Coach Prime’s pull is strong, but it’s the success of former players that really sells the dream. What was once a program struggling to find its identity has quickly become a beacon for top-tier recruits. Under Deion Sanders’ leadership, the Buffaloes have not only attracted attention but have also begun to reshape the landscape of college football. The infusion of talent, energy, and a winning mentality has made Colorado a destination for athletes aiming to elevate their careers.

Central to this transformation has been the performance of quarterback Deion’s own blood Shedeur Sanders. His impressive stats, including back-to-back 3,000+ yard seasons, have showcased the potential of the program and its ability to develop NFL-caliber talent. This success has undoubtedly played a role in attracting recruits who see the value in joining a program on the rise.

One such recruit is Josiah Manu, standing at 6 feet 5 inches, the 295-pound offensive tackle from Loveland, Colorado. Originally committed to San Jose State, Manu decided to flip his commitment and join the Buffaloes’ 2026 class. His decision was influenced by the program’s upward trajectory and the success of former players like Shedeur Sanders. Manu stated, “Honestly, I would say the level of competition & coaching staff is the biggest thing. They’ve got a lot of great coaches over there & I keep seeing stuff about ex-Buff players just performing so well in the NFL as well,” highlighting the impact of the program’s success on his decision.

Manu’s dedication provides depth to Colorado’s offensive line, an important component for the cultivation of future quarterbacks. With the Buffaloes’ continued success and player development, such as Shedeur Sanders, Colorado is making itself a powerhouse in college football, drawing top players and laying the foundation for long-term success. As the 2026 class takes form, the impact of Coach Prime and the success of past players will certainly make a big difference in recruiting more players to Colorado.

The dedication of the program to excellence and player growth is evident, and with recruits such as Josiah Manu coming aboard, things look bright for the Buffaloes. As Colorado’s 2026 class takes off, another highly touted defensive recruit is making waves and potentially bringing the Buffaloes even more to the national forefront.

Local talent talks why Coach Prime’s vision is a game-changer

Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and 275 pounds, Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais, the top-ranked defensive lineman, is one of Colorado’s brightest recruiting stars and a coveted 4-star prospect. Last month, he narrowed his list of potential schools to Colorado, Oklahoma, UCLA, North Carolina, and Washington, a lineup that shows just how serious he is about joining a winning program. What stands out, though, is his strong connection with the Buffaloes’ coaching staff and the culture Coach Prime is building.

On July 19, DNVR Sports shared his thoughts live on air. “I have a really good connection with them. The coaching staff over there has really showed the love for me. And I mean, at the next level, that’s really half of what I’m looking for, is just them working to develop me. I think out of all those schools, they showed a lot of love. I mean, like, having a couple legends coach, just being in that environment just helps. It definitely helps your confidence as a player.”

This kind of connection speaks volumes about the culture in Boulder. Players want more than just a scholarship; they want a place where they can grow and chase their dreams. Colorado now sits at 11 commits for the ’26 class. With key commits like Josiah Manu and top defensive prospects seriously considering Colorado, the Buffaloes are on track for an exciting future filled with promise and success.