Jah Jah Boyd’s last moment in an Indiana uniform came quietly, even if the stage was anything but.
The redshirt freshman defensive back appeared in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, recording a tackle as the Hoosiers continued a postseason run that has already rewritten program history. Not long after, Boyd made a decision that reflects the reality of today’s college football landscape. He entered the transfer portal and, on Sunday, committed to play for Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes.
The timing matters.
Boyd appeared in five games this season after redshirting a year ago, working his way into the rotation while preserving eligibility. His decision means he will not be eligible to play for the Indiana Hoosiers in Monday night’s national championship game, closing his Indiana chapter just before its most historic moment arrives.
It is not an emotional exit. It is a modern one.
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A four-star recruit out of Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia, Boyd arrived in Bloomington with expectations and upside. A decorated two-way standout, he was known for his physicality, versatility, and competitive edge on both sides of the ball. Indiana provided development. Colorado offers opportunity.
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Boyd’s path to Indiana was built on familiarity. He originally committed to Curt Cignetti while Cignetti was the head coach of the James Madison Dukes, then followed him to Bloomington when Cignetti took over the Indiana Hoosiers program.
Under Sanders, the Buffaloes have leaned into belief, competition, and versatility. Boyd fits that profile. He is a defensive back still growing into his game, still finding his place, and still trusting where the next step can lead.
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In today’s college football landscape, timing rarely leaves room for sentiment. Boyd’s opportunity arrived, and he took it, even as Indiana prepares to chase history without him.
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