Former CU walk-on Jack Hestera returns home to Boulder after stints at Charlotte and Utah State

The Colorado Buffaloes are welcoming back a familiar face, and for once, this transfer portal story doesn’t feel like business as usual — it feels personal.

Wide receiver Jack Hestera, who was born in Boulder and is a legacy Buff, is officially returning to the program for his final year of eligibility. The former CU walk-on, who began his college career in Boulder in 2021, is coming home after two seasons away at Charlotte and Utah State.

For Hestera, this isn’t just a roster move. It’s a full-circle moment, and we love it.

The 6-foot, 185-pound receiver first joined the Buffaloes under former head coach Karl Dorrell, earning a spot as a walk-on and eventually cracking the rotation in 2022. That season — the infamous 1-11 season — saw Hestera grab 14 catches for 157 yards. But when Deion Sanders arrived and began his historic roster overhaul, Hestera, like many others, found himself on the outside looking in.

He didn’t complain. He transferred to Charlotte, where he posted 28 receptions for 349 yards and three touchdowns. Then he climbed again, transferring to Utah State and producing 340 yards and four touchdowns last fall.

Now he returns to Boulder with experience under his belt — and something to prove.

“This is a guy who knows what it means to wear the black and gold,” one CU staffer said Monday. “His dad was a national champion here. His uncle made it to the league. He’s a Boulder kid. This isn’t just another stop for him.”

Indeed, Hestera’s family ties to Colorado football run deep. His father, Dan Hestera, was part of the 1990 national championship team. His uncle, Dave, earned All-Big Eight honors in 1983 before being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs. Jack grew up watching CU football. He played high school ball at Ralston Valley in Arvada, then moved to Texas to finish at Cedar Park High School, where he had a breakout senior year.

Now, after stints out east and in the Mountain West, Hestera is set to compete in a wide receiver room that has undergone massive change.

He joins spring portal additions Hykeem Williams (Florida State) and Sincere Brown (Campbell), as well as returners like Omarion Miller, Joseph Williams, and Drelon Miller. While many in that group have upside, few have the in-game experience Hestera now brings with him

With fall camp just a few months away, Hestera will have a real shot to earn reps. He’s built a reputation for doing the little things right — blocking, crisp routes, leadership in the locker room. That could go a long way in a position room full of youth and potential.

And for the Colorado native, every snap will mean more.

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