As Deion Sanders continues to leave his mark on college football, his recruitment methods have been a major point of discussion. Focusing on the class of 2026, three exceptional high school athletes stand out as potential game-changers for his team.
3 high school prospects Deion Sanders can target:
#3. Jaden O'Neal
Jaden O'Neal, currently committed to Oklahoma, is a top quarterback prospect in the 2026 class. Ranked as the No. 6 QB nationally, O'Neal had an outstanding sophomore season, throwing for over 2,400 yards and 27 touchdowns. His transfer to Narbonne High School has further boosted his profile.
O'Neal has already received offers from Colorado and Florida State. However, Deion Sanders' interest and influence could potentially sway O'Neal towards Boulder.
#2 Evan Jacobson
Evan Jacobson is a standout tight end prospect from the class of 2026. Standing 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 220 pounds, Jacobson received an offer from the University of Colorado last Monday after a conversation with the Buffaloes' tight ends coach, Brett Bartolone.
Jacobson recorded six receptions for 91 yards and two touchdowns during his sophomore year at Waukee High School. He is ranked as a four-star recruit by 247Sports, which lists him as the seventh-best tight end nationally and the second-best player from Iowa. Jacobson has attracted interest from Iowa State, Ohio State, Texas A&M and LSU.
#1. Julian Lewis
Julian Lewis, a highly regarded quarterback, has consistently been among the top prospects in his class. Despite his commitment to USC, he remains a key target for Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes.
Known for his precision and decision-making abilities, Lewis has visited Colorado multiple times, creating significant interest. Standing at 6 feet and weighing 185 pounds, he is currently ranked as a top-two prospect nationally by various recruiting services.
On3's Director of Scouting and Rankings, Charles Power, noted:
"USC commit Julian Lewis is a prolific passer at the high school level who looks to have the skill set of a high-floor distributor. Lewis is one of the more accurate quarterbacks in the cycle. His degree of technical polish and consistency allows for little variance on his passes, particularly in the short and intermediate areas of the field."
In the On3 Industry Ranking, Lewis now sits at No. 22 nationally. On3's own rankings place him at No. 44, while 247Sports has dropped him from No. 16 to No. 46 nationally, ranking him as the No. 7 quarterback in the class.
Colorado Buffaloes Fan? Check out the latest Colorado Buffaloes depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place