The Buffs just got significantly stronger and have finally secured their first commitment for the 2026 class.
Top prospect, a 6-foot-6, 250-pound four-star tight end from Wheaton, Illinois, officially pledged to Colorado, marking Coach Prime’s first recruit for 2026. He isn’t your typical early commit — he’s a future matchup nightmare.
He chose the Buffs over powerhouse programs like LSU, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin, boasting physical traits that have NFL scouts paying attention even before his senior season.
Ranked No. 451 overall and No. 21 among tight ends nationally by the 247Sports Composite, he offers unique upside. He only began playing football last year as a junior at Wheaton St. Francis High School after focusing mainly on basketball. His athleticism, size, and impressive 82-inch wingspan make him one of the nation’s most intriguing long-term prospects.
“Coach Prime was one of the easiest dudes I’ve ever talked to. We were cracking jokes for like an hour,” said Mueller, the 2026 TE commit.
That easy rapport with Sanders clearly helped seal the deal. After a long conversation, Mueller quickly felt comfortable with Colorado’s coaching staff and their vision for the program.
What Gavin Mueller brings to the field
According to 247Sports national analyst Hudson Standish, Mueller projects as an in-line “Y” tight end who can create separation at the line of scrimmage and contribute effectively in both the running and passing games. He has demonstrated reliable hands and the ability to catch the ball in tight coverage.
Even while playing through a shoulder injury during his first football season—which eventually required surgery—Mueller impressed scouts with his toughness and athleticism.
“He should be viewed as a high-upside attached tight end who could develop into a key piece for a College Football Playoff contender,” Standish noted.
Mueller’s rare physical attributes, even compared to typical SEC or Big Ten prospects, make his commitment to Colorado a significant victory for Sanders’ coaching staff as they continue to compete for top-tier national talent.
A look at Colorado’s TE room
With Mueller joining the team, Colorado’s tight end group is becoming even more physically dominant. The Buffs are quietly assembling one of the biggest and most athletic units in the Big 12.
Current tight end roster:
- Zach Atkins – 6-foot-4, 240 pounds
- Sav’ell Smalls – 6-foot-3, 265 pounds
- Charlie Williams – 6-foot-4, 245 pounds
- Brady Kopetz – 6-foot-4, 270 pounds
- Corbin Laisure – 6-foot-5, 250 pounds
- Zayne DeSouza – 6-foot-6, 255 pounds
- Gavin Mueller – 6-foot-6, 250 pounds
This group isn’t just large in size—it’s young and versatile, giving Colorado plenty of flexibility in both spread and pro-style offenses. It also highlights a modern college football trend where tight ends are expected to do more than just block; they need to be dynamic mismatches in the passing game.
Why this commitment matters for Colorado
Mueller’s commitment highlights that Colorado’s recruiting efforts under Coach Prime are gaining national traction. Securing a Midwest player with elite potential over programs like LSU and Notre Dame shows the Buffaloes are becoming a serious contender for top talent across the country.
It also reflects Colorado’s long-term vision. While the focus remains on the 2025 and 2026 seasons, Sanders and his staff are clearly building a sustainable pipeline of talent.
Mueller expects to be fully recovered from his shoulder surgery and aims to play both ways again this fall as a senior. He will also continue playing basketball, a sport that has clearly contributed to his agility and ball skills.
If his progress keeps up, Mueller could not only become a cornerstone player for Colorado but also one of the most talked-about tight ends in the 2026 recruiting class.