Deion Sanders‘ plate is overflowing, and the buffet line just keeps growing. First, his son Shedeur Sanders’ draft stock is sliding, dropping from a projected No. 6 pick to No. 22, placing Deion in a tight spot. The post-Shedeur plan, once seemingly set, has hit a detour. Julian “JuJu” Lewis, the initial top 5-star recruit, is now in limbo as Kaidon Salter enters the quarterback conversation. And, whispers suggest Deion might be eyeing a third option, too. For JuJu, the dream of securing QB1 now feels distant amidst the influx of new players.
It’s clear that Deion is playing a pro-level chess game, thinking several moves ahead. He’s not about to let Colorado’s quarterback room dwindle when Kaidon Salter potentially heads to the pros next year. Like a seasoned gardener tending a prized rose bush, he understands the need for constant cultivation. He’s ensuring a steady pipeline of talent. To that end, the Buffs are aggressively pursuing four key recruits for the 2026 season. As On3’s Steve Wiltfong reports, “I think there are four guys that they covet right now in the 2026 cycle. The list would start with five-star Keisean Henderson.”
NCAA, College League, USA Football: Cincinnati at Colorado Oct 26, 2024 Boulder, Colorado, USA Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders walks the sidelines in the second half against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Folsom Field. Boulder Folsom Field Colorado USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xRonxChenoyx 20241026_tbs_ac4_615
This 6-foot-3, 185-pound quarterback seems to paint masterpieces on every field he graces. Let’s rewind to his sophomore year in 2023. In just eight games, Henderson orchestrated an offensive masterclass, throwing for 1,574 yards, a testament to his accuracy and vision. His 21 touchdowns against a mere three interceptions spoke volumes about his decision-making. A 63.4% completion rate? That’s not just consistency; it’s precision. Fast forward to his junior year in 2024, and the narrative amplifies. Leading his team to a 7-4 record, he unleashed 2,689 yards and 25 touchdowns, completing 65.7% of his passes. But Henderson isn’t just an arm; he’s a complete offensive weapon. With 347 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, he showcased a dual-threat capability that makes defensive coordinators lose sleep.
Then came the Navy All-American Bowl in 2025. Henderson earned the MVP title, leading the West to a 13-7 victory. His performance was nothing short of spectacular: 146 yards on just five passes, including a jaw-dropping 91-yard bomb to Jalen Cooper, and 30 rushing yards. It’s the kind of performance that etches a player’s name in the annals of high school football.
However, the path to securing Henderson’s commitment is fraught with challenges. The Legacy School’s pledge to Houston, the allure of staying in-state, creates an obstacle for Deion. Yet, as Steve Wiltfong notes, “But Colorado feels like they have some inroads with the kid. They’re maintaining communication with him and trying to see where that leads them down the road.” Deion Sanders, it seems, is ready to challenge Houston in the Big 12 recruiting field.
But Deion isn’t putting all his eggs in one basket. “Oscar Rios is an On300 quarterback from Downey, California. He has an official visit set for the weekend of June 20th. He’s someone that I think Colorado’s in the thick of it for, with Arizona, Oklahoma State, and Utah to name a few others,” Wiltfong reveals. Rios, a dual-threat dynamo with a 73% completion rate, is a tantalizing prospect. His ability to stress defenses with both his arm and legs makes him a coveted asset.
Then there’s Tait Reynolds, a four-star quarterback from Arizona, currently committed to Clemson. “Arizona four-star Tait Reynolds is committed to Clemson. He’s expected at Clemson this weekend, but Colorado is trying to get involved there as well,” Wiltfong explains. Reynolds’ sophomore year was a testament to his versatility: 1,808 passing yards and 11 touchdowns, coupled with 631 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. He wasn’t just a dual threat; he was a red-zone juggernaut. His early commitment to Arizona State for baseball, followed by a flip to Clemson, showcases his dynamic nature. Deion Sanders, it appears, is attempting to replicate the Julian Lewis recruitment magic.
And finally, Brodie McWhorter, who has received an offer from Deion Sanders, has Colorado in his top seven list, along with Auburn, Indiana, Mississippi State, Syracuse, and Wisconsin. Basically, all this QB recruiting means Julian Lewis’s gonna see a lot more competition too.
Deion Sanders’ gem “juju” might face a QB1 competition
Deion Sanders pulled a surprise move that shocked everyone. He rolled out the red carpet for Julian Lewis—made him feel like Boulder’s crowned prince. Coach Prime laid on the affection thick for JuJu Lewis. From heartfelt messages from 101-year-old superfan Peggy Coppom, to burgers served in his honor—he practically stopped just shy of retiring the kid’s jersey. He even emphatically stated, “He’s everything that we desire in a quarterback.”
Consequently, it seemed crystal clear: JuJu was destined to be Shedeur Sanders’s rightful heir. But then, with an almost jarring suddenness, Deion shifted gears, abruptly introducing Kaidon Salter into the quarterback equation.
JuJu Lewis boasts an impressive track record, racking up over 10,000 passing yards and 140 touchdowns in three seasons at Carrollton High. However, the spotlight has shifted with Kaidon Salter’s arrival. A quarterback battle is brewing in Boulder, and this is no mere friendly competition. Salter brings seasoned experience, having started 29 games at Liberty and earned the Conference USA MVP title. This makes him a formidable adversary, even for a talent like Lewis.
It’s clear that JuJu’s position is becoming less certain. Even if Salter, likely a mentor quarterback for freshman JuJu, performs well and moves on to the NFL, Lewis will still face stiff competition. Deion Sanders is already eyeing 2026 quarterbacks, though, at least for 2026, Lewis’s QB1 spot seems a bit more assured. Will it stay so?
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