January’s portal window came with a shock for Deion Sanders when his highest-rated OT left for LSU. We’re talking about a true freshman LT who started all 13 games, earned Freshman All-American honors, and became one of the most reliable pass protectors in the country. Jordan Seaton’s departure hurt the program’s credibility. And now, sitting in Baton Rouge, he’s giving us a glimpse on what feels different from his time at Boulder.  

“When I left Colorado, I feel like I was at a good point, but I feel like coming here, the transition from how I eat to how we work out here is just kind of different,” Jordan Seaton told reporters on March 26. “Being here is really just different from how we train to how we work.”

Jordan Seaton didn’t just stumble into his new routine. When he hit the portal in January, finding a program with an established, gritty developmental pipeline was his priority. Baton Rouge offered the exact push he was looking for. Whether Seaton meant to throw shade or not, his praise highlights exactly what he felt was missing in Boulder. He did not just want playing time, but also a heavier emphasis on strength and conditioning.

“The word extra around here,” he added. “Everybody, we’re big on extra, because just doing what’s required is not enough. When it comes to work, that’s what this place is about. You don’t come here to do nothing else but work.”

That’s a cultural statement, but what’s interesting is that this isn’t just a one-off. Over a week ago, former Colorado backup QB Ryan Staub made a subtle but sharp comment about the changes he faced after he transitioned to Tennessee. 

“Three years of college football, I haven’t had as much coaching as the month that I’ve been here,” he revealed.

Entering the 2026 offseason, the Colorado Buffaloes are in the midst of a massive reset following a disappointing 3-9 finish. Sanders replaced both coordinators to install new systems. On offense, Brennan Marion joins from Sacramento State to implement his high-tempo “Go-Go” offense, which prioritizes speed and unique spacing.

On defense, Chris Marve (formerly of Virginia Tech) takes over a unit that struggled significantly against the run. Even former NFL safety Vonn Bell has joined the coaching staff as the safeties coach.

Sanders has been blunt about his disappointment, calling the season a “Last Supper” and promising a complete “resurrection” for the program in 2026. He described the season’s play as “foolishness” and admitted the team missed on several key transfer portal evaluations due to his health-related absences during the previous offseason. But he isn’t using that as an excuse.

“I’m not a loser. I don’t handle it well. I don’t cope well. We won’t be in this situation again, I promise you that.” Sanders said as he took complete accountability.

Jordan Seaton and Ryan Staub may just be hyping their new programs, but beyond the praise, it leaves a mark on their former school, and both separate comments come back to one thing: work culture. Colorado is still building, and they’ve already got the flash and attention, but it’s in the grind and development where elite programs separate themselves.

That craving for a tougher work culture is already paying off for Jordan Seaton. His physical transformation proves that his portal decision wasn’t just talk since he actually put in the work he wanted to.

Jordan Seaton’s transformation after switching from Colorado

Jordan Seaton’s transition to Baton Rouge did him good for his physique. When he first came, he was listed at 6’5, 330 pounds. But after two months of consistent grind and work, he lost 23 pounds and is now down to 307. And according to Lane Kiffin, it’s not just the weight, but the habits count too. 

“Jordan has done a phenomenal job since he got here,” he said. “His body changing, his work ethic, and his time. I mean, I’ll come up here. It’ll be Sunday at 9 p.m., and he’ll be out there doing his own stuff, working out. That’s what we’re trying to build here that becomes the norm.”

Jordan Seaton isn’t even trying to fit in at his new school anymore, as he’s becoming the example. And with the type of coaching he’s receiving, he might end up being more dangerous now than he ever was at Colorado. The talent was always there. Remember, he didn’t allow a sack in 11 of his first 13 career games as a freshman. So if that pairs with conditioning, structure, and a culture that demands “extra,” he’s going to be formidable in 2026.