Colorado misses on more in-state recruits, here's why it is okay

The Colorado Buffaloes missed out on the top 2027 in-state recruit recently, and that trend continued over the past few days as two of the top five recruits in the 2027 class committed elsewhere. Three-star Valor Christian teammates, wide receiver Jackson Coleman and interior offensive lineman Reis Russell, committed to Notre Dame and Washington, respectively. Both players held offers from Deion Sanders' program, but were never really prioritized, even by a staff that has stated it wants to make inroads with in-state recruits.

It is worth noting that Valor Christian's head coach is former Colorado interim coach Mike Sanford. Sanford led the Buffs during the 2022 1-11 season. The former CU coach attended Colorado's high school coaching summit a few weeks ago, which the Buffs put together to strengthen relationships between the program and in-state high schools.

BREAKING: Class of 2027 IOL Reis Russell has Committed to Washington, he tells me for @Rivals ⁰⁰The 6’3 295 IOL chose the Huskies over Georgia, Miami, and USC “AGTG!! I’m Home Husky Nation☔️” https://t. co/wAe8FpReAy pic.

twitter. com/g5lgQz7cNR — Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 4, 2026 The renewed interest is clear, even after Colorado did not land the two talented Colorado natives, who would have been positive additions to the team. The more likely reason Sanders and company did not make Russell or Coleman priorities is the program's belief that high school recruits need to be able to play right away.