The Buffs just got a whole lot bigger, and are finally on the board for the 2026 class.
Gavin Mueller, a 6-foot-6, 250-pound four-star tight end from Wheaton, Illinois, officially committed to Colorado, giving Coach Prime his first pledge in the 2026 class. Mueller isn’t your average early commit. This is a future matchup nightmare.
Mueller, chose the Buffs over heavy hitters like LSU, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin, and has the type of measurables that make NFL scouts take notice before he even plays his senior year.
Rated as the No. 451 overall player and No. 21 tight end in the nation by the 247Sports Composite, brings unique upside. He only started playing football last year as a junior at Wheaton St. Francis High School after focusing primarily on basketball. His athletic background and frame, combined with an 82-inch wingspan, make him one of the more intriguing long-term prospects in the country.
"Coach Prime was one of the easiest dudes I’ve ever talked to. We were cracking jokes for like an hour."2026 TE commit Gavin Mueller
That comfort level with Sanders appears to have played a significant role in the commitment. The two connected during an extended conversation, and it didn’t take long for Mueller to feel at home with Colorado’s coaching staff and vision.
What Gavin Mueller brings to the field
According to 247Sports national analyst Hudson Standish, Mueller projects as an in-line "Y" tight end who can create space at the line of scrimmage and be a factor in both the run game and passing attack. He has shown reliable hands and the ability to track the ball in traffic.
Despite playing with a shoulder injury during his first season of football—an injury that later required surgery—Mueller still impressed evaluators with his toughness and athleticism.
“He should be viewed as a high-upside attached tight end who could blossom into a key piece for a College Football Playoff contender,” Standish wrote.
Mueller’s physical tools are rare, even in the SEC or Big Ten, which makes his commitment to Colorado a notable win for Sanders’ staff as they continue to push for national-level talent.
A look at Colorado's TE room
With Mueller on board, Colorado’s tight end room becomes even more physically imposing. The Buffs are quietly building one of the biggest and most athletic position groups in the Big 12.
Current tight end room:
Zach Atkins – 6-foot-4, 240 pounds
Sav’ell Smalls – 6-foot-3, 265 pounds
Charlie Williams – 6-foot-4, 245 pounds
Brady Kopetz – 6-foot-4, 270 pounds
Corbin Laisure – 6-foot-5, 250 pounds
Zayne DeSouza – 6-foot-6, 255 pounds
Gavin Mueller – 6-foot-6, 250 pounds
That group isn’t just big, it’s also relatively young and versatile, providing Colorado with multiple options in both spread and pro-style sets. It also reflects a trend in modern college football where tight ends are asked to do more than block and need to become mismatches in the passing game.
Why this commitment matters for Colorado
Mueller’s decision signals that Colorado’s recruiting efforts under Coach Prime continue to resonate nationally. Winning a recruiting battle over programs like LSU and Notre Dame for a Midwest player with elite potential shows the Buffaloes are being taken seriously by top prospects around the country.
It also emphasizes Colorado’s long-term strategy. While most attention remains focused on the upcoming 2025 and 2026 seasons, Sanders and his staff are investing in building a sustainable talent pipeline.
Mueller plans to return to full health following his shoulder surgery and expects to play both ways again this fall as a senior. He will also continue to play basketball, a sport that clearly helped shape his mobility and ball skills.
If his development continues on its current path, Mueller could emerge not just as a key player in Boulder, but as one of the most talked-about tight ends in the 2026 class.
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