Gavin Mueller, a 6’6″, 250-pound tight end from South Elgin, Illinois, has pledged to Colorado, becoming the Buffaloes’ first high school commit in the 2026 recruiting cycle.
Rated a four-star by Rivals and a high three-star by other recruiting outlets, Mueller chose Colorado over LSU, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin after an official visit to Boulder on May 2. The highly recruited prospect is the second overall pledge in Colorado’s 2026 class and is expected to be a cornerstone of the Buffaloes’ future offensive plans.
Gavin Mueller Explains Why He Chose Colorado Over LSU, Notre Dame & Wisconsin
Colorado has landed a major piece for its 2026 recruiting class. Tight end Gavin Mueller announced his commitment to the Buffaloes over top-tier programs LSU, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin.
The 6’6″, 231-pound South Elgin (Ill.) product becomes the second pledge of the cycle for head coach Deion Sanders, following Calabasas (Calif.) edge rusher Domata Peko Jr., son of CU defensive line coach Domata Peko.
Mueller made his official visit to Boulder during the first weekend of May. Wide receivers coach Brett Bartolone played a key role in the Buffs’ pursuit of the high-upside prospect. Mueller, who also competes in the shot put, brings elite athleticism and size to the position.
The Moment Elite 2026 TE Gavin Mueller Committed to Colorado 🔥
🎥 : @247Sports @gavinmuellerr pic.twitter.com/zrnsji82Pf
— We Coming 🦬 (@SkoBuffsGoBuffs) May 14, 2025
“Colorado is the next generation of football,” Mueller said during his commitment announcement. “I think there is a lot of opportunity. But most of all, it seems like a brotherhood there… it seems like they genuinely wanted me to be there.”
Ranked as the No. 36 tight end in the 2026 class and the No. 840 player nationally by 247Sports, Mueller is also considered the No. 18 recruit in Illinois. While 247Sports lists him as a three-star, Rivals gives him a four-star grade. His recruiting stock has risen quickly, as Mueller only recently transitioned from basketball to football.
During a live commitment stream, Mueller expressed his excitement about joining the Colorado community.
“The coaches made me a priority, and the fans have reached out and shown nonstop support, and I’m very excited to get to know all of them,” he said. “Hollywood Gavin, I love it bro… I’m ready to get to know you guys, and I’m ready to start getting to work right away.”
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Mueller is projected as a physical, in-line Y tight end capable of contributing as both a blocker and pass catcher. 247Sports analyst Hudson Standish described him as,
“A high-upside attached tight end who could blossom into a key piece for a College Football Playoff contender,” noting Mueller’s frame, physicality, and ball-tracking skills in contested situations.
With Sanders expected to sign another relatively small class in 2026, the Buffs are emphasizing quality over quantity. Mueller’s addition continues Colorado’s focus on securing blue-chip talent early.
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