Colorado DT Tawfiq Thomas plans to enter NCAA transfer portal

Colorado defensive tackle Tawfiq Thomas plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, On3’s Pete Nakos has learned. He spent two seasons with the Buffs after transferring from Louisville.

Thomas appeared in four games this past season, totaling 12 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss. That came after he had 20 total tackles, including 2.5 TFLs and a sack, across 13 games during the 2024 campaign.

Prior to his arrival in Boulder, Thomas spent two years at Louisville on the defensive line. Across 22 games, he had 12 tackles before entering the portal and taking his talents to Colorado.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. 

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

Tawfiq Thomas played high school football at Tampa (Fla.) Gaither, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 229-ranked defensive lineman from the 2022 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking.

Thomas is the 14th Colorado player expected to enter the transfer portal when the window opens Jan. 2. That group includes wide receiver Omarion Miller – the No. 13-ranked player in the On3 Industry Transfer Portal Rankings.

Colorado went 3-9 this season, losing five straight games to end the year. Following the final game – a 24-14 loss at Kansas State – Sanders made it clear he planned to evaluate “everything” within the program and said coaching changes would also be in the cards.

Coach Prime specifically pointed out the “mentality” of his squad as an area to improve in 2026. He added it’s not just on one person to turn it around. It will require a group effort.

“Mentality,” Sanders said. “Personnel, coaching, everything. That’s what that looks like. This mentality, a certain mentality you got to have when that game is right there, and you could take it either way. When you take it this way all the time, that’s a problem on both sides. It’s not just a personal problem. There’s a personnel problem.”

In addition, Sanders did not absolve himself of any blame. He added he would be part of the changes in Boulder, as well.

“I see everything being different, even me,” Sanders said before emphatically repeating himself. “I see everything being different, even me.”