Colorado Secures Four Top Prospects, Including ESPN’s No. 5 DE

The Colorado Buffaloes made waves in college football recruiting Thursday night by locking in commitments from four highly regarded prospects for the 2025 class. Defensive ends London Merritt and Alexander McPherson, offensive tackle Carde Smith, and wide receiver Quentin Gibson each announced their decision to join Colorado during live appearances on Nightcap, the popular talk show hosted by NFL greats Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson.

A Recruiting Surge for Coach Deion Sanders

This flurry of commitments highlights a transformative period for Colorado under the leadership of Coach Deion Sanders. Just a week ago, the Buffaloes secured their crown jewel, Julian Lewis, ESPN’s No. 2 overall prospect and a five-star quarterback for the 2025 class. These latest additions elevate Colorado’s recruiting class to 15 commitments, propelling the program into ESPN’s top 50 rankings as they gear up for the early signing period starting Wednesday.

London Merritt Headlines the Class

Among the newly committed players, London Merritt stands out as the top recruit. Ranked No. 52 in the ESPN 300 and No. 5 defensive end in the 2025 class, Merritt brings elite talent to Colorado’s defensive line. Formerly committed to Ohio State, Merritt decommitted earlier this week, making his choice for Colorado even more impactful. He now ranks as the second-highest player in Colorado’s recruiting cycle, only behind five-star quarterback Julian Lewis.

Merritt isn’t the only defensive gem in this class. Fellow defensive end Alexander McPherson, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound edge rusher, committed to Colorado just one day after decommitting from Oklahoma State. Both Merritt and McPherson visited Boulder earlier in November, solidifying their interest in joining Coach Sanders’ program. Their presence significantly bolsters Colorado’s defensive depth and future potential.

Offensive Additions: Smith and Gibson

The Buffaloes also made strides on offense by securing commitments from Carde Smith and Quentin Gibson.

• Carde Smith, ranked No. 293 in the ESPN 300, is ESPN’s No. 32 offensive tackle for 2025. The Mobile, Alabama native decommitted from USC on November 20 and has since made multiple visits to Boulder. Smith joins an impressive offensive line recruiting group that includes Jordan Seaton, a five-star signee from the 2024 class. Together, they represent a new era of strength for Colorado’s offensive line.

• Wide receiver Quentin Gibson adds explosiveness to the Buffaloes’ already dynamic offense. A standout from Fort Worth, Texas, Gibson chose Colorado over offers from Illinois, Kansas State, Mississippi State, and SMU. His commitment adds depth to a receiving corps that is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting units in college football.

Momentum Heading into the Early Signing Period

Since late October, the Buffaloes have secured seven commitments for their 2025 recruiting class, showcasing Coach Sanders’ ability to attract top talent from across the country. This momentum positions Colorado as a rising power in college football recruiting, a remarkable turnaround for a program looking to reclaim its former glory.

As the Buffaloes prepare for their regular-season finale against Oklahoma State on Friday, the focus isn’t just on the field. The excitement surrounding Colorado’s recruiting success ensures a bright future for the program. With the early signing period on the horizon, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Coach Sanders continues to shape his team.

The Future of Buffaloes Football

Under Deion Sanders’ leadership, Colorado is making its mark as a serious contender in both recruiting and competition. The commitments from Merritt, McPherson, Smith, and Gibson signal that the Buffaloes are not just looking to compete—they are aiming to dominate. With a strong finish to the 2025 recruiting cycle, Colorado is poised for success for years to come.

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