College Football

All-AAC Cornerback Brian Nelson Enters Transfer Portal, Colorado Buffaloes Emerge As Frontrunner

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By
Colin Lynch
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Colin Lynch Sports Editor

Colin Lynch covers the NFL, MLB and WNBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the New England Patriots. His sports coverage has been featured on The Sports Daily and Basketball Insiders, as well as FanSided's Chowder & Champions. A New Hampshire native and former D1 baseball player at St. John's University, Colin was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2008 and enjoyed a four-year professional baseball career.

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Published24 Apr 2025

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All-AAC Cornerback Brian Nelson Enters Transfer Portal, Colorado Buffaloes Emerge As Frontrunner

Brian Nelson is emerging as a top transfer portal target, and Colorado may have their eyes set on the All-AAC performer. 

With a season that turned heads and marked him as one of the top young defenders in the American Athletic Conference, North Texas cornerback Brian Nelson has now entered the transfer portal, ready to take his talents to a new stage. On Wednesday, Nelson made his decision public, thanking North Texas for helping shape him both as a player and as a man, and signaling the start of what promises to be one of the more high-profile defensive back recruitments in this portal cycle.

“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to grow as a player and a man during my time here,” Nelson shared in a heartfelt message on social media. “The lessons I’ve learned on and off the field shaped me in ways I’ll carry forever.”

Now, he’s ready for the next chapter.

A Breakout Season in Denton

Nelson’s rise wasn’t sudden — it was earned. After preserving his redshirt as a freshman in 2023, playing in just four games, he burst onto the scene in 2024. Starting nine games for the Mean Green, Nelson quickly became a cornerstone of the defense.

He finished the season with 53 tackles, including two for loss, four interceptions, seven pass breakups, and one fumble recovery. His performances didn’t just fill the stat sheet — they won games. His game-sealing interception against Temple not only secured a win but also clinched a bowl berth for North Texas. Even in defeat, he stood out, snagging an interception and recovering a fumble in a hard-fought loss to Army.

According to Pro Football Focus, Nelson graded out as the third-highest defender on the Mean Green roster, a testament to his impact on the field.

A Possible Transfer Market Prize For Colorado

It’s no surprise that Nelson’s decision to enter the portal has already sparked widespread interest. Standing at 6-foot, with a reputation for sticky coverage and big-play ability, Nelson projects as a day-one contributor at his next stop.

Programs across the country are in need of cornerback depth, but one stands out: Colorado.

With Deion Sanders reshaping the Buffaloes’ defense and question marks surrounding the health and depth of their secondary, Nelson could be the perfect fit. Though Colorado boasts talent in players like Colton Hood and DJ McKinney, injuries and limited depth have left room for reinforcements. Oklahoma transfer Makari Vickers was expected to help fill that void, but recent heart surgery has cast doubt on his immediate availability.

Adding a proven playmaker like Nelson could be a stabilizing force.

Looking Ahead

Nelson’s journey began at Pearland Shadow Creek and took flight in Denton. Now, with three years of eligibility remaining, he’s poised to find a bigger platform — one where his talents can shine even brighter.

Wherever he lands, one thing is certain: Brian Nelson isn’t done making big plays. He’s just getting started.