Colorado lands commitment from Charlotte LB Nikhai Hill-Green

Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes have landed another commitment from the transfer portal.

Nikhai Hill-Green, the former Michigan linebacker and Charlotte transfer, tells On3 he has committed to Colorado. A team captain for the 49ers this past season, he earned third-team All-AAC honors en route to tallying 73 tackles.

Now he’s committed to the Buffaloes, ready to help turn around a defense that allowed 35.9 points per game. He told On3 earlier this week that his list of schools was down to Colorado, along with Arkansas, Louisville and Mizzou. He took a visit to see Columbia this week but ultimately decided on the Buffaloes.

“The culture and momentum that they’re building, along with what I bring will be something great,” Hill-Green told On3. “The NFL defensive scheme and model of the program is what sealed the deal for me. They want us to be pros and maximize everything that we can do. The Coach Prime effect of having NFL personnel who have done what I am striving for is a great fit.”

The 6-foot-2, 232-pound grad transfer visited Arkansas last week before spending the weekend in Boulder with the Colorado coaching staff. He also took a visit this week to Texas A&M. Michigan pushed for the linebacker to be at its spring game, however, Hill-Green spent it at Colorado — a clear sign of where the Buffs sit in his recruitment.

During his three seasons at Michigan, Nikhai Hill-Green was a key piece of the defense when he wasn’t sidelined due to injuries. The former four-star prospect played in all 14 games and made six starts in the 2021 season, helping Michigan reach the College Football Playoff. He posted 50 tackles and two tackles for loss.

Colorado has landed commitments from Pitt EDGE Dayon Hayes, Texas offensive tackle Payton Kirkland, Ohio defensive tackle Rayyan Buell, Ohio State running back Dallan Hayden and Miami (OH) running back Rashad Amos.

Hill-Green is the latest. He told On3 he was impressed with defensive coordinator Rob Livingston on his visit to Colorado. Livingston has spent the past 12 seasons working for the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals.

Now the Charlotte transfer is ready to help rebuild Colorado’s defense.

“Whatever the team needs me to do to win games,” he said.