Latest news with #Buffs
USA Today
4 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Colorado football offers standout 2026 Illinois quarterback commit
Colorado football extended an offer to three-star class of 2026 quarterback and Illinois commit Michael Clayton. Clayton committed to Illinois last November and took an official visit to Champaign earlier this month. He becomes Deion Sanders and the Buffs' 23rd offered quarterback in the 2026 class, but 17 of those recruits have already committed to programs. The Buffs become the 33rd program to offer Clayton, who 247Sports ranks as the No. 43 quarterback in the class of 2026 and the No. 99 player from Florida. Colorado is still busy at work in the class of 2026 cycle, adding two commitments this week to bring their class total to four. The program's current class ranks No. 102 nationally and last in the Big 12. Sanders and his staff will need at least one signal caller from the 2026 class, and currently, it seems that flipping an already committed recruit is the most likely path. Clayton adds another potential flip to the list. Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads and Instagram. Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Two Colorado freshman to appear in EA Sports' College Football 26
I'm officially In The Game #CFB26 @easportscollege #EAAthlete. #Blessed In the NIL era, players relish the opportunities they receive to make a profit off their name, but there is one deal that might trump any other. That is the ability to play as yourself in a video game, or more specifically, EA Sports' latest installment, College Football 2026. On Friday, incoming Colorado freshmen London Merritt and Mantrez Walker announced they'll be in the soon-to-be-released game. The edge rusher and linebacker confirmed that their name, image and likeness will be included in the game, marking another milestone in their young careers. EA Sports brought back the popular college football franchise last year to widespread excitement from fans and players alike, eager to jump back into the game. New to this year's addition, all 136 Football Bowl Subdivision schools will be paid by EA Sports based on the frequency with which gamers play with their respective team. Real-life coaches are also being added to the game this year. Merritt and Walker are both Georgia natives, with Merritt being a blue-chip prospect once committed to Ohio State. Merritt appears to have significant potential with the Buffs, who lost several key pieces to their defensive line, most notably star defensive end BJ Green. Walker was a three-star prospect who has been with the Buffs for most of the offseason, but he projects as a likely depth piece entering his freshman season. Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads and Instagram. Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Colorado football class of 2026 rises in national ranking after two defensive commitments
Colorado made headlines earlier this week, as the Buffaloes landed commitments from two class of 2026 defensive backs, Preston Ashley and Maurice Williams, who was a former Liberty commit. Both recruits pledged to Deion Sanders' Buffs following their official visit to Boulder over the past weekend. Sanders has a successful history of getting prospects who go on official visits to commit soon thereafter, and that phenomenon held once again. Ashley immediately became Colorado's top-ranked 2026 recruit, but both players provided a much-needed boost to a class that only had two commitments before this week. Colorado's class of 2026 now has four commitments, with the additions of Ashley and Williams. That group now ranks No. 102 nationally but is still last in the Big 12. To get into the top 100, the Buffs need to surpass Eastern Michigan (101) and Bowling Green (100). Colorado should have no trouble doing that in the coming weeks with several top prospects nearing their commitment dates. Despite being small, the Colorado 2026 class does pack a punch with four solidly rated players and one blue-chip recruit in Preston Ashley. Expect that once more commitments come in, the Buffs will make a jump up the national rankings. Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads and Instagram. Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Deion Sanders' Powerful Message Ignites Colorado Fans
Deion Sanders' Powerful Message Ignites Colorado Fans originally appeared on Athlon Sports. In a digital era where messages can move faster than a blitzing linebacker, Deion 'Coach Prime' Sanders delivered a passionate, soul-stirring social media post that set the Colorado Buffaloes community ablaze with inspiration and resolve. Advertisement 'You've got to roll up your sleeves and fight,' Sanders wrote on X (formerly Twitter), injecting faith and fire into his words. 'This ain't no ordinary attack, this is a real sophisticated, highly educated attack.' For Buffs fans and players gearing up for a pivotal 2025 season, it wasn't just a motivational tweet. It was a battle cry. A Deeper Fight Than Football Sanders wasn't speaking strictly about Xs and Os. His words hinted at deeper challenges, mental toughness, spiritual warfare, and the internal battles athletes face when doubt, fatigue, or outside noise creeps in. 'This enemy knows u & knows your weaknesses,' he added. That line alone sparked widespread conversation. Advertisement Faith in the Trenches In classic Coach Prime fashion, the post didn't end with fear, it ended with faith. 'You will claim the victory if u don't quit, give up or give in. You got God baby.' It's that blend of grit and belief that's come to define Sanders' coaching style. Whether it's on the field or in front of a congregation, Sanders brings spiritual warfare into football warfare, uniting fans who believe they're fighting for more than just a winning record. Coach PrimeCU Buffs Motivation or Message to the Team? Many close to the program believe this message was directed just as much at Sanders' players as his fanbase. With the 2025 season looming, Colorado faces high expectations, and even higher pressure. Advertisement After flipping the culture in Boulder, Sanders now faces the task of turning transformation into triumph. That takes more than talent. It takes resilience. And messages like this one, intentionally cryptic but unmistakably forceful, seem designed to test the team's emotional stamina before fall camp even begins. What's Next for the Buffs? Coach Prime's post may have been short, but its impact is lasting. For fans, it's a reminder that Colorado football under Deion Sanders isn't just about wins and losses, it's about mindset, mission, and meaning. Whether you're in the trenches or in the stands, Sanders' message is clear: don't back down. As Coach Prime battles his still unknown health issues, he continues to lead from afar. Advertisement And as the 2025 season nears, one thing is certain, Coach Prime isn't done fighting, and he doesn't expect you to be either. Related: Fresh Intel Reveals Deion Sanders Missed 'Official Duties' as Health Improves, Per Report This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
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. Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads and Instagram. Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
