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Deion Sanders and Colorado in Final 3 for Top Four-Star Recruit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeff Hauser | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 5:49 PM ET

Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes made the top three for four-star defensive back recruit Preston Ashley. The Brandon High School (Mississippi) prospect has emerged as one of the most sought-after prospects in the next year's class. Colorado joins Florida and Florida State, according to On3.

NEWS: Four-Star CB Preston Ashley is down to Florida, Colorado, & Florida State, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’0 185 CB from Brandon, MS is ranked as the #1 CB in Mississippi (per On3)

Where Should He Go? ⬇️https://t.co/ngW9WUzD99 pic.twitter.com/BY4GbbGCuU
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 6, 2025

At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, Ashley is noted as the No. 20 safety in the nation and the No. 9 overall player in Mississippi, per 247Sports. He brings above average speed with a 4.5-second 40-yard dash and plays with a physical demeanor. He's scheduled to take an official visit to Colorado near the end of the month.

Ashley was also selected to the Under Armour Next All-America Game, adding to his status as a premier talent in the 2026 class. There is no indication he'll be staying home. His father, Tyrone, played for Ole Miss, but won't become a legacy recruit for Lane Kiffin. Ashley took Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Tennessee and Auburn off his list on Friday.

Early indications were that Auburn had a slight edge on Colorado to be in the final running, but that now isn't the case. Ashley would be CU's top recruit in the 2026 class, which only features three-star tight end Gavin Mueller and JUCO EDGE Domata Peko Jr.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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