Colorado Strikes Gold: Jehiem Oatis Joins Coach Prime’s Revolution
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, former Alabama defensive tackle Jehiem Oatis has committed to Colorado. The announcement, made on Monday, has fans buzzing as Oatis, the No. 1 defensive player in ESPN’s transfer rankings, becomes the latest star to join Coach Deion Sanders’ rapidly evolving program.
Standing at an imposing 6-foot-5 and weighing 320 pounds, Oatis is a junior with two seasons of eligibility remaining. He was one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal, ranked as the No. 5 overall player in ESPN’s transfer rankings. His decision to head to Boulder is a testament to the growing allure of Sanders’ program, which has already made waves with its portal-heavy approach to roster building.
A Star on the Rise
Oatis’ journey to this point has been nothing short of impressive. As the No. 38 overall recruit in the 2022 ESPN 300, he made an immediate impact at Alabama, starting 13 games over his first two seasons. However, his 2024 campaign was limited to just four games due to offseason surgeries and a midseason decision to redshirt. Despite these setbacks, Oatis’ talent is undeniable. During his time in Tuscaloosa, he recorded 52 tackles, five pass breakups, and 1.5 sacks.
Now, he’s ready for a fresh start under the guidance of Sanders and his staff, which includes defensive line coach Damione Lewis and analyst Warren Sapp. Oatis told ESPN that the combination of these coaches played a significant role in his decision, saying, “I feel like it’s beneficial for me, and I feel like I can give a lot of help to this season. And I will have a coach I can depend on and a position coach leading me the right way.”
Coach Prime’s Magic Touch
Deion Sanders has quickly turned Colorado into one of the most intriguing programs in college football. After a dismal 1-11 season in 2023, the Buffaloes rebounded in spectacular fashion, finishing 2024 with a 9-3 record and a No. 23 ranking in the final College Football Playoff standings. Much of this success can be attributed to Sanders’ ability to attract top talent through the transfer portal.
Oatis is just the latest big-name player to buy into Sanders’ vision. The Mississippi native has been following Sanders’ career since his days at Jackson State, where he turned the program into a national powerhouse. “Just seeing Coach Prime go first to Jackson State, where I’m from, and just to see him coach at Jackson State and see what he did for them,” Oatis said. “Then coming over to Colorado and make this team great again. It was a really great thing to do.”
Building a Defensive Powerhouse
Colorado’s defense made significant strides in 2024 under first-year defensive coordinator Robert Livingston. The unit jumped from No. 124 in FBS in scoring defense in 2023 to 38th this season, a remarkable turnaround that has set the stage for even greater success in 2025. Oatis’ arrival is expected to further bolster a defense that will need to replace nine starters, including Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year Shedeur Sanders.
Oatis is confident that the coaching staff at Colorado will help him reach his full potential. “Great, great coaches,” he said. “Lot of help. They know what they’re talking about and they lead the right way. They want you to go get it, go after it.”
What’s Next for Colorado?
With Oatis in the fold, Colorado is poised to continue its upward trajectory. The Buffaloes are expected to sign another large class of transfer recruits for 2025, further solidifying their status as a program on the rise. For fans, the excitement is palpable as Sanders continues to reshape the team into a contender.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what Oatis brings to the table:
- Size and Strength: At 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, Oatis is a physical force on the defensive line.
- Experience: Two seasons as a starter at Alabama have prepared him for high-level competition.
- Leadership: His commitment to “make the team great again” speaks to his drive and determination.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Boulder to see how Oatis and the rest of the Buffaloes’ roster come together under Coach Prime’s leadership. One thing is certain: Colorado is no longer a program to overlook. With Sanders at the helm and players like Oatis on board, the Buffaloes are ready to make some serious noise in college football.
Originally Written by: Tom VanHaaren
