In a swift move through the college football transfer portal, San Jose State wide receiver Danny Scudero, the nation's leading receiver in yards for the 2025 season, has committed to join the Colorado Buffaloes, sources confirmed to ESPN on Sunday.
Scudero, a standout performer who earned semifinalist honors for the Biletnikoff Award recognizing the top receiver in college football, announced his entry into the transfer portal just two days earlier on Friday. The 5-foot-9, 174-pound junior quickly found a new home with Colorado, bolstering the Buffaloes' receiving corps under first-year offensive coordinator Brennan Marion.
During the 2025 season at San Jose State, Scudero exploded onto the scene with 88 receptions for 1,291 yards and 10 touchdowns, numbers that placed him fifth in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in catches. His explosive play was evident in multiple high-yardage games, including six outings where he surpassed 130 receiving yards. Notably, he kicked off the year with a 189-yard, one-touchdown performance against Central Michigan and later torched Wyoming for 180 yards and four scores in October.
Scudero's accolades didn't stop there; he was named to the first-team All-Mountain West Conference, a testament to his dominance in a competitive league. Sources close to the situation told ESPN that his decision to transfer was driven by a desire to compete at a higher level, though specifics on his recruitment process remain private.
Prior to his breakout year at San Jose State, Scudero spent time at Sacramento State, where in 2024 he recorded 52 receptions for 664 yards and five touchdowns. That experience at the FCS level helped hone his skills, setting the stage for his FBS leap. Now, with two years of eligibility remaining, he brings a wealth of production and versatility to Colorado's offense.
Colorado's acquisition of Scudero caps a busy weekend in the transfer portal for the Buffaloes, who also welcomed Sacramento State running back Damian Henderson II and Miami (Ohio) wide receiver Kamryn Perry on Saturday. This trio of additions signals an aggressive rebuild around head coach Deion Sanders, who has made waves in Boulder since taking over in late 2022.
The Buffaloes' transfer strategy aligns with broader trends in college football, where the portal has become a vital tool for roster turnover. According to NCAA data, over 2,000 players entered the portal following the 2024 season, with Power Five programs like Colorado leading the charge in high-profile pickups. Scudero's commitment, in particular, addresses a key need at wide receiver, where Colorado ranked outside the top 50 nationally in passing yards last year.
Brennan Marion, stepping into his role as offensive coordinator after a successful stint at Texas State, praised the influx of talent in a statement released by the university. "We're building a dynamic unit that can stretch the field and create mismatches," Marion said. "Players like Danny bring the exact speed and reliability we need to elevate our attack."
At San Jose State, Scudero thrived under head coach Ken Niumatalolo, whose run-heavy scheme still allowed the receiver to shine. Teammates and coaches there spoke highly of his work ethic. "Danny was our go-to guy every game," said Spartans quarterback Jordan Loving in a post-season interview. "He made tough catches look easy and always elevated the team."
Scudero's journey to this point has been marked by perseverance. Originally a lightly recruited prospect out of high school in California, he walked on at Sacramento State before earning a scholarship. His transfer to San Jose State in 2024 was a calculated step up, and now Colorado represents another elevation, potentially putting him in position for NFL scouts.
The Buffaloes, who finished the 2024 season with a 4-8 record but showed flashes of potential under Sanders, enter 2025 with renewed optimism. Scudero's arrival could pair well with returning starters like quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Deion's son, who threw for over 3,000 yards last year. Analysts have speculated that a healthy receiving group might push Colorado toward bowl eligibility for the first time since 2020.
While Scudero's stats are undeniable, questions linger about how he'll adapt to the Big 12 Conference's physicality. Mountain West defenses, though stout, differ from the speed and schemes of Power Four teams. Colorado's staff, however, expressed confidence in his slot receiver role, where his quickness could exploit underneath routes.
Reactions from the college football world poured in quickly after the news broke. On social media, fans of rival programs like Utah and Kansas State voiced concerns about the Buffaloes' rising threat, while Colorado supporters celebrated the coup. ESPN analyst Desmond Howard noted in a segment, "Scudero's yardage total is no fluke; he's got the hands and routes to succeed anywhere."
Looking ahead, Scudero is expected to enroll at Colorado in January, participating in spring practices to integrate with the offense. The Buffaloes' schedule includes marquee matchups against Nebraska on September 7 and a trip to Texas A&M, games where his big-play ability could shine. As the transfer portal window remains open until mid-December, Colorado may pursue more additions, but Scudero stands as the crown jewel of this class.
This commitment underscores the fluidity of modern college athletics, where top talents like Scudero can reshape programs overnight. For Colorado, it's a step toward contending in a loaded conference; for Scudero, it's a chance to chase national recognition and perhaps a professional future.