Colorado football targets four key 2026 commitments ahead of early July decisions
Whether the outcomes are positive or not, the Colorado Buffaloes are nearing a pivotal stretch in their 2026 recruiting campaign.
Head coach Deion Sanders, although currently away from the team, has a pair of three-star commitments already in the fold — tight end Gavin Mueller from Illinois and defensive lineman Domata Peko Jr. — but that list is likely to grow in the coming weeks. Several highly touted prospects are expected to announce their college commitments soon, with four Colorado targets announcing their decisions by July 12.
Here is a breakdown of the four recruits who could potentially become the next additions to Colorado's 2026 class:
4-star OL Deacon Schmitt
Commitment date: June 28
The top in-state product per 247Sports, Deacon Schmitt, is set to choose between Colorado, Alabama and Oklahoma. Schmitt is from Windsor, Colorado, which is just a short drive from Boulder. He could choose to stay close to home and become an immediate fan favorite.
"The environment is always a blast!" Schmitt told On3. "Growing up in Colorado, I have been around Boulder a lot! The opportunity to become a hometown hero is very special to me. I love CU in general. Everyone there is awesome and they are working on something very special!"
3-star OL Tripp Skewes
Commitment date: July 1
Skewes is another in-state product, but played his high school ball south of Boulder, closer to downtown Denver. The 6-foot-7, 300-pound offensive tackle is narrowing his focus to Colorado, Vanderbilt, North Carolina and Texas Tech. After visiting all four schools this summer, the Buffs appear to have momentum thanks to their proximity.
5-star WR Cederian Morgan
Commitment date: July 2
Morgan can be a game-changing receiver at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds. He ranks as one of the elite pass catchers in the 2026 class. His recent visit to Colorado was a surprise, perhaps indicating increased interest between the two parties. Landing him would be a signature recruiting victory for Sanders, who typically is good for at least one big splash per recruiting cycle.
4-star LB Rodney Colton Jr.
Commitment: July 12
With depth at linebacker being a big priority, Colton would be an impact addition for the Buffs. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound recruit recently wrapped up a visit to Boulder and will choose between Colorado, Penn State, Florida State, UCLA and Ole Miss.
July could be a transformative month for a Colorado recruiting class that only has two commitments through mid-June.
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