Major CU Buffs Recruiting Update! | Deion Sanders Top Targets On Campus

The Colorado Buffaloes, under the leadership of head coach Deion Sanders, are making significant strides in college football recruiting, securing top-tier talent for the upcoming seasons. The 2025 recruiting class, in particular, is shaping up to be one of the most impressive in the program’s history.

A cornerstone of this class is the commitment of five-star quarterback Julian “JuJu” Lewis. Originally the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2025 ESPN 300, Lewis flipped his commitment from USC to Colorado, citing the opportunity to play under Sanders and the potential for early playing time as key factors in his decision. Lewis’s commitment has generated significant buzz and is expected to attract additional top recruits to Boulder .([ESPN.com][1])

Complementing Lewis is four-star quarterback Antwann Hill Jr., who also committed to Colorado. Hill, ranked as the No. 49 prospect overall in the 2025 class, brings a strong arm and leadership qualities to the program. His commitment underscores the depth and competitiveness of the Buffaloes’ quarterback room moving forward .([SI][2], [ESPN.com][3])

On the defensive side, Colorado secured commitments from several high-profile recruits. Four-star edge rusher London Merritt, who decommitted from Ohio State, chose the Buffaloes, bringing his pass-rushing prowess to the team. Additionally, four-star offensive tackle Carde Smith flipped his commitment from USC to Colorado, bolstering the offensive line with his size and agility .([SI][4], [Reuters][5])

The Buffaloes also made waves by flipping four-star defensive back Antonio Branch Jr. from Penn State. Branch’s decision was influenced by the opportunity to be coached by Sanders, a Hall of Fame cornerback, and the potential for immediate playing time .([SI][6])

In the transfer portal, Colorado landed a significant addition with the commitment of Jehiem Oatis, a 320-pound defensive tackle from Alabama. Oatis’s experience and size are expected to make an immediate impact on the defensive front .([The US Sun][7])

Looking ahead, Sanders and his staff are targeting elite talent for future classes. Notably, they have extended offers to five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., the top receiver in the 2026 class and son of the late NFL wide receiver Chris Henry. Henry’s combination of size, speed, and route-running ability makes him a coveted prospect .([Sportskeeda][8], [SI][9])

Sanders’s recruiting strategy emphasizes quality over quantity, focusing on securing players who fit the team’s culture and can contribute immediately. This approach has transformed Colorado into a destination for top recruits, signaling a new era of competitiveness for the Buffaloes .([SI][10], [SI][4])

With these commitments and ongoing recruiting efforts, the Colorado Buffaloes are poised to make significant strides in the college football landscape, aiming to translate their recruiting success into on-field victories in the coming seasons.

[1]: “Julian Lewis commits to Colorado: Deion Sanders lands 5-star QB – ESPN”
[2] “Deion Sanders lands blue chip QB Antwann Hill Jr. for 2025 recruiting class – Sports Illustrated Colorado Buffaloes News, Analysis and More”
[3]: “Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes land top-4 QB recruit in 2025 – ESPN”
[4]: “Deion Sanders and Colorado expected to land 2025 blue-chip OL Carde Smith”
[5]: “Colorado adds DE London Merritt among 4 high-profile recruits”
[6]:  “Deion Sanders and Colorado flip 2025 four-star defensive back from Penn State”
[7]: Deion Sanders pulls off major Colorado Buffaloes signing with 320lb defensive powerhouse transferring from Alabama”
[8]: cororado reportedly targets five-star Alabama QB Keelon Russell amid Julian Lewis’ rumors”
[9]:

Deion Sanders and Colorado target five-star NFL legacy in 2026 recruiting class”