In a significant development for Colorado football, standout players Omarion Miller and Tawfiq Byard are reportedly preparing to enter the NCAA transfer portal when it opens on January 2. Although the team faced challenges this past season, both athletes made notable contributions.
Miller, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound wide receiver, emerged as Colorado”s leading receiver during the year, showcasing his talent as one of the top players on the roster. In his junior season, he recorded impressive statistics, leading the team in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. Miller”s achievement of at least 40 catches, 800 yards, and eight touchdowns marks only the 11th occurrence in CU history.
Throughout his three seasons at Colorado, Miller amassed 66 receptions for 1,258 yards and 10 touchdowns, placing him 21st in program history for receiving yards, tied for 20th in touchdowns, and 47th in catches. Reflecting on his time with the Buffaloes, Miller expressed gratitude, stating, “Wearing the black and gold and being a part of this program has been an experience I”ll always be grateful for.” He continued, “After a lot of thought and reflection, I”ve decided to enter the transfer portal and continue my journey elsewhere. This wasn”t an easy decision, but it”s one I believe is best for my future and growth.”
Miller”s rise to prominence came after being a four-star recruit, part of head coach Deion Sanders” initial recruiting class in 2023. Prior to joining Colorado, he excelled at North Caddo High School in Louisiana. He was one of four highly rated recruits from the class, with the others leaving the program after just one season.
Tawfiq Byard, a transfer from South Florida, also made a significant impact in his lone season with the Buffaloes. He led the team with 84 tackles, tied for third in tackles for loss, and contributed an interception along with two forced fumbles. Byard”s interception came in a crucial moment during a 24-17 victory over No. 22 Iowa State, where he made the play despite suffering a hand injury earlier in the drive.
Initially not a starter until the fourth game of the season, Byard quickly established himself as Colorado”s top tackler, also recording four pass breakups while dealing with a cast on his hand for part of the season. The younger brother of Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard, Tawfiq previously played two seasons at South Florida, where he tallied 54 tackles and eight tackles for loss.
The transfer portal”s opening is anticipated to bring a wave of changes for Colorado, as eight scholarship players have already indicated their intentions to transfer, including Miller and Byard. This group also features defensive lineman Jehiem Oatis, cornerbacks Noah King and Teon Parks, linebacker Mantrez Walker, and safeties TJ Branch and Terrance Love. Additionally, walk-on kicker Alexander Stoyanovich, who could have competed for a starting role, has announced his decision to transfer after two seasons with the program.
