Deion Sanders and Colorado are desperate for a big win on the recruiting trail. They might get one soon with 4-star ATH CJ Sadler, one of the top uncommitted players left on the board, announcing his commitment next Friday.
Sadler, a Detroit native, is ranked as the No. 118 overall player in the 2026 class per the 247 composite rankings.
Colorado is among the four programs still in contention for Sadler, joined by Michigan, Maryland, and North Carolina.
Sadler is a two-way player for his high school, something that some believe he will continue into college. That obviously makes Colorado intriguing thanks to the success Travis Hunter found in Boulder. No other program can pitch that the way Coach Prime can.
Sadler is a dynamic athlete with the ball in his hands and could be a difference-maker as a slot receiver. He could also be a corner or safety at the next level, as he combines elite football instincts with his athletic traits.
Sadler took his final official visit of the summer to Colorado on June 20th, and Sanders and his staff have been on the Michigan native for two years now. The Buffs offered Sadler back in September of 2023, so he has a longstanding relationship with this staff.
Coach Prime and Colorado badly need a win on the recruiting trail
Due to Coach Prime's health issues over the summer, he wasn't active on the recruiting trail. That has Colorado working from way behind their normal pace. The Buffaloes currently rank 82nd in recruiting, but a run is expected soon. Sadler could kick off a run this fall that sees the Colorado class skyrocket.
He would instantly become Colorado's top recruit in the 2026 class, and just the third consensus 4-star. Currently, the Buffs hold commitments from just 10 prospects and need a run to fill out the rest of the class.
Sadler is the top uncommitted target left on the board for Colorado. Sanders is eyeing a number of prospects as potential flip candidates this fall, and has been working hard to set up gameday visits to try and sway them.
One of those prospects is 4-star RB Amari Thomas, who is expected to commit elsewhere this weekend, but Coach Prime and his staff will remain in constant communication to try and sway him before the early signing period in December.
Sadler committing next week could be the momentum-changer Sanders needs to turn things around in the 2026 cycle.