Defensive lineman Jehiem Oatis plans to enter the transfer portal after one season at Colorado.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Oatis’ plans on Monday, citing Oatis’ agency, YM APAA Sports. The transfer portal does not open until Jan. 2.
Oatis came to CU last winter from Alabama and was a highly touted transfer addition for the Buffaloes. He started three games, but recorded just nine tackles and a pass breakup in 268 snaps.
One of three transfer additions to the CU defensive line last offseason, Oatis was the only one who stayed healthy. Gavriel Lightfoot (Fresno State) missed the entire season and Tavian Coleman (Texas State) missed the last seven games.
Listed at 6-foot-5, 325 pounds, Oatis has one season of eligibility remaining. He played three seasons at Alabama before coming to CU, posting 35 tackles and three sacks. He averaged just 16 snaps in four games in 2024 before choosing to redshirt and leave the team in October.
Of the 10 defensive linemen on the roster this past season, CU will lose at least six, as five are graduating and Oatis is transferring. Lightfoot and Tawfiq Thomas could both return after redshirting this year, while redshirt freshman Brandon Davis-Swain and true freshman Christian Hudson are also set to return for now.
Oatis is the fifth Buff to announce plans to enter the portal, joining cornerbacks Noah King and Teon Parks, linebacker Mantrez Walker and safety Terrance Love, who left the team during the season.
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