Deion Sanders Rebuilds Colorado’s Backfield with SEC Transfer Simeon Price
As the college football landscape continues to evolve through the ever-dynamic transfer portal, few programs have been as active—or as scrutinized—as the Colorado Buffaloes under head coach Deion Sanders. The latest addition to Sanders' rapidly shifting roster is former Mississippi State and Coastal Carolina running back Simeon Price. His transfer to Boulder comes at a pivotal moment as the Buffs look to retool a backfield recently weakened by the departure of lead rusher Isaiah Augustave.
Price’s Journey: From SEC Promise to Sun Belt Transition
Simeon Price arrives in Colorado with experience that belies his modest statistical record. Originally a three-star recruit from West Florida Tech in Pensacola, Florida, Price had a strong recruiting profile, receiving more than 20 offers from major programs, including Tennessee and Oklahoma.
At Mississippi State, Price was a part of the late Mike Leach's roster and showed flashes of potential, particularly in the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl against Illinois, where he notched a career-high 68 rushing yards on just seven carries . His overall time with the Bulldogs saw him average 5.5 yards per carry on 35 attempts, along with 132 receiving yards on 17 catches, proving he could contribute as both a runner and receiver.
The 2024 season at Coastal Carolina was underwhelming statistically. Price logged 44 carries for 136 yards without a touchdown. Still, he posted a notable 80.8 pass protection grade from Pro Football Focus, a skill that could become critical in Colorado's offense.
Filling the Void Left by Isaiah Augustave
The urgency of Price’s transfer was amplified by the loss of Augustave, Colorado’s leading rusher from the 2024 season. Augustave entered the transfer portal, initially committing to Virginia before ultimately choosing South Carolina. During his time with the Buffaloes, Augustave totaled 384 rushing yards and four touchdowns, providing a consistent if not dominant ground game. His departure leaves a significant hole in Colorado's offensive attack.
This loss was a blow to Sanders’ offseason plans. However, Price’s arrival, coupled with other additions like three-star transfer DeKalon Taylor from Incarnate Word, suggests Colorado is proactively rebuilding its running back depth chart.
The New-Look Running Back Room
With Simeon Price now in the mix, the Buffaloes’ running back room will look significantly different heading into the 2025 season. Price joins a rotation that includes Dallan Hayden, DeKalon Taylor, and Micah Welch, all under the leadership of NFL Hall-of-Famer Marshall Faulk, who is entering his first season as Colorado’s running backs coach .
Faulk’s presence adds a unique dynamic to the Buffs’ offensive development. His experience and mentorship could be a game-changer for Price, whose skill set includes the versatility and protection ability often overlooked in traditional backfield roles.
What Price Brings to Colorado
Price’s potential impact on Colorado extends beyond box score contributions. His experience in the SEC and the Sun Belt gives him valuable perspective on competing in different systems and against varied defenses. His high pass protection grade could also make him an asset in protecting the Buffs’ quarterbacks, particularly during high-pressure situations.
Moreover, his adaptability across offensive schemes could provide the Buffs with needed flexibility. Whether in short-yardage packages or third-down passing plays, Price may prove to be a useful plug-and-play option depending on the week’s opponent.
A Calculated Gamble for Deion Sanders
Bringing in Price is not without its risks. His career has yet to produce sustained breakout performances, and durability could be a concern given his relatively light workload across multiple programs. Yet Sanders is banking on untapped potential—a gamble he’s made frequently during his tenure at Colorado.
Under Sanders' leadership, the Buffs have built a reputation for rapid roster turnover, aggressive portal strategies, and bold player development choices. Price’s addition is another example of that philosophy in action.
Final Thoughts
While Simeon Price may not be a headline-grabbing name, his arrival in Boulder represents a key piece of Deion Sanders’ strategy to keep Colorado competitive. With a mix of experience, versatility, and protection skills, Price has the chance to become an integral part of the Buffaloes' offensive resurgence.
As the Buffs move into the 2025 season, all eyes will be on how quickly this new-look backfield can gel—and whether Simeon Price can capitalize on this final opportunity to make a statement in the college football world.







