Deion Sanders' Colorado's win over UCF Knights rumored to convince more recruits to flip their commitments by the end of the cycle

By Aman Sharma

Modified Oct 01, 2024 11:18 GMT

Colorado's football program, led by coach Deion Sanders, secured an impressive 48-21 victory over UCF on Saturday, improving to a 4-1 record this season. The dominant performance has enhanced the team's standing and bolstered its appeal to potential recruits. Observers believe now more high school players may reconsider their commitments in favor of the Buffaloes.

The team boasts eight commitments, including four-star defensive back Antonio Branch, who flipped from Penn State after a recent visit to Boulder. Per On3, the win could influence the recruiting landscape, particularly with players like Byron Baldwin, who is currently committed to Indiana, and offensive tackle Carde Smith, a USC verbal, both having visited Colorado last weekend.

Deion Sanders has also set his sights on five-star quarterback Julian Lewis, a USC commit, with hopes of bringing him and other top prospects back to Boulder for upcoming games against Cincinnati and Kansas State.

Five-star wide receiver and Oregon commit Dallas Wilson revealed to On3’s Chad Simmons that Sanders had personally invited him to attend a game.

“Coach Prime (Deion Sanders) encouraged me to come watch the show,” Wilson said.

Colorado is also pursuing LSU commit Jesse Harrold and is eyeing other top recruits, including Jerome Myles and Samari Reed. Quanell Farrakhan Jr., a four-star receiver from Texas, remains a key player in the 2024 class. After watching the UCF game, he praised the Buffaloes' resilience.

“It’s special because the whole word is against us,” Farrakhan said. “Just sending a message Colorado can compete really stood out. Gotta keep doing their thing and proving the world wrong. How their o-line stepped up and played big today. I loved seeing that. A lot of people try to bash them and those boys got out there and played like dogs.”

After Colorado dominates UCF, Deion Sanders reflects on emotional win

In what could be considered the most complete performance under coach Deion Sanders, Colorado stunned UCF with a commanding 48-21 victory in Week 5. Entering the game as 14-point underdogs, the Buffaloes silenced critics with a dominant showing on both sides of the ball.

Following the win, Sanders expressed admiration for UCF coach Gus Malzahn and said:

"Utmost respect for Coach Malzahn. He keeps me going and he keeps me on my toes. To be on the same field with one of the guys that recruited my son... it was historic for me."

Sanders also addressed his team’s resilience, emphasizing the need for fair recognition.

"I want you guys to put your fingers to work and your pens to work the same way you when they're giving up sacks. I want you to have the same passion, the same commitment," he said.

Colorado’s offense was led by quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who delivered an exceptional performance, completing 28 of 35 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns with just one interception. Two-way star Travis Hunter caught nine passes for 89 yards and a touchdown while also securing an interception on defense.