Colorado football transfer portal updates: RT return sounds likely, LG an 'if'

The language BuffZone's Brian Howell used while discussing potential Colorado football flight risks Savion Washington and Jack Bailey tell a lot about how the analyst views the chances of each coming back in 2024.

Regarding the OT, Howell propped up Washington as a possible leader in the offensive trenches if he can make it back healthy from an ankle injury.

"CU’s starter at right tackle for 10 games (he missed two due to injury), he played well early in the year before his injury," Howell said of Washington. "After he returned from the injury, he wasn’t 100 percent and it showed. A fully healthy Washington could be a leader up front and a starter at tackle."

But for Bailey, Howell spoke of his return with the "if" caveat.

"A projected starter at guard this past season, he never got a chance to play because, as a second-time transfer, he didn’t get a waiver from the NCAA," Howell said of Bailey. "He was an FCS All-American for Sanders at Jackson State in 2022, however, and will be squarely in the mix for a starting role next season."

Previously unclear if Savion Washington, Jack Bailey would return to Colorado football with OL coach's departure

Given the departure of Bill O'Boyle, Howell had previously pondered if Washington and Bailey would also leave Colorado.

“Starting guard Landon Bebee has exhausted his eligibility, while Christian-Lichtenhan and Wells are now on the move,” Howell prefaced on December 2 before saying, “That leaves guard Jack Bailey and tackle Savion Washington left, as far as starters go. Both of them transferred to CU from Kent State to follow offensive coordinator Sean Lewis and line coach Bill O’Boyle.

“Earlier this week, Lewis took the head coach job at San Diego State and it’s unlikely O’Boyle will return. With that, it’s unclear if Bailey and/or Washington will return to CU.”

Both are still on board. For now. Things tend to change quickly at Colorado since Coach Prime arrived.