The Colorado Buffaloes are in the midst of a major offseason overhaul, with head coach Deion Sanders and his staff actively exploring the transfer portal to strengthen their program. As the team looks to rebuild its defense, several defensive recruits have already been scheduled for visits to Boulder, signaling a strategic focus on improving the front seven.

One name that has caught attention is Andrew Zock, an FCS standout who is set to visit the campus on January 7. Despite flying under the radar, Zock could emerge as one of the more underrated targets in this year’s transfer portal cycle. His potential makes him a compelling option for a defense that needs immediate help.

Rebuilding the Defensive Line

Rebuilding the defensive line is a top priority for the Buffaloes, as they will be losing ten players from that position group. This significant turnover makes the transfer portal essential, and Zock fits the profile of a developmental edge rusher who had a strong sophomore season.

With his combination of length and production, Zock represents the kind of upside that Sanders and his staff can afford to take while overhauling the front. If he can carry over his FCS production from Mercer, he could quickly earn a spot in the rotation for a defensive line that needs immediate help. For the Buffaloes, he’s the type of low-risk, high-upside addition that could quietly pay off in a big way.

Production and Potential

Zock’s performance last season with the Bears was impressive, as he recorded 46 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles, along with three pass deflections. That level of production is exactly what the Buffaloes need on defense heading into next season. While projecting upside is important, adding proven production has to be a priority this offseason.

With multiple seasons of eligibility remaining, Zock is the type of underrated talent who could help jumpstart Colorado’s defense. After losing so many players, Sanders and his staff need to focus on building a foundation that extends beyond a single season. If Zock can carry over that production, he could step right into a rotation in need of playmakers. That combination of immediate impact and long-term potential is exactly what the Buffaloes should be targeting in the transfer portal.

Focus on the Defensive Line

The Buffaloes’ defense showed some flashes last season, particularly in the secondary, but consistency was tough to find. Sophomore safety Tawfiq Byard led the unit with 79 tackles and three forced turnovers. Senior Preston Hodge added 13 pass deflections, giving the back end some stability, but the secondary still had to cover for issues up front.

The real trouble was on the defensive line, where Colorado struggled to stop the run. The team’s sack leader had just 2.5 sacks, and opponents often controlled the line of scrimmage. That’s why fixing the defensive line has to be Sanders’ primary focus this offseason. Getting that group right is key to stopping the run and putting pressure on quarterbacks, and it could completely change how the defense performs next season.

Other Transfer Portal Targets

In addition to Zock, the Buffaloes have been targeting other defensive linemen through the transfer portal. Four defensive linemen are set to visit Colorado, and the program has also offered a James Madison transfer who starred in the College Football Playoff. These moves highlight the team’s commitment to strengthening its defense.

Potential transfer portal targets could also include players who can fill the void left by London Merritt’s exit. The Buffaloes are also trending for a Texas Longhorns transfer portal receiver, showing a broader strategy to improve all areas of the team.