Colorado running back Alton McCaskill IV came into spring practices feeling healthy and eager to rediscover the success he had as a freshman.
He will go into the fall with a new team.
On Wednesday night, McCaskill and his representatives at Harlo Sports Group posted on Instagram that he intends to enter the transfer portal, confirming a report earlier in the evening by ESPN.
Late Wednesday, McCaskill wrote on X, “My time at the University of Colorado was great and filled with plentiful opportunities. Also with the most talented players and the most insightful coaches. Thank you so much to Coach Prime (CU head coach Deion Sanders) and Coach Flea (running backs coach Gary Harrell), for giving me this opportunity. And to fans for support.”
McCaskill will become the 14th player from CU to enter the transfer portal since the 15-day window opened on Tuesday. His decision comes as a surprise, given that he has been battling for a starting spot.
As a true freshman in 2021, McCaskill was the American Athletic Conference rookie of the year, rushing for 961 yards and 16 touchdowns at Houston. He then suffered a torn ACL in the spring of 2022 and missed that entire season.
McCaskill transferred to CU last summer, but was never fully healthy. He played in only four games in 2023, carrying the ball 14 times for 59 yards, while taking a redshirt year.
Last week, Harrell said McCaskill was “very close,” to regaining his full form.
“We want to make sure we get him to the point where he gets downhill and I think he’s working on that,” Harrell said. “He’s very smart. He’s very eager. As his speed has increased, his strength has increased, but I think he’ll be ready for Game 1.”
McCaskill will now look to be ready for another team, and the Buffs most likely hit the transfer portal to find a replacement or two.
After losing McCaskill, the Buffs have only three scholarship running backs on board for next season: senior Sy’veon Wilkerson, sophomore Dylan Edwards and true freshman Micah Welch. Junior walk-on Charlie Offerdahl has also flashed his play-making ability at times during his CU career.
