Deion Sanders, Colorado land elite four-star recruit over major schools

Deion Sanders and Colorado landed another top-tier talent in the 2026 recruiting class. Four-star tight end Gavin Mueller made it official and announced he would be Boulder bound next year. 

The 6-foot-6, 255-pound South Elgin High School (Illinois) standout visited Coach Prime and his staff two weeks ago and was reportedly blown away by the atmosphere. He took his final planned official visit at LSU on Saturday and comes to the Buffs as a big asset. The coveted pass catching talent is a great addition for Pat Shurmur and a go-to for Julian Lewis next year. 

Mueller is noted as the No. 34 tight end in the country and 11th-best prospect in the state of Illinois, according to 247Sports. Outside of football, Mueller has excelled on the hardwood during his career.

"With an 82-inch wingspan and above-the-rim athleticism that translates from the court to the field," 247Sports Hudson Standish said about Mueller. "Has shown the ability to make plays at the catch point and excels at tracking the football in crowded conditions. Played through a shoulder injury and underwent surgery following his first season of football, should be viewed as a high-upside attached tight end who could blossom into a key piece for a College Football Playoff contender."

Mueller chose Colorado over LSU, Wisconsin, and Notre Dame. Four schools out of the 25 offers he received over the past year. He joins JUCO commit Domata Peko Jr. as the second player in the Buffs future class. 

Sanders and Buffs will blaze the recruiting trail hard over the coming months. While high school recruits aren't Coach Prime's top priority in the equation, the quality of the athlete and how ready they are for the next level will never change.