Colorado's next star QB picks up where Shedeur Sanders left off as a recruiting ace for Buffaloes

Lewis posted on X, “Hey CU fans, we need a few more Christmas gifts!” Our guesses for targets include these stars.

Kevin Concepcion, WR, NC State

One of the premier receivers in the entire nation, Concepcion figures to be a projected first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Tallying 1,655 all-purpose yards and 18 touchdowns over his first two seasons, Concepcion is very much an offensive weapon. 

Able to handle the slot job or be an outside receiver, Concepcion would help alleviate the losses of Travis Hunter, Jimmy Horn Jr., LeJohntay Wester, and Will Sheppard. 

Ethan O'Connor, CB, Washington State

A breakout star in 2023 as a redshirt freshman, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound Ethan O'Connor surely has the eye of Deion Sanders. With visits to Georgia, Miami, and Oklahoma, O'Connor is heavily pursued. With four interceptions, great athleticism, and playmaking, O'Connor might require one of the bigger bags in the portal.

Colorado's secondary is quite underwhelming, so O'Connor would enter as the team's best lockdown defender.

Gavriel Lightfoot, DT, Fresno State

Lightfoot actually already committed to Colorado, but we wanted to highlight his addition. He has established himself as one of the top run-stoppers in the Mountain West Conference.

Hailing from Moreno Valley, California, he could potentially follow in the footsteps of another Fresno State defender, Leonard Payne, who transitioned from the Bulldogs to the Buffaloes to complete his college career. Lightfoot still has one season of eligibility left.

He represents an ideal, seasoned choice to bolster a struggling rush defense. Colorado ranked ninth among Big 12 teams in run defense and was 70th nationally.