Colorado Called Out by Mike Farrell as 2026 Recruiting Disappointment

Colorado’s recruiting momentum has hit a wall in the Class of 2026, as Mike Farrell Sports‘ Mark Pszonak dubbed the Buffaloes one of the five most disappointing programs in the cycle.

The low count of just four committed players stands in stark contrast to conference rivals routinely pulling in double-digit classes, and it puts Colorado in some interesting territory as offseason intensity ramps up.

Under Deion Sanders, Colorado’s rise in 2024 sparked enthusiasm, but as the Buffaloes navigate life without NFL-bound stars Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, recruiting has slowed. The Buffaloes’ slim haul reflects a broader challenge: maintaining recruiting momentum during a roster rebuild when national attention fluctuates.

With the early signing period approaching and most programs nearing the halfway mark in their recruiting efforts, Colorado risks falling behind. Even mid-tier Big 12 contenders typically secure 10–15 prospects, leaving a stark talent gap if CU remains stagnant.

“It has been well publicized that head coach Deion Sanders was never going to make high school recruiting a priority,” Pszonak said. “And he has stayed true to that. But having only four commitments in late June is troubling. Luckily for the Buffaloes, two of those four happened in the last week, with cornerback Preston Ashley (Brandon, MS) and cornerback Maurice Williams Jr. (New Orleans, LA) both committing. Colorado is involved with a good number of high-end talent, but they need to start winning more of these recruiting battles.”

This matters more than it appears. A shallow Class of 2026 would leave fewer developmental players for depth and reduce competition for starting roles. Sanders needs to infuse his roster with not just transfers but high school talent to build long-term stability, something this class must deliver.

Now the pressure is on the Buffs’ staff to close the gap. Expect aggressive late offers, dynamic visits, and a strong finish if Colorado aims to meet expectations as a contender again in 2025.