Colorado has lost their leading rusher from last season
Colorado running back Isaiah Augustave is no longer with the program, as reported by Scott Proctor of DNVR.
Augustave transferred to Colorado from Arkansas in Spring 2024 and made a substantial impact for the Buffs during their nine-win season, rushing for 384 yards and seven touchdowns, including a 91-yard, one-touchdown game against Cincinnati at home. Augustave was Colorado’s most effective running back by a wide margin, leading the team in total rushing yards and yards per carry, averaging a 4.5-yard pickup per attempt.
Augustave was not listed on Colorado’s spring roster when it was released on Wednesday morning, which led many fans to fear Augustave’s exit. Per Proctor’s report, their fears appear to be valid. Other players missing from the spring roster include DE Keaton Wade, TE Sam Hart and S Savion Riley.
The circumstances of Augustave’s departure are unclear. It is not currently known if Augustave has entered the transfer portal or was dismissed from the team. We do know that he has been absent from the team for some time, evidenced by the fact that he did not participate in Colorado’s first scrimmage of the spring practice period on Saturday. Other running backs, including Dallan Hayden, Charlie Offerdahl, Micah Welch and Brandon Hood, all took first-team reps during the scrimmage.
Regardless of the circumstances, the Buffaloes are now without their leading rusher from last season and presumptive RB1 headed into 2025. Although losing Augustave stings, don’t expect to see Colorado hit the portal as a reaction to his departure. Instead, expect Dallan Hayden, Micah Welch and redshirt freshman Brandon Hood to see an uptick in workload going forward.
We’ll provide further updates at Ralphie Report when more information about Augustave’s departure from the program becomes available.