4-Star Recruit KJ Edwards Praises Colorado Buffaloes, Deion Sanders After Visit

The Colorado Buffaloes hosted four-star running back KJ Edwards for a visit. Edwards is one of the top running back prospects from the class of 2026. After his visit, he heavily praised Colorado coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes, emphasizing the future of the running back room.
Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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The Colorado Buffaloes hosted four-star running back KJ Edwards for a visit over the weekend. The Buffaloes have received just one commitment from the recruiting class of 2026, but after an impressive visit, could be gaining another recruit soon.

Edwards is one of the top running backs from the class of 2026. Per the On3 Industry Rankings, Edwards is the No. 42 recruit in the nation, the No. 4 running back, and the No. 5 player from Texas. While the favorite to land Edwards is Texas, his visit with the Buffaloes went well.

Edwards told On3 that Colorado coach Deion Sanders made a real impression on him and had high praise for where Colorado stands.

Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory
Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

“The main message was they can use me right now just because I can play any position on the field and I’m just an overall complete running back and they play their freshman kids as long as they work their butts off for a starting position,” Edwards said.

Since coaching college football, Sanders has been open that he is not looking for a high quantity of recruits. He looks for players who will come in and compete. 

The Buffaloes did not have a strong run game in 2024, relying mainly on passing the ball. Running back Isaiah Augustave led the team with just 384 rushing yards. While Colorado may remain a pass-first offense, Sanders and the program are taking steps to improve the running back position.

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The Colorado Buffaloes have a coaching staff filled with former NFL players. On Feb. 6, the Buffaloes hired Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk as the running backs coach. Edwards highlighted the idea that Faulk would help turn Colorado into a great program for running backs to attend.

“The coaches that are there have spent many years in the league so they know what they’re talking about and understand the game of football and with Marshall Faulk coming in to play RBU will be coming to CU shortly,” Edwards continued.

The pathway into the NFL is something recruits look to when picking a school. The coaching staff having experience playing in the NFL, in addition to the program having multiple picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, including one first-rounder, makes Colorado an enticing program for recruits.

Aug 5, 2017; Canton, OH, USA;  San Diego Chargers former running back Marshall Faulk arrives during the Professional Football
Aug 5, 2017; Canton, OH, USA; San Diego Chargers former running back Marshall Faulk arrives during the Professional Football HOF enshrinement ceremonies at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images / Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

“My time being in Colorado was good and the view with mountains towering the stadium which, being a Texas boy, you hardly see any landscape like how it is in Boulder, Colorado,” Edwards said.

Following the visit, the Colorado Buffaloes have gone higher on Edwards's list. The other schools Edwards is interested in are the Baylor Bears, Texas Longhorns, and Texas A&M Aggies. The Buffaloes may have to recruit harder being an out-of-state school, but between the coaching staff and the chance to play right away, Colorado will be a school to watch to land Edwards.

The Buffaloes may not have many commitments, but the program hosted several top recruits in addition to Edwards over the weekend. With the class of 2026 looking to narrow down their decisions soon, Colorado is expected to receive more commitments soon.

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Angela Miele
ANGELA MIELE

Angela Miele is a writer covering the USC Trojans on Sports Illustrated. She graduated from Rutgers University with a Master’s in Communication and Media in 2024. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in 2022 from Rowan University. She graduated with a B.A. in English with minors in Writing Arts and Sports Communication and Media. Since graduating from Rowan University, she has been a contributor on various websites, most recently covering the NFL and college football for The Forkball.