Colorado football added the No. 37 recruiting class in the nation on national signing day, bringing on Julian Lewis (4-star QB), Chauncey Gooden (4-star IOL) London Merritt (4-star EDGE), Adrian Wilson (4-star WR), Quanell X Farrakhan Jr.(4-star WR), Carde Smith (3-star OT), Mantrez Walker (3-star LB), Antonio Branch Jr. (3-star S), Zayne DeSouza (3-star TE), Alexander McPherson (3-star DL), Quentin Gibson (3-star WR), Corbin Laisure (3-star TE), and Jay Gardenhire (3-star OT).
It's not the star-studded class of a 2023 Alabama or a 2022 Texas A&M, but Deion Sanders was able to address several needs on the roster with several Buffs NFL-bound this offseason.
On SI's Josh Tolle evoked the CU squad when discussing the potential impact that class could have in Boulder, specifically likening this Buffs team to the 1987 class; which matured to a national championship level by 1990.
"The message from Boulder is clear that players who choose Colorado will not only win but also develop into NFL-caliber athletes. Unlike traditional powerhouses like Alabama and Ohio State, where recruits often face a waiting game, Coach Prime promises immediate opportunities for those who prove themselves capable. Freshmen like Jordan Seaton, Drelon Miller, Isaiah Hardge, and Micah Welch exemplify this philosophy, showing that talent—not seniority—earns playing time," Tolle wrote.
"While Colorado’s incoming class may not be the largest, it could rival the legendary 1987 class that propelled the program to a National Championship in 1990. With Lewis and other elite recruits leading the charge, the Buffaloes may soon rewrite their history and contend for another national title."
Sanders' recruiting strategy isn't admired by everyone, but after a 9-3 season, you can't knock what works.
Expect many more portal commits to bolster the 2025 class. The high school portion was somewhat light on volume but heavy on talent.