The headlines continue to highlight Colorado’s struggles in the national recruiting rankings, and message boards remain filled with complaints about the numbers. Yet quietly and consistently, Coach Prime continues to add players who align with his long-term vision for the Buffaloes.
Top star—a speedy, hard-hitting linebacker from Sammamish, Washington—committed to Colorado’s 2026 class. He chose the Buffs over programs like Arizona, San Diego State, and Washington State, all of which have had stronger recent showings in traditional high school recruiting metrics.
But that’s never been Deion Sanders’ focus. He’s not interested in chasing consensus rankings or playing it safe. He’s crafting a unique identity in Boulder, and Johnson, a high-motor prospect with immediate upside, fits seamlessly into that approach.
Rather than seeking headlines, Sanders is assembling a roster of tough, versatile players who buy into his culture. Johnson’s commitment might not shake up the national rankings, but it’s another step toward building a team in Sanders’ image.
“Let’s Go Build Something Special”
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound linebacker shared his commitment via an announcement on X (formerly Twitter):
“I want to thank God for all of the blessings along this journey… Let’s go build something special, Go Buffs!!!” Johnson posted.
That mindset? That energy? It’s become a defining trait of nearly every 2026 recruit who’s committed to Colorado this summer. From four-star safety Preston Ashley to cornerback Maurice Williams and tight end Gavin Mueller, this class may not be overflowing with numbers, but it’s loaded with confidence and belief in what’s being built in Boulder.
Johnson fits that mold perfectly. His game tape highlights exceptional lateral quickness, explosive edge pursuit, and rare positional versatility. He’s also a standout on offense and boasts a 10.87-second time in the 100-meter dash—proof of his speed and athleticism.
And with Colorado’s coaching staff in place, he’ll have every opportunity to reach his full potential.
Ignore the national rankings
Let’s be honest—yes, Colorado currently ranks 100th nationally and sits at the bottom of the Big 12 in high school commitments for the 2026 class. But that stat doesn’t tell the full story—and it certainly doesn’t reflect Deion Sanders’ plan.
From the start, Coach Prime has made it clear: he’s not building through a traditional 25-man high school class. His focus has always been the transfer portal. He’s looking for high school prospects who can contribute immediately, and for everything else, he’s turning to experienced players from the portal.
That approach already paid dividends in the 2025 recruiting cycle, when Colorado finished fourth in the Big 12 overall thanks to a combination of key transfers and handpicked high school standouts.
This strategy isn’t about stacking numbers—it’s about securing the right pieces.
And Colby Johnson is exactly that. He addresses a future need at linebacker, a position Colorado reshaped this offseason with portal additions like Martavius French, Reginald Hughes, Kylan Salter, and Shaun Myers after losing veterans Nikhai Hill-Green and LaVonta Bentley. Those transfers will hold it down now, but in a year or two, Johnson is expected to take the reins.