prime doesn't appear to be worried about navigating through an eventful offseason again.

Colorado also received some good news on Monday, as linebacker Jeremiah Brown chose to withdraw from the transfer portal and return to the school in 2025 (via Nakos). Brown has tallied 17 tackles and a pass defensed in 16 appearances over the past two seasons and could be in line for a larger role following Hill-Green's departure.

The Buffaloes will likely look vastly different in 2025, as quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter are both expected to hear their names called in the NFL draft.

In order for Colorado to remain a contender in its second season as a member of the Big 12, continuing to improve on the defensive side of the ball will be crucial.

The Buffaloes have allowed 353.7 yards per game in 2024, the eighth-highest mark in the conference.