In the modern era of college football, loyalty is often measured in dollars, and the “University of Colorado” just received a masterclass in the cold reality of the Transfer Portal. Jordan Seaton, the star offensive tackle and a cornerstone of Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders’ rebuilding project in Boulder, has officially entered the transfer portal. While players moving on is nothing new in 2026, it is the manner of Seaton’s exit—and the eye-watering $4 million price tag attached to his talent—that has sparked a firestorm of controversy among the Buffaloes faithful and sports analysts alike.
Former NFL player and Colorado standout Matt McChesney didn’t mince words during a recent appearance on The Coach JB Show. McChesney, who runs the Six Zero Academy and deeply understands the trench warfare of the Pac-12 (now Big 12), described the move as a “red flag” that had been brewing for months. According to McChesney, Seaton’s presence at other facilities during the off-season was a clear warning sign. “I don’t want my left tackle in the transfer portal era in someone else’s facility,” McChesney stated, highlighting the “tampering” that has become an open secret in college sports.
The most stinging part of Seaton’s departure for many fans wasn’t just the loss of elite protection for Shedeur Sanders; it was the “disrespectful” social media execution. Reports indicate that Seaton allegedly used a video produced by Colorado’s own elite editing team—intended to announce his commitment to staying—to instead announce his departure. “That’s just not a good look,” McChesney noted. “They treated you right, and you’ve been advocating for players to come to Boulder the entire portal window… then you leave? How does that look?”
Financially, the stakes are staggering. Seaton is reportedly fielding offers in the $4 million to $5 million range for a single season. While McChesney acknowledges that any college student would find it hard to turn down life-changing money, he argues that the lack of regulation is destroying the fabric of the game. “These are professional athletes at this point… they should be able to get cut, they should get fired, they should get fined,” he argued, calling for the NCAA to implement actual contracts to prevent the constant “clusterf***” of tampering and midnight exits.
The fallout in Boulder is significant. Seaton was not just a player; he was a recruiter, a face of the program’s future. His exit leaves a massive hole in an offensive line that struggled with consistency last year. McChesney pointed out that the lack of creativity in Colorado’s run game—citing a lack of double teams and “postman” drive blocks—may have contributed to Seaton’s decision to look for a more NFL-ready system like the one Mario Cristobal has built at Miami. “Miami’s offensive line play translates more to the nfl than colorado’s does,” he admitted, though he slammed the timing of Seaton’s decision so late in the portal window.
As the “Prime Effect” faces its toughest test yet, the debate over NIL and player movement has reached a fever pitch. Is Jordan Seaton a “fuck boy” for chasing the bag, or is he simply a savvy businessman in a lawless system? For the boosters who have poured millions into the program, the frustration is palpable. One major donor reportedly told McChesney, “I ain’t giving these kids s***… I ain’t letting them take my money and then leave and go to the next school.”
The story of Jordan Seaton is a cautionary tale for every program in America. In a world where $4 million can buy a left tackle for 12 games, the concept of “program building” is under siege. As Deion Sanders looks to fill the void, the rest of the college football world is left wondering: who is next? The Buffaloes may have lost a star, but the sport may have lost its soul to the highest bidder.
