Colorado Buffaloes are in a tight race for four-star CB

When a top-250 recruit from Mississippi names Colorado in his final three, it’s another sign that Coach Prime’s message is resonating nationwide.

Four-star cornerback Preston Ashley is down to three programs: Colorado, Florida, and Florida State. And while the Gators and Seminoles have geography on their side, the Buffaloes have something that’s been flipping recruits since December 2022 — Deion Sanders and a staff that builds men, not just athletes.

Ashley, a 5-foot-10, 170-pound (according to 247) defensive back from Brandon, Mississippi, told On3’s Chad Simmons that his commitment will come this summer, and that it’s a “1A, 1B, 1C” type of decision.

For Colorado to be mentioned in the same breath as two powerhouse programs from the South says a lot about how far this staff has come in building credibility with elite high school talent.

“It would be a blessing to be coached by Coach Prime, but they look past football. They care about the players,” Ashley told On3. “It goes beyond football with Colorado.”

Family ties in Tallahassee

Florida State likely enters the final stretch as the frontrunner. Ashley is a legacy recruit — his uncle played for the Seminoles — and he’s made multiple visits to Tallahassee. He’s also built a strong rapport with head coach Mike Norvell and cornerbacks coach Patrick Surtain Sr.

“They’ve been recruiting me for over two years,” Ashley said. “They have a special place in my heart.”

That emotional tie, combined with a long-standing relationship and location advantages, makes FSU a serious contender. But even if he is a legacy recruit, Colorado has one of the greatest Seminoles on their own sideline.

Colorado’s edge: NFL Pedigree

Ashley’s official visit to Boulder is set for June 20, and that trip could be pivotal.

Colorado’s coaching staff is loaded with NFL experience, including DBs coach Kevin Mathis, who spent nine seasons in the league and was a teammate of Sanders in Dallas. For a young corner looking to develop at the next level, those credentials carry weight.

Ashley isn’t just impressed with the resumes, though — it’s the family atmosphere that has him leaning in.

He referenced how the staff supported Travis Hunter’s wedding, something that made him realize Colorado’s culture might be different than the transactional feel of some larger programs.

“I really like Coach Mathis too. He was a great cornerback in his time and he is a great coach,” Ashley added. “They want it to be like family.”

Where Ashley ranks

According to 247Sports, Ashley is rated as the No. 213 overall prospect in the 2026 class, the No. 18 safety nationally, and a top-10 player in the state of Mississippi.

He currently holds 24 offers, including Auburn, Arkansas, and Oklahoma State, but has narrowed it to three. While Florida and Florida State have each landed verbal commitments from defensive backs in the 2026 cycle, Colorado’s safety room is wide open — no commitments yet, and a clear path to early playing time.

Coach Prime’s ability to recruit nationally has already been proven. In just two cycles, he’s pulled players from Texas, Florida, Georgia, California, and now potentially Mississippi.

Ashley’s upcoming visit gives Coach Prime and company a genuine opportunity to showcase what sets Boulder apart — from the NFL preparation to the personal connections in players’ lives.

Just "get 'em to Boulder" as Coach Mac used to say.

If the Buffaloes can lock this one down, it won’t just be a win for the secondary. It’ll be another sign that Coach Prime is still just getting started.

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