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Why portal DB Slaughter matters

On3 imageby: Tom Dienhart02/02/26TomDienhart1

Purdue tried to land John Slaughter from the portal in 2025, but he opted for Colorado after leaving Tennessee. The Boilermakers got their man this year.

The 6-2, 200-pound Slaughter is part of a secondary makeover, one of three portal safeties along with Jaden Mangham and Justin Denson. That trio is joined by two junior college safeties: Dax Noles and Ta’Vari Hampton.

“He possesses versatility and skill. He was able to get more of an opportunity in the safeties room with the injuries Colorado had,” said Nikki Edwards, who covers the Buffalloes for Rivals site CU Sports Nation. “Played in the final 11 games of the season, starting in three and came up with some clutch plays; his INT vs WVU with a 22-yard return. Quality depth piece and capable starter.”

A product of Southaven High in Clarksdale (Miss.), Slaughter started his career at Tennessee, playing 62 snaps in 23 games across two years before transferring to Colorado for the 2025 season. In his one year in Boulder playing for Deion Sanders, Slaughter had 25 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble in 11 games (three starts). He had a 55.4 Pro Football Focus defensive grade in 2025.

“He (along with many of CU’s secondary) got beat on more than one occasion,” said Edwards. “WRs were able to break coverages easily and there were times his inexperience showed on the field. He can be explosive but easy to manipulate.”

Why did Slaughter leave Boulder?

“Colorado lost all its stars this offseason,” said Edwards. “No surprise that Slaughter also wanted to seek another opportunity where he could battle for the starting role and also win games.”

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