The Colorado Buffaloes, under head coach Deion Sanders, have landed a significant addition through the NCAA transfer portal: former Alabama running back Richard Young. The blue-chip recruit committed to the program on January 17, 2026, marking another notable move for Coach Prime as he continues to reshape the roster in Boulder.
Young, a highly touted prospect out of Lehigh Acres (FL) Lehigh Senior High School, arrived at Alabama as a four-star recruit in the 2023 recruiting cycle. Ranked as the No. 63 overall prospect nationally by the Rivals Industry Ranking—a composite of major recruiting services—he was seen as a potential future star in the Crimson Tide’s backfield.
His physical profile stood out: a muscular, 220-pound frame combining power, leg drive, and above-average speed (evidenced by strong track times around 11.1 seconds in the 100 meters). Scouts praised his ability to run through tackles at the second level and his well-developed upper body with room for further growth.
Despite the high expectations, Young’s tenure at Alabama never fully materialized into a starring role. He played sparingly as a true freshman, appearing in just three games before redshirting. Opportunities increased slightly in 2025, where he saw action in five games total, including filling in during an injury to teammate Jam Miller early in the season.
Overall, across three seasons in Tuscaloosa, he accumulated modest production—around 247 yards of total offense and five touchdowns on 61 touches. Following Alabama’s College Football Playoff loss to Indiana, Young entered the transfer portal on January 2, 2026, seeking a fresh start and more consistent playing time.
Enter Deion Sanders and Colorado. The Buffaloes have been active in the portal this offseason, addressing needs across the roster amid roster turnover. The running back room had thinned out, with departures like Simeon Price and Dallan Hayden entering the portal, and a missed opportunity on former Texas five-star CJ Baxter (who chose Kentucky).
Young’s commitment provides a boost: his size and power make him an ideal fit for a physical, run-heavy scheme, potentially anchoring the ground game in the Big 12.
This move underscores Sanders’ recruiting prowess and ability to attract talent from powerhouse programs like Alabama. Young joins Boulder with two years of eligibility remaining, offering Colorado a veteran presence in the backfield who could contribute immediately while developing further in a new environment.
For a program that has leaned on high-profile transfers and flashy recruits under Coach Prime, this pickup signals continued ambition to compete at a higher level.
Young’s decision also highlights broader trends in college football. Top recruits who once might have waited their turn at elite SEC programs are increasingly seeking opportunities elsewhere via the portal. Leaving the storied Alabama program—known for developing NFL talent—for Colorado represents a bold shift, betting on playing time and a fresh system under Sanders’ leadership.
Young’s addition strengthens the offense and adds intrigue to their portal haul. Fans in Boulder are buzzing about the potential impact of this former Crimson Tide standout, while Alabama continues navigating its own roster challenges in the post-Nick Saban era under Kalen DeBoer.
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