Colorado Lands Surprise Commitment Late In Early Signing Period

Coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes aren't done yet building their 2026 recruiting class.

After making things official with 11 players during the first two days of the early signing period, Colorado landed a commitment from three-star cornerback Braylon Edwards on Friday. Edwards, who was previously committed to the SMU Mustangs, has yet to sign with the Buffs as of this writing.

“At the top of the mountains, greatness begins," Edwards said, per Rivals' Hayes Fawcett. "Officially committed to the Buffs.”

Colorado Lands Commitment Late Early Signing Period Braylon Edwards Recruitment SMU Mustangs Deion Sanders Prospect Football — Aug 29, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; General view of Big XII Colorado Buffaloes end zone marker before the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Sanders' latest commit is a 6-foot, 187-pound defensive back from Duncanville, Texas, who owns several other Power Four offers, including Wisconsin, Arizona State, Auburn, Texas Tech and Utah. The 247Sports composite ranks Edwards as the No. 116 safety nationally and the No. 186 prospect in Texas.

With Duncanville High School still alive in the Texas state playoffs, Edwards' 64 total tackles rank second on the team. He also owns two interceptions, six passed defended and a forced fumble.

Where Braylon Edwards Fits In Colorado's 2026 Class

Edwards becomes the third defensive back to commit to Colorado's 2026 class, which now ranks No. 95 nationally in the eyes of 247Sports.

Alex Ward, Athlete — Marietta, Georgia
Domata Peko Jr., Defensive Lineman — Calabasas, California
Ben Gula, Offensive Lineman — Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Christian Ward, Wide Receiver — Carrollton, Georgia
Colby Johnson, Linebacker — Sammamish, Washington
Rodney Colton Jr., Linebacker — Newnan, Georgia
Maurice 'MoJo' Williams Jr., Cornerback — Edna Karr, Louisiana
Josiah Manu, Offensive Line — Thompson Valley, Colorado
Carson Crawford, Linebacker — Carthage, Texas
Xavier Payne, Offensive Line — Jones, Florida
Preston Ashley, Safety — Brandon, Mississippi
Braylon Edwards, Defensive Back — Duncanville, Texas (Commit)

I’M HOME 🏠 ‼️ https://t.co/dftfTNiEVK
— Braylon Edwards 4⭐️ (@BraylonEdward10) December 5, 2025

More commits are now expected after the hiring of new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion. Four-star wide receiver Xavier McDonald, who decommitted from Sacramento State on Friday, has reportedly expressed interest in the Buffs, per Rivals.

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Colorado's Outlook At Defensive Back

Looking ahead to next season, safety Tawfiq Byard stands as the top returning player in Colorado's secondary. Cornerback DJ McKinney is expected to enter the NFL Draft, and both Preston Hodge and Ivan Yates are out of eligibility. Cornerback RJ Johnson and safeties TJ Branch and Carter Stoutmire are all set to return. Still, next month's transfer portal window will likely lead to some change.

Sanders, coming off a 3-9 third season at Colorado's helm, is still looking for players with the proper mentality.

"I don't have to explain it, they saw it," Sanders said last month. "You gotta understand, if you're a dawg, you want to come here and right the wrong. If you're a cat, you look at the scoreboard and you run. Which one are you? A dawg or a cat?"