The college football landscape continues to shift as the transfer portal reshapes rosters across the nation. In the latest seismic move, former Alabama defensive tackle Jehiem Oatis, rated as the No. 1 defensive player in the portal, has committed to the University of Colorado Buffaloes.
Oatis Brings Elite Talent to Boulder
Standing at an imposing 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, Oatis arrives in Boulder as a junior with two years of eligibility remaining. The former top-40 recruit in the class of 2022 appeared in 17 games over two seasons with the Crimson Tide, recording 52 tackles, five pass breakups, and 1.5 sacks.
Oatis’ decision to join the Buffaloes is a testament to the program’s resurgence under head coach Deion Sanders. After a 9-3 campaign and No. 23 ranking in the final College Football Playoff standings, Colorado has become an attractive destination for premier transfer talent looking to make an immediate impact.
Aiming to “Make the Team Great Again”
In an exclusive interview, Oatis shared his motivation for choosing Colorado: “I feel like it’s beneficial for me, and I feel like I can give a lot of help to this season. And I will have a coach I can depend on and a position coach leading me the right way.”
“I’m headed to Colorado to make the team great again.”
– Jehiem Oatis on his decision to join the Buffaloes
The opportunity to learn from Coach Sanders, defensive line coach Damione Lewis, and NFL legend Warren Sapp, who serves as an analyst, played a significant role in Oatis’ decision. The coaching staff’s expertise and proven track record of developing talent were key factors in his commitment.
Reinforcing a Resurgent Defense
Colorado’s defense experienced a remarkable turnaround in 2024, jumping from 124th in scoring defense to 38th under first-year coordinator Robert Livingston. The addition of Oatis bolsters an already formidable unit poised to make noise in the competitive Big 12 Conference.
Oatis praised the coaching staff, stating, “Great, great coaches. Lot of help. They know what they’re talking about and they lead the right way. They want you to go get it, go after it.”
The Deion Sanders Effect
Coach Prime’s impact extends beyond the field, as evidenced by his ability to attract top-tier talent like Oatis. The Mississippi native had followed Sanders’ success at Jackson State before his move to Colorado.
“Just seeing Coach Prime go first to Jackson State, where I’m from, and just to see him coach at Jackson State and see what he did for them. Then coming over to Colorado and make this team great again. It was a really great thing to do.”
– Oatis on Coach Sanders’ influence
Reloading for 2025
While Colorado must replace Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, Offensive Player of the Year Shedeur Sanders, and nine defensive starters, the program is poised to make another splash in the transfer market. Oatis is expected to serve as the centerpiece of the 2025 transfer class as the Buffaloes continue to remake their roster.
A New Era in Boulder
The commitment of Jehiem Oatis represents another milestone in Colorado’s remarkable resurgence under Coach Sanders. As the Buffaloes aim to build upon their success and establish themselves as perennial contenders, the arrival of elite transfer talent like Oatis signals the dawn of a new era in Boulder.
With a powerful combination of coaching expertise, player development, and the allure of playing for an iconic figure like Deion Sanders, Colorado has positioned itself as a force to be reckoned with in the ever-evolving landscape of college football.
