Massive Colorado commitment should dispel Deion Sanders NFL talk

He's the most significant high school recruiting commit of the Sanders era. His announcement should also erase any thought of Sanders leaving Colorado for an NFL job this offseason.

Some have speculated he could be a candidate for the Cowboys' head-coaching job if they parted ways with Mike McCarthy.

Sanders has previously expressed his disinterest in coaching in the pros, most recently telling reporters on Tuesday, "I'm happy where I am... I'm excited. I'm enthusiastic about where I am. I love it here, truly do." 

Adding Lewis is the clearest sign that Sanders plans to stay in Colorado. Lewis might keep the Buffaloes in the Big 12's upper echelon.

Colorado (8-2, 6-1 in Big 12) is three wins away from likely clinching a berth in the 12-team College Football Playoff. Per ESPN's College Football Playoff Predictor, Colorado has a 92 percent chance of qualifying for the tournament by winning its two remaining regular-season games and the Big 12 championship.

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders will turn pro following the season, creating an opening at the position in 2025.

Lewis could earn the starting job. He told ESPN, "I'm excited for the opportunity to get to work and compete."

According to ESPN, Lewis is the highest-ranked recruit of the ESPN 300 era (2006-present). He was originally a member of the 2026 class but reclassified in January 2024.

On Sunday, Lewis opened his recruitment after previously announcing his intent to play at USC.

"I trust coach Prime and [offensive coordinator Pat] Shurmur to help me become the player that I want to be," Lewis also told ESPN after making his decision.

Sanders will likely continue attracting high-profile recruits to Colorado as long as he is there. Thanks to Lewis' pending arrival, he shouldn't leave anytime soon.