It’s been a quiet cycle for Colorado on the recruiting front — too quiet. But that could change fast if Deion Sanders and his staff can close on a name that’s suddenly climbing every national board: Jordan Clay.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pound wide receiver out of Madison High School in San Antonio announced his final three schools this week: Colorado, Baylor, and Oklahoma. He’ll make his decision public on July 11, and CU fans have every reason to feel like we're in this thing until the end.
I will be committing July 11th At madison High school!!! pic.twitter.com/aUzOfnBTpX
— Jordan Clay 4⭐️ (@Jordan_clay11) July 2, 2025
Clay is a solid high school player and a verified track athlete. He's a physically imposing outside target, and one of the most complete receivers in the country for the Class of 2026.
He’s ranked No. 8 at his position and No. 85 nationally by 247Sports. He had 2,300 yards and 24 touchdowns through his first three seasons of varsity football.
What stands out when watching Clay’s tape is how comfortable he is with contact. He’s a big-bodied receiver who doesn’t mind getting hit across the middle or outmuscling defenders at the catch point.
He’s not flashy, but that’s the kind of receiver who thrives in the Big 12, especially in late November—a Michael Crabtree type.
In an interview with 247Sports, Clay spoke highly of CU’s staff, praising Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur and wide receivers coach Jason Phillips — a Houston Hall of Famer who’s quietly becoming one of the most respected position coaches in the conference.
“Coach Shurmur, he’s great. And then you have Coach Phillips... he’s just a great coach,” Clay said. “And, of course, Deion. Being around that much NFL talent — almost four Hall of Famers — it’s crazy.”
Players these days want proof, not promises. And Sanders, for all the attention he draws, can now point directly to NFL success.
Right now, Colorado’s 2026 class ranks dead last in the Big 12 and No. 100 nationally. But that number is deceiving — Sanders has always played the long game in recruiting. He knows how to close late and flip momentum overnight. If Clay commits next week, that class ranking will climb quickly, and the perception around CU’s future may shift with it.
There’s still competition. Oklahoma is always a threat in Texas, and Baylor’s made steady inroads. Clay just visited both programs in June. But Colorado hosted him earlier that month, and the buzz has remained strong ever since.
Yes, the Buffs need more commitments — but more importantly, they need the right ones. Losing Cederian Morgan this morning hurts, but Jordan Clay is the next one that fits the mold.
If the Buffs can land him, they’re getting a nice tone-setter for the 2026 class. A good foundational piece.
July 11 is shaping up to be a big day. And this time, Colorado is still in the conversation for one of the best.
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