Colorado potentially losing the state's top player to Nebraska would be a disaster

Colorado doesn't have the luxury of being able to fill a roster with in-state prospects like Georgia or Florida or Texas. But it's important to keep the top kids home, especially where they are offensive linemen. 

Reis Russell is the top player in the state for the 2027 recruiting cycle and if Colorado is going to get in on his recruitment, the Buffaloes staff will have to do some work to fight off Nebraska and Washington for the three-star center. 

Since Coach Prime has arrived in Boulder, it's safe to say Colorado's in-state recruiting has been selective. Even in the best of times, Colorado had to recruit out-of-state frequently while hoping to keep a handful of in-state prospects. 

But Deion Sanders brings a national spotlight with him. He leans into that spotlight heavily in recruiting, and it's opened the doors for Colorado to recruiting on a national level. The nine pledges in the Buffaloes' current recruiting class come from eight different states. None are from Colorado.

Last year's high school recruiting haul had 14 signees and only one from Colorado - tight end Dayne DeSouza. Four came from Prime's home state of Florida and three signees came from his adopted home state of Texas. 

While there aren't any in-state prospects currently pledged to Colorado, it appears that one is on the radar -  three-star offensive tackle Josiah Manu. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound tackle from Loveland, Colorado is committed to San Jose State, but appears more than willing to give the Buffaloes a good look after receiving an offer this week. 

Buffs eye flip of in-state OT from San Jose State

While there aren't any in-state prospects currently pledged to Colorado, it appears that one is on the radar - three-star offensive tackle Josiah Manu. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound tackle from Loveland, Colorado is committed to San Jose State, but appears more than willing to give the Buffaloes a good look after receiving an offer this week. 

"I am pretty good friends with the tight end they took last year, Zayne DeSouza. So I have always kind of had an eye on CU," Manu told 247Sports' Adam Munsterteiger.""My brother (Jayden Manu) actually got recruited by CU, too, when he played at Loveland High. I was definitely excited when (Buffs offensive line) coach (Gunnar) White offered me. My family was ecstatic as well."

We know that Colorado doesn't go after many in-state prospects, so the staff must be high on Manu. Now it's time to make sure he stays home.