Finally, Colorado has some momentum on the recruiting trail. On Saturday, the Buffaloes landed a commitment from 4-star LB Rodney Colton Jr., the ninth commitment for Deion Sanders and company in the 2026 class, and the fourth to pledge in the last week.
BREAKING: Four-Star LB Rodney Colton Jr. has Committed to Colorado, he tells me for @rivals
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 12, 2025
The 6’2 225 LB from Grantville, GA chose the Buffaloes over Florida State and Ole Miss
“#verledagrandson🧸💔”https://t.co/02wNR7TixB pic.twitter.com/nbhVZPvIDZ
Recruiting has been a major concern for Colorado after a slow start to this cycle, and Coach Prime being sidelined with an illness and away from the program for the majority of the last couple of months. His appearance at Big 12 Media Days last week signaled a return to the program, and now momentum is beginning to build.
Colton becomes the highest-ranked commitment in the class for Colorado to date. He's a consensus 4-star recruit and ranked as the No. 239 overall player in the country, according to 247 Sports. Colton is the second 4-star commitment in the 2026 cycle for Sanders, joining safety Preston Ashley.
Ole Miss was the favorite for Colton, but Deion Sanders swooped in late
In an interview following his commitment, Colton spoke about his commitment to Colorado and how a phone call the night before his announcement may have swung him. The Newnan, Georgia native at one time was considered a lean to Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin.
But Sanders and LB coach Andre' Hart made the game-changing phone call on Friday night and convinced Colton to bring his immense talent to Boulder:
Newest Colorado Commit 4⭐️ Rodney Colton (@RodneyColton24) Opens Up About His Decision To Lock It In With The Buffs.
— Bacon Network (@baconnetworkllc) July 13, 2025
Ultimately Coach Prime and Coach Hart reach out to the LB last night to sway his decision form Ole Miss, Who Was The Front Runner For Colton At One Point.… pic.twitter.com/yNvHnWMAlY
Sanders pitched the early playing time that Colorado can offer, and Colton is likely to operate as a bit of a Swiss Army knife in the Buffaloes' defensive scheme. He has spent his time in high school mainly as an outside linebacker, but states in the interview that he will play inside at "Sam" or "Mike" at Colorado.
But he is a naturally gifted pass rusher, and Defensive Coordinator Robert Livingston will undoubtedly find creative ways to put Colton in the best position to make an early impact. Don't be surprised to see him utilized in a variety of ways.
Colton's commitment moves Colorado up to No. 79 in the industry recruiting rankings. They still have a lot of work to do, but this recent run of commitments has helped to ease some developing anxiety among the Boulder faithful.
Colorado is still in the hunt for some of the top uncommitted prospects, and you can bet that Coach Prime has his eyes on a few flip targets that will shock the nation.