As the Colorado Buffaloes prepare for life after star quarterback Shedeur Sanders, head coach Deion Sanders aggressively builds a quarterback pipeline, targeting elite 2026 prospects like Oscar Rios and Keisean Henderson to secure the program’s future.
With five-star recruit Julian Lewis already in the fold, Sanders’ recruiting vision is clear: keep Colorado contending at the highest level.
Deion Sanders’ Strategic Quarterback Recruiting for Colorado’s Future
Now entering his third season as Colorado’s head coach, Sanders has made quarterback recruiting a top priority as the Buffaloes transition from the Shedeur Sanders era. With Liberty Flames transfer Kaidon Salter expected to start in 2025 and five-star freshman Lewis learning behind him, Sanders is already looking ahead to 2026 for depth and competition at the most critical position.
Colorado’s presence on the 2026 quarterback trail is robust. The Buffaloes are finalists for top prospects like four-star Oscar Rios, who will visit Boulder in June. Despite his current commitment to Houston, they have also offered three-star Luke Fahey and pursued five-star Keisean Henderson.
Sanders’ approach is aggressive and relentless, leveraging his reputation for flipping high-profile recruits, just as he did with Lewis, who initially committed to USC.
Sanders’ recruiting strategy is more than talent acquisition; it creates a competitive environment that pushes players to excel. As one national analyst noted:
“Coach Prime has a long track record of flipping top recruits. ” His pursuit of 2026 quarterbacks demonstrates his commitment to keeping Colorado’s quarterback room among the nation’s best.
Sanders has said, “I ain’t worried about me, let’s get everybody else straight first… I’m good,” emphasizing his focus on building a sustainable program rather than his future.
Building a National Contender: Sanders’ Vision Beyond 2025
With Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter both NFL-bound, Sanders is reloading the Buffaloes’ roster with high-upside talent and a bold vision for the program’s future. The 2025 class, headlined by Lewis, is Colorado’s best in years, but Sanders knows that sustained success requires constant evolution, especially at quarterback.
Oscar Rios, a four-star from California, is one of the most coveted targets. “I’m just excited to see what they have out there—a place where I’ll get developed and play the right way,” Rios told On3 before his official visit.
National recruiting analyst Greg Biggins praised Rios’ dual-threat ability and elite completion percentage, calling him “about as elite as you can find at the high school level”. Meanwhile, Keisean Henderson, ranked No. 2 nationally at his position, remains in contact with Colorado despite his Houston commitment, showing Sanders’ persistence in chasing the best.
Sanders’ recruiting extends beyond quarterbacks. Five-star wide receiver Cederian Morgan, who recently visited Boulder, said:
“If you want to get to the league, I feel like Colorado is a great place. With the head coach being Deion, that just makes everything 10 times better”. This national reach and appeal are reshaping Colorado into a destination for elite talent.
KEEP READING:vAnonymous Big 12 Coach Dismisses Colorado’s 2025 Hopes, Calls Deion Sanders’ Program ‘A Circus’
Sanders’ forward-thinking strategy in quarterback recruiting is positioning Colorado for long-term success beyond 2025. By aggressively pursuing top 2026 prospects and cultivating a highly competitive atmosphere, Sanders ensures the Buffaloes remain a dominant force in the Big 12 and a contender on the national stage.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
