Deion Sanders' Colorado projected to flip USC OT commit Carde Smith amid Julian Lewis rumors

By Maliha

Modified Nov 12, 2024 14:09 GMT

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Four-star offensive tackle Carde Smith committed to USC in August, but he has kept flirting with Colorado as well. He was there for the Buffaloes’ 38-31 win over the Baylor Bears on Sept. 21 and returned to witness the school's 34-23 win over the Cincinnati Bearcats on Oct. 26.

Following his back-to-back visits, On3 recruiting analysts Steve Wiltfong and Chad Simmons projected on Monday that Smith might switch his commitment to Colorado. According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, the Buffaloes now hold a 64.6% chance of flipping Smith from USC.

This prediction aligns with Colorado’s momentum under second-year coach Deion Sanders, who has transformed the Buffaloes into a nationwide threat. The school is currently sitting at 7-2, and its resurgence contrasts starkly with USC's struggles, as the Trojans have slipped to a disappointing 4-5 record this season.

However, Colorado’s appeal to Smith goes beyond just its winning season, as his mother seems to play a key role in his potential flip.

“Staying in contact with my mom,” Smith told WeAreSC. “My mom plays a big role in the commitment, if she’s straight, I’m straight. If she feels like that’s a place I could be too, we’re gonna go with it, see what it’s talking about.”

Smith is not the only USC commit Colorado is targeting, as the Trojans' five-star quarterback commit, Julian Lewis, is also rumored to be considering Colorado. Tom Loy of 247Sports made a crystal ball prediction for Lewis to flip to the Buffs. If he indeed switches, it could increase the likelihood of Smith following suit.

Smith initially committed to Auburn before decommitting in favor of USC. Now, as the Trojans’ 2025 class is facing challenges with six decommitments, Smith’s future with USC seems increasingly uncertain. However, the program still holds 23 committed players and ranks No. 12 in the nation.

Carde Smith gives an update on his recruitment amid the Colorado flip rumor

Carde Smith is ranked as the No. 266 overall prospect in the 2025 cycle, the No. 21 offensive tackle in the nation and the No. 15 recruit in Alabama, per On3. Following the prediction regarding his flip from USC to Colorado, he posted on X to give an update on his current goal.

"I am focus on winning a state championship right now I do not have time to talk about recruiting," Smith wrote on Monday.

The post does not address Smith's potential flip rumor, but it also does not deny the possibility. Meanwhile, his Williamson High School (Alabama) is 10-1 overall this season. Its lone 19-2 loss in the season came against Vigor on Oct. 18. The school is going to face Central of Clay County (11-0) in the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs on Friday.