Coach Prime making big push for 4-star CB who recently decommitted from Big 12 rival

The 2026 recruiting cycle has been a struggle for Deion Sanders and Colorado. The Buffaloes currently only hold 13 commitments in a class that ranks 68th in the 247 composite rankings.

But Coach Prime always has some tricks up his sleeve late in the cycle. With just over a month remaining until the early signing period, it's time for Sanders to make his move. One big domino falling could reverse the fortunes completely for the Buffs.

That domino could come this weekend in the form of 4-star CB JJ Dunnigan. The Manhattan, Kansas native recently decommitted from home-state Kansas, backing off a pledge he made back in January. With his recruitment open, the first visit he's taking in the aftermath is to Boulder this weekend for Colorado's matchup against Arizona.

It's not exactly a tough sell to get defensive backs to come to Colorado. Sanders is, by most measures, the greatest cornerback in the history of football. If you want to learn how to be great at that position, there's no one better to learn from.

Dunnigan ranks as the No. 152 overall prospect in the composite and the No. 18 cornerback. He's the No. 2 overall player in the state of Kansas. Dunnigan excitedly reported his offer from Colorado last month on X:

Deion Sanders needs to lock JJ Dunnigan down this weekend

This is the first visit Dunnigan will take in the wake of his decommitment from Kansas. But he's also scheduled a visit to Miami, and the Hurricanes will provide significant competition. He also recently reported an offer from Arizona State.

If Coach Prime wants to land Dunnigan, locking him down this weekend on his visit will be pivotal. The best news would be Dunnigan cancelling his visit to Miami.

A lot of teams want the 4-star CB, but Colorado needs him. And with as poorly as the Buffs have played in the secondary this season, there's an immediate avenue to playing time available in Boulder that may not be afforded everywhere else.

Dunnigan would instantly become the headliner of Colorado's 2026 class. He would be the highest-ranked commitment if Sanders could reel him into the boat.

Colorado currently has three commitments from defensive backs in this class: 4-star safety Preston Ashley, 3-star safety D'Montae Tims, and 3-star CB Maurice Williams.

If Sanders can land Dunnigan - and then perhaps flip a certain 5-star committed to Auburn - Colorado would end up with one of the top defensive back classes in the nation.