Deion Sanders just pulled off another recruiting stunner. The Colorado head coach flipped four-star linebacker Rodney Colton Jr. from Florida State, beating out Ole Miss in the process.
The 6’1″, 220-pound linebacker from Georgia becomes the crown jewel of Sanders’ 2026 class, and fans are already celebrating what this means for the Buffaloes’ future.
What Made Rodney Colton Jr. Choose Colorado Over Florida State and Ole Miss?
Four-star linebacker Rodney Colton Jr., a standout from Newnan, Georgia, committed to Colorado after a recruiting battle that went down to the wire. Colton, ranked No. 303 nationally by 247Sports Composite, also holds the No. 21 linebacker ranking and sits as the No. 36 overall prospect in Georgia for the 2026 cycle.
With more than 30 offers on the table, Colton narrowed his decision to Colorado, Florida State, and Ole Miss. Although Ole Miss appeared to gain momentum earlier in the week, a key visit to Boulder on June 20 shifted the tide in favor of the Buffaloes.
BREAKING: Four-Star LB Rodney Colton Jr. has Committed to Colorado, he tells me for @rivals
The 6’2 225 LB from Grantville, GA chose the Buffaloes over Florida State and Ole Miss
“#verledagrandson🧸💔”https://t.co/02wNR7TixB pic.twitter.com/nbhVZPvIDZ
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 12, 2025
The decision came down to relationships and fit. Linebackers coach Andre’ Hart played a central role in Colton’s commitment to the Buffaloes.
“I have just been talking with Coach Hart more and more. I have gotten to know him, and he is a great man who has been coaching with Coach Prime for years. He is a father figure to me, he has a lot of experience, and that connection really helped Colorado. He made a big impact on me and my mom,” Colton said.
Meanwhile, Colorado’s recruiting ties to Georgia paid off once again. Colton credited 2025 signees Mantrez Walker and Julian Lewis for influencing his choice.
“They love it there and they talked to me about Boulder, the staff, and how they all want to stay on the grind,” he said.
How Are Fans Reacting to Colorado’s Latest Recruiting Win?
Fan reactions flooded social media as news of Colton’s commitment spread. Colorado supporters celebrated the addition while taking shots at rival programs.
“Honestly happy for CU been awfully quiet in Boulder as far as 2026 commits,” one said.
Another added, “We got a linebacker?!? It’s over for Georgia.”
The recruiting victory also sparked commentary about Sanders’ ongoing recruiting success, especially against Florida State HC Mike Norvell.
Jesus Christ Deion literally makes it a full time job to just stuff little man NorveLL into a locker every single chance he gets. I mean seriously, have we ever seen a coach own another coach this bad without ever having played a game lol?
— Peeping Todd, The Last Goon (@bullynapier) July 13, 2025
“Mike Norvell got stuffed in a locker again,” a fan remarked.
However, not everyone was convinced about the long-term prospects. “Transfer Portal by December,” another remarked.
Despite the mixed reactions, Colton’s recruitment included official visits to several top programs, including Florida State, Ole Miss, Penn State, UCLA, and SMU. Colorado emerged victorious from this heavyweight competition, adding its second blue-chip prospect to the 2026 class alongside four-star cornerback Preston Ashley.
“Even when I was thinking about Ole Miss, Colorado was still right there,” Colton told Rivals. “I kept talking to the coaches and I kept thinking about my decision, and I decided Colorado was the best school for me.”
The Buffaloes now hold nine commitments in the 2026 class, which has added five new pledges since July 1. The group currently ranks No. 79 nationally.
