The writing was on the wall once 2027 cornerback Dolph McDonald decommitted from Colorado over a week ago.
Xavier McDonald, a three-star wide receiver prospect in the 2026 class and brother to Dolph, made headlines by staying loyal to head coach Brennan Marion. When Marion left Sacramento State for Colorado’s offensive coordinator gig, McDonald redirected his commitment to follow his coach.
🚨BREAKING🚨 WR Xavier McDonald has flipped his commitment from Colorado to James Madison👑https://t.co/aOMwZcp4Tz pic.twitter.com/wSYoMTocWR
— Rivals (@Rivals) February 4, 2026
This isn't surprising given Dolph's decommitment and Colorado's deep receiver room, which now includes 2026 commit Jacob Swain.
Colorado added transfer portal help at the receiver position including DeAndre Moore Jr., Danny Scudero, Kam Perry, and Ernest Campbell while returning Joseph Williams, Hykeem Williams, Quentin Gibson, and Quanell Farrakhan Jr.
Colorado’s wide receiver room is brimming with talent and speed, and such a move shouldn’t disrupt their plans moving forward..
In a decision that turned heads, McDonald picked James Madison over a lineup of powerhouse programs including Ole Miss, LSU, Auburn, Alabama, and Miami.
McDonald ranks No. 6 in Mississippi, No. 16 among wide receivers, and No. 115 nationally in the 2026 class per 247Sports Composite.
McDonald nabbed 38 catches for 562 yards and five touchdowns in seven games last season. He has accumulated 3,337 receiving yards and 39 touchdowns over his entire high school career.
His brother Dolph may join him at James Madison, if that's still their plans to play together. Dolph recently posted on X that he received an offer from the school.
🙏🏾 I want to thank @CoachFlemWR for offering me an opportunity to play @JMUFootball ⚪️🟣👑 pic.twitter.com/Jpou0aZPm9
— Dolph McDonald (@DolphEMcdonald) February 4, 2026