Colorado Buffaloes' Recruiting Boost Gains Momentum With 4-Star Linebacker Commitment

Colorado Buffaloes Continue Strong Recruiting Efforts with 4-Star Linebacker Commitment

The Colorado Buffaloes are making significant progress in their 2026 recruiting class, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. This weekend, Rodney Colton Jr., a four-star linebacker from Newnan, Georgia, became the seventh defensive player to commit to the program. Colton is also the third linebacker in the class, joining three-star prospects Carson Crawford and Colby Johnson.

Coach Deion Sanders, often referred to as "Coach Prime," now has nine commitments for the 2026 class, including five additions in July alone. Colton, who stands at 6-foot-1 and weighs 220 pounds, is ranked as the No. 15 linebacker in his class and the No. 23 prospect in Georgia by 247Sports. He had previously committed to South Carolina but ultimately chose Colorado over Florida State and Ole Miss.

Colton's decision was seen as a major win for the Buffaloes. DNVR's Scott Procter called it "arguably its biggest recruiting win of the cycle thus far." The four-star linebacker also turned down offers from UCLA, Penn State, and SMU, all of whom visited him this summer. Colorado hosted him in mid-June, which played a key role in his final decision.

During his junior season at Newnan High School, Colton recorded 51 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, six sacks, and an interception. When asked about his visit to Colorado, Colton praised the coaching staff, especially linebackers coach Andre' Hart. "Everything was great on my visit," he said. "Coach Hart is a great man. He is down to earth, he is cool, cordial, all of it. He is always checking in, the most, making sure I am good, making sure my family is straight."

Hart is building a strong defensive line with young talent. Alongside class of 2025 signee Mantrez Walker, he’s bringing in more players to strengthen the unit. Jacksonville State transfer Reginald Hughes and UTEP transfer Martavius French are currently considered Colorado's top two inside linebackers for the 2025 season.

Colorado Buffaloes 2026 Commitments

• Four-star safety Preston Ashley (Brandon, Mississippi)
• Three-star tight end Gavin Mueller (South Elgin, Illinois)
• Three-star linebacker Colby Johnson (Sammamish, Washington)
• Three-star EDGE Domata Peko Jr. (Ventura, California)
• Three-star cornerback Maurice Williams (New Orleans, Louisiana)
• Three-star offensive tackle Xavier Payne (Miami, Florida)
• Three-star linebacker Carson Crawford (Carthage, Texas)
• Three-star safety D'Montae Tims (Seffner, Florida)
• Four-star linebacker Rodney Colton Jr. (Newnan, Georgia)

With Colton's commitment, Colorado's 2026 class now ranks 16th in the Big 12 Conference and No. 79 nationally according to 247Sports. In the past two recruiting cycles, Coach Prime has signed just under 15 players each time, so more commitments are expected before the class is finalized.

While the Buffaloes have made notable progress in their recruiting efforts, their immediate focus is on the upcoming 2025 season. Colorado will begin preseason training camp on July 28, with their season opener against Georgia Tech on August 29.