Colorado Transfer Portal Sees Kicker Alexander Stoyanovich Depart Following Limited Role

Colorado Buffaloes placekicker Alexander Stoyanovich is entering the transfer portal. He announced his decision on Thursday, December 11. The walk-on specialist did not see game action during the 2025 season.

His departure opens another vacancy in Colorado’s special teams unit. The move follows the upcoming graduations of key kickers Alejandro Mata and Buck Buchanan. According to Imagn Images, Stoyanovich thanked the coaching staff for his opportunity.

Stoyanovich Seeks New Opportunity After Two Seasons

Stoyanovich will officially enter the portal on January 2. In a social media post, he expressed gratitude to Coach Deion Sanders and the staff. He called the experience a chance to showcase his talents.

The Michigan native was a highly-rated prep kicker. He attended Kohl’s Professional Camps, ranking 93rd in the 2023 class. Reports from the camp noted his powerful leg, including multiple 70-yard kickoffs.

He faces strong competition for the starting role in Boulder. This likely influenced his choice to seek playing time elsewhere. His brother, William, publicly praised Alexander’s untapped potential on social media.

Buffaloes Face Specialist Shakeup for 2026 Season

Coach Deion Sanders now has significant holes to fill on special teams. Both the field goal and kickoff specialist jobs are open. The program is expected to aggressively use the transfer portal for replacements.

Starter Alejandro Mata was reliable last season. He made 9 of 11 field goal attempts. His long was 42 yards.

Kickoff specialist Buck Buchanan was a major asset. He recorded 42 touchbacks on 53 attempts. Coach Sanders famously joked about Buchanan’s powerful leg targeting the band.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is Alexander Stoyanovich?

Alexander Stoyanovich is a walk-on placekicker for the Colorado Buffaloes. He spent two seasons with the team but did not see game action in 2025. He was a highly-regarded kicker coming out of high school in Michigan.

Why is he entering the transfer portal?

He is seeking a better opportunity for playing time. With Colorado’s primary kickers graduating, the job was theoretically open. However, intense competition likely prompted his decision to explore other programs.

What is Colorado’s situation at kicker now?

Colorado must replace both its field goal kicker and its kickoff specialist. Alejandro Mata and Buck Buchanan are both graduating. Coach Deion Sanders will likely look to the transfer portal for immediate replacements.

How many players have left Colorado via the portal?

Stoyanovich is the fifth known player to enter the transfer portal this offseason. The other four are all defensive players. Last year, the team lost over 30 players to portal exits.

When does the transfer portal window open?

The sole offseason transfer window opens on January 2, 2026. It will remain open for players to enter until January 16. This is a change from previous years that featured a second window after spring practice.