Isaiah Augustave, Colorado's leading rusher in 2024, no longer with program

Running back Isaiah Augustave racked up 85 carries for 384 yards and four touchdowns last season for Colorado. Now, he will look elsewhere. (Photo by Tyler Phillips/Sko Buffs Sports)

Surprising news came out of Boulder on Wednesday afternoon, as DNVR’s Scott Procter reported that running back Isaiah Augustave is no longer with the Colorado Buffaloes football program.

The ambiguous wording leaves little clarity behind Augustave’s departure, but with the transfer portal’s spring window set to open on April 16, it’s expected that he will enter it.

The timing only adds to the mystery, with his exit coming just 10 days before Colorado’s annual Black and Gold Spring Game on April 19. Well Off Media YouTube videos showed Augustave taking part in spring practices as recently as Mar. 17.

Augustave was set to play a key role in a revitalized run game following the departure of quarterback Shedeur Sanders to the NFL draft. The Buffs added NFL Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk, who will coach the same position.  

The former four-star recruit transferred from Arkansas last season and led the team in rushing yards as a sophomore. Despite the workload, he hadn’t separated from other running backs on the team such as Dallan Hayden or Micah Welch, whom he was set to compete against again for a starting role. 

The unexpected change will be another wrinkle the Buffs will have to settle ahead of the spring game and 2025 season. Whether that opens the door for the remaining running backs on the team to step up or if coach Deion Sanders will look to bring in external help to fill the void remains to be seen.