NFL legend Deion Sanders has done a great job of turning around the Colorado Buffaloes’ football program. In just two years since arriving, Coach Prime has transformed the program from one of the worst in the nation to a popular destination for recruits. Part of what makes him a great spokesperson for the team is just who he is. His experience as a star in the NFL makes him someone college football players want to play for.
Deion Sanders Gets a Big Shoutout From High School Standout Tyler Atkinson
While there were rumors that Sanders would leave Colorado for the NFL, that does not appear to be the case — at least in 2025. Most of the vacant head coaching jobs in the NFL have been filled, including the openings for the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders. So, it does not look like he will be following his sons to the NFL after all.
Indeed, Sanders has been on the recruiting trail. While his focus has mostly been on bringing in players in the 2025 class, he has spoken with some players in the 2026 class. Notably, he recently met with high school standout linebacker Tyler Atkinson. Atkinson is a five-star recruit who will not be available to sign until after next season.
However, that has not stopped colleges from speaking with him. Notably, Atkinson recently spoke about a conversation he had with Deion Sanders.
“Coach Prime said that the only high school players he recruits are those real dogs that are ready to play at the next level and serious about their path, like myself.”
2026 Grayson HS 5⭐️ No. 1 LB Tyler Atkinson speaks on his recent conversation with Coach Prime 👀
"…The only high school players he recruits are those real dogs who are ready to play at the next level and serious about their path, like myself."
(Via @On3Recruits) pic.twitter.com/0dDrAr8V8k
— STAMPEDE (@stampedecu) February 3, 2025
It is a strong statement from a player who is viewed as the most sought-after defensive prospect in the 2026 class.
Sanders has done a good job of turning the Buffaloes into a destination for recruits. His 2025 class is one of the best in the program’s history.
The most notable recruit for the Buffaloes in the 2025 class is quarterback Julian Lewis. He is the third-ranked QB in his class, behind Bryce Underwood and Tavien St. Clair. That places him as the 12th-ranked player in the entire 2025 class. In addition to Lewis, Sanders has successfully signed eight four-star recruits and five three-star recruits.
Additionally, the team still has time to improve its 2025 class in the coming days. National Signing Day is not until Feb. 5. Regardless, it was a strong recruiting class for Sanders, and it could be even better in 2026.