Coach Prime is continuing to build a wall of an offensive line, and the newest addition comes straight from the Big Ten.
Maryland transfer Andre Roye Jr. announced his commitment to the Colorado Buffaloes this week, becoming the latest addition to an offensive line that’s undergone a major overhaul this offseason.
Roye, who started seven games at left tackle for the Terrapins in 2024, brings size, experience, and versatility to a unit that’s been one of Colorado’s biggest concerns over the past two seasons.
Roye stands 6-foot-6, 295 pounds, and gave up just one sack last season while protecting the blind side in one of the country’s toughest defensive conferences. He helped anchor a Maryland offense that finished third in the Big Ten in passing yards per game (275.7) and was part of a front that cleared the way for 248 rushing yards in the season opener against UConn.
Originally from District Heights, Maryland, Roye played his high school ball at powerhouse St. Frances Academy, where he was rated one of the top offensive linemen in the state. Coming out of high school, he was a top-50 tackle nationally in the 2022 class and committed to Penn State before flipping to Maryland.
While Roye is expected to compete for a spot on the depth chart rather than a starting job out of the gate, his arrival provides depth and flexibility. He’s capable of playing both tackle and guard, and could factor in at multiple positions depending on how fall camp shakes out.
With returning freshman All-American Jordan Seaton penciled in at left tackle, Roye may find himself backing up Seaton or filling a swing role at right tackle or inside at guard.
His experience alone gives Colorado a much-needed edge. Over the past two seasons, the Buffs have allowed a staggering 99 sacks, the worst among all Power Four programs. Coach Prime and offensive line coach Gunnar White have made veteran additions a clear priority with the additions of Xavier Hill (Memphis) and Larry Johnson III (Tennessee).
With Roye, Colorado has now brought in 28 transfers this offseason and ranks No. 19 in the 247Sports national portal rankings, second-best in the Big 12 behind only Texas Tech (who is dominating the portal for whatever reason).
Colorado’s interior line also got a boost earlier this spring with the arrivals of Zy Crisler (Illinois) and Zarian McGill (Louisiana Tech), helping replace outgoing players like Cash Cleveland. With Roye being a versatile player, he doesn’t just add competition, he also adds insurance. You can never have too many linemen.
Colorado’s offense is expected to be among the most explosive in the Big 12 this fall. Whether it can take that next step, though, will depend heavily on whether this new-look offensive line can keep the QB upright, and adding Roye Jr. is a big step.
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