Illinois transfer OL Zy Crisler commits to Colorado

Illinois transfer offensive lineman Zy Crisler committed to Colorado, he told ESPN’s Pete Thamel Wednesday night. He was an All-Big Ten selection with the Fighting Illini.

Crisler spent three years in Champaign as a starter on Illinois’ offensive line. He was a two-time Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection by the coaches while starting 30 games for the Fighting Illini under Bret Bielema.

Crisler started his career at the JUCO level at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, spending one season with the Buldogs. He played high school football at Perkinston (Miss.) Copiah Academy and will have one more year of eligibility remaining.

Former Illinois offensive lineman Zy Crisler has committed to Colorado, he tells ESPN. Crisler has started for three seasons on the offensive line at Illinois. pic.twitter.com/8QoSrRhrL4

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 9, 2025

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. 

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and X account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

Zy Crisler’s decision to enter the portal came after the NCAA announced a waiver in 2025 for JUCO products with eligibility. That followed a decision in Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia’s lawsuit as he sought to play one more season despite spending two years at New Mexico Military Institute.

Judge William Campbell sided with Pavia, granting a preliminary injunction which paved the way for him to return to Vanderbilt in 2025. The timing of Campbell’s decision came more than a week after the transfer portal opened. Pavia cited the portal window in the suit, citing the need for time to negotiate NIL deals.

The NCAA then followed suit, announcing a blanket waiver. Athletes who attended a non-NCAA school for at least one year and have eligibility left will be able to compete in 2025-26 as a result of the decision. That means players such as Pavia and Aguilar will be able to suit up, if they so choose. The NCAA is also appealing Campbell’s decision in the lawsuit, as expected.

Crisler is the 15th commitment for Deion Sanders and Colorado this cycle. The Buffaloes remain active in the transfer space and this year’s class is headlined by former Liberty quarterback Kaidon Salter – the No. 91 overall player and No. 12-ranked quarterback to hit the open market, according to the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings. He will now play a key role in developing elite quarterback signee Julian Lewis as Shedeur Sanders takes his talents to the NFL.