Now in the transfer portal, former Oklahoma Sooners center Joshua Bates is considering a return to his home state of Colorado.
247Sports’ Tom Loy reported Wednesday that the Durango native is planning a visit to Boulder for early next week.
A former four-star prospect, Bates was recruited by former Colorado head coach Karl Dorrell out of high school before signing with the Sooners in December 2022. The 6-foot-3, 309-pound offensive lineman spent two years at Oklahoma and started in two games at center this season.
Bates’ father, Justin, was an All-Big 12 offensive tackle at CU who was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2003 NFL draft.
Here’s what the younger Bates told the Durango Herald in 2021 after receiving an offer from the Buffs:
“CU is really special for my whole family and is in our hearts all the way up to my grandparents,” Bates said. “With my family connection and my dad playing there, it was pretty emotional and a dream come true. To have a chance to play at Folsom Field, there’s nothing better than that.”
Center was an interesting position for Colorado this season. Former UConn transfer Yakiri Walker was once expected to earn the starting role but was beaten out by Hank Zilinskas. Midway through the year, Zilinskas was replaced by walk-on Cash Cleveland, who recently earned True Freshman All-American honors from On3.
Loy also reported that Bates is planning a trip to Mississippi State for this weekend.
Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.