Announcement: Colorado picks up experienced 6-foot-6 335-pound star from transfer portal

Former Illinois starting right guard Zy Crisler became the third transfer portal offensive lineman to join the Colorado Buffaloes this offseason.

As reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Crisler gave his commitment to CU following three seasons with the Fighting Illini. The 6-foot-6, 335-pound senior started in 30 games at Illinois and was a two-time All-Big Ten honorable mention selection.

Crisler, a three-star transfer according to 247Sports, played in all 12 regular season games this past year with six starts at right guard. He entered the transfer portal on Dec. 26 prior to Illinois’ matchup with South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

Because Crisler spent the 2021 season at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, he benefited from the NCAA’s recent ruling and was granted another year of eligibility.

Colorado now owns 16 transfer portal commitments, including fellow offensive linemen Zarian McGill and Aki Ogunbiyi.