Noah Fenske is ready for a fresh start, and the Colorado Buffaloes are happy to provide it.
On Saturday, the former Iowa offensive lineman announced his decision to transfer to CU and join the football team this summer.
Fenske played two seasons at Iowa and was listed as the second-team center this spring before putting his name in the NCAA transfer portal on Monday.
After receiving interest from Missouri, UNLV, Southern Illinois and a few other schools, Fenske chose CU.
“I had a few intriguing offers,” Fenske told BuffZone, “but for me, it was the relationship I’ve built with (CU offensive line coach Mitch Rodrigue). Watching film with him, I believe that this program can win and win big-time games. I wanted to be a part of this program.”
Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.com coming out of New Hampton (Iowa) High School, Fenske redshirted in 2019. He appeared in one game, against Minnesota, last season. The 2020 campaign does not count toward eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so Fenske has four seasons to play at CU. He will be eligible immediately after the NCAA voted to pass a one-time transfer rule this week.
Although he was on the depth chart at center with Iowa, the 6-foot-4, 300-pound Fenske said he could play anywhere on the line with the Buffs.
“(The coaches) have pretty much talked about me having an opportunity to learn all three line positions,” he said.
Fenske said his first time in Boulder will be when he moves in on June 1, but he has had a chance to meet CU guard Casey Roddick, who has been helpful in the transfer process. It’s Fenske’s rapport with Rodrigue that led him to the Buffs, however.
“He is a genuine guy,” Fenske said. “I was just able to build a good relationship with him and I can’t wait to get started working with him.”
CU is projected to have 16 offensive linemen in the fall, with Fenske being the third newcomer and the ninth with at least four years of eligibility remaining.
