Colorado has rarely signed the type of elite talent that consistently fuels the nation’s recruiting powers. Since the dawn of the modern recruiting era, just 12 Buffaloes have earned a five-star rating from at least one major recruiting service or scouting guide before arriving in Boulder. Some became NFL players, some transferred before reaching their potential, and others saw promising careers derailed by injuries or off-field issues. Here’s a look back at every Colorado football recruit who was considered a five-star prospect by at least one major recruiting outlet and what became of their careers.
1. Jordan Seaton (2024)
Seaton stepped into Colorado’s lineup as a true freshman and immediately became one of the cornerstones of Deion Sanders’ rebuilding effort. Already regarded as one of the nation’s top young offensive tackles, he appears destined for an NFL future and has a chance to finish as the greatest five-star recruit in school history. He's on to LSU for what will likely be his final college season before becoming a top NFL draft pick in 2027.
2. Julian Lewis (2025)
Lewis arrived in Boulder as one of the nation’s premier quarterback prospects and the centerpiece of Colorado’s future after the Shedeur Sanders era. After just four appearances last season, his collegiate career is just beginning, his recruiting profile and expectations make him one of the biggest signings in program history.
3. Quinn Sypniewski (2000)
Sypniewski quietly turned in one of the better overall careers among Colorado’s highly rated recruits. He became a productive tight end before spending four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.
4. Ryan Miller (2007)
Miller more than lived up to his five-star billing, becoming one of the best offensive linemen in Colorado history. He started a school-record 47 career games, earned Freshman All-America honors, was named a second-team All-American as a senior and was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
5. Craig Ochs (2000)
Ochs signed as one of the nation’s elite quarterback recruits but ultimately finished his career at Montana. Injuries interrupted his development and opportunities to play in Boulder. He did have a cup of coffee in the NFL with short stints in San Diego and Buffalo.
6. Nick Kasa (2008)
Originally recruited as a defensive end, Kasa reinvented himself after moving to tight end. The position switch paid off as he developed into an NFL Draft pick and enjoyed one of the more successful professional careers among Colorado’s former five-star recruits. He was part of Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 championship team.
7. Jon Major (2002)
Major entered Colorado as one of the nation’s premier linebacker prospects and became a dependable four-year contributor for the Buffaloes. He developed into a productive starter before earning opportunities in both the NFL and CFL.
8. Darrell Scott (2008)
Scott’s commitment was one of the biggest recruiting victories Colorado had ever landed after beating out several national powers for the elite running back. Injuries, inconsistency and transfers limited him to just 343 rushing yards with the Buffaloes, making him one of the program’s biggest “what if” stories. He transferred to South Florida and after sitting out one season, had a productive year for the Bulls. he later went undrafted after declaring for the draft early. He lasted one season in the NFL and never saw the field for the Dallas Cowboys.
9. Marcus Houston (2000)
Houston was one of the most celebrated recruits in Colorado history and won the Buffaloes’ starting running back job as a true freshman. Unfortunately, a string of injuries, including hip, groin and knee ailments, limited him to just 513 rushing yards over three seasons before he transferred to Colorado State, where he finally showed the talent that once made him one of the nation’s top prospects. He went undrafted in 2005.
10. Yuri Wright (2012)
Wright became one of the first elite football recruits whose college recruitment was dramatically altered by social media. Unlike today’s prospects, whose old posts are routinely unearthed years later, Wright’s recruitment unraveled in real time during the 2012 recruiting cycle after a series of offensive tweets led to his expulsion from Don Bosco Prep. Colorado never backed away, and Wright earned a starting role early in his career, but recurring concussion issues limited his development and he never fully realized the potential that made him one of the nation’s top cornerback prospects.
11. Cormani McClain (2023)
McClain arrived at Colorado as one of the nation’s highest-rated cornerback recruits and generated enormous excitement for Coach Prime and the program after choosing the Buffaloes. Although he played just one season in Boulder before transferring, he has rebuilt his career after walking on at Florida and is now viewed by many evaluators as a legitimate 2027 NFL Draft prospect.
12. Lynn Katoa (2002)
Katoa signed with Colorado as one of the nation’s premier linebacker prospects but never appeared in a game after being dismissed from the program following a violent off-field incident shortly after enrolling. Subsequent legal troubles, including prison time stemming from felony convictions, made him one of the most unfortunate and disappointing recruiting stories in Colorado football history.
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