Colorado left tackle Jordan Seaton nearly shocked the college football world by transferring to Mississippi State instead of LSU, according to CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer. The Bulldogs came close to landing one of the portal’s biggest prizes because of Seaton’s relationship with former Buffaloes offensive line coach Phil Loadholt.
Seaton made his first visit to Starkville over higher-profile programs like Oregon, Miami, and eventual destination LSU.
“While LSU and Miami were two program sources highlighted when Seaton entered the transfer portal, he actually took his first visit to Mississippi State,” Hummer wrote. “The Bulldogs’ offensive line coach, Phil Loadholt, served as Seaton’s O-line coach in Boulder during his true freshman season. The pair remain close, and that gave Mississippi State early momentum.”
The Hurricanes hosted Seaton next, selling him on Mario Cristobal’s offensive line development program. LSU got the final visit and ultimately won his commitment.
Oregon never got its chance despite being involved throughout the process.
“Seaton was scheduled to visit Eugene at one point, but that never materialized. Instead, Oregon coach Dan Lanning flew to see Seaton in Atlanta.”
Loadholt’s departure created recruiting challenges for Colorado
Losing Loadholt cost the Buffaloes a key recruiting asset. Seaton’s interest waned late in the season as Colorado’s campaign fell apart without a clear identity.
The offensive line actually improved after Loadholt’s December 2024 departure, though.
Colorado’s running game averaged 150 yards per game in 2024 after struggling with protection issues the previous two seasons. Meanwhile, Mississippi State’s offensive line allowed over 40 sacks and averaged under four yards per carry.
The correlation between Loadholt’s coaching and on-field performance remains unclear, but the numbers tell an interesting story.
