Deion Sanders’ CU Buffs’ Fortunes Take Serious Turn as 5-star Alabama Target Puts Kalen DeBoer on Alert with Major Recruitment Hint

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Look, Deion Sanders is heading towards a new journey this season without his sons, Shedeur Sanders and Shilo Sanders, and Travis Hunter. But even though the system is new, the coach is still old and breathes fire. Now, the 2025 season started off pretty well with top QB recruit Julian Lewis and 14 commits and 26 transfers, with a 2nd rank in the Big 12. But that same energy isn’t transitioning to the 2026 class. There’s only one commit, Edge Domata Peko Jr., who’s in the class right now. So, you can understand the urgency of Coach Prime to fill up his roster, right? And it looks like he is already on his way to do that, as a 6’4, 210-pound, 5-star talent is already going crazy over his program. Looks like in no time Prime Time’s going to put the 2026 class in a headlock.

This week was all about Deion Sanders and his staff hunting for high school talent, and hosting a loaded flock of prospects in Boulder was a part of it. Among them, one of the recruits who caught the most attention was Benjamin Russell’s 5-star WR Cederian Morgan. Now, Colorado is not the only one fighting for this no. 2 wideout in his class; there are other teams like Georgia, Alabama, the Florida Gators, Auburn, and Clemson that are also in the mix. But it looks like this visit made an instant impact on Cederian. “I had a great time,” Morgan told On3. “The coaching staff, man, being around the whole coaching staff, I enjoyed every single one of them.”

While flying under the radar, Cadarian Morgan’s performance demonstrates elite-level talent. This speedy wide receiver keeps improving each season; his potential is still far from tapped. With 70 catches, 1,162 yards, and 14 touchdowns in 2024, he led the Wildcats to the state playoffs. That performance followed a breakout sophomore season with 622 receiving yards and four touchdowns on only 36 receptions. His yards-per-reception average? Eye-popping. Morgan’s sophomore average was 19.4, followed by a steady 16.6 as a junior. In the right system, he’ll not only support a QB like Julian Lewis but also become his primary target, similar to Adrian Wilson.

5-star WR Cederian Morgan on his visit to Coloradohttps://t.co/U1YP1VIRvQ pic.twitter.com/8IL9FMucxZ

— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) May 11, 2025

On top of that, Deion Sanders’s staff’s NFL ties attracts Morgan the most. “Just getting in there knowing I can play early and build my brand and being up under Coach Prime and the other coaches on the staff,” Morgan said. “That could be an easy path for me to get to the NFL.” Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk is an assistant coach and running backs coach for Colorado. Before becoming a coach, wide receivers coach Jason Phillips also had a short NFL playing career. Even on defense, defensive pass rush coordinator Warren Sapp is also a Hall of Famer. Colorado’s coaching staff, comprised of notable former NFL players, is appealing.

And even the city seems pretty happening to him. “The city, the town, the mountains—it’s very different for me because I’m from the South,” Morgan said. “I saw a lot of new things… They got a great shot. That was my first time being there, [but] I really enjoyed it.” But what’s making the real buzz? Immediately after his visit, Morgan posted a photo in a Colorado Buffaloes uniform, prompting Julian Lewis to comment simply, “Easy.” This isn’t idle chatter. Lewis, projected to start at quarterback for Colorado in 2026, could form a potent QB-WR combination with Morgan from the outset. The timing is ideal: Morgan’s freshman year coincides with Lewis’s debut. However, Deion Sanders and his staff are well aware of the challenges ahead.

Deion Sanders hopes to land 5-star weapon seems in danger

Auburn’s early lead in the Cederian Morgan recruitment is facing a challenge. 247Sports and On3 insiders have favored the Tigers since last season, with predictions for Auburn going back to July, and the 247Sports Crystal Ball still leaning that way. However, On3 gives Alabama a strong 89.4% chance. The competition intensifies with official visits: Colorado (this weekend), Georgia (May 16th), Clemson (May 30th), Florida (June 6th), Auburn (June 13th), and Alabama (June 19th). Morgan decides two weeks later.

Auburn and Alabama being the in-state schools are making a strong push for Morgan, but the five-star receiver is not letting location impact his decision. “I don’t care if I stay in state or go out of state. I am going to take my time, sort things out, and see where I need to be,” Morgan told On3 in the fall. “Communication is really big for me. Playing for coaches that can help me get to the next level is big too.”

Morgan’s July 2nd commitment date launches the Alabama recruiting sprint. They’ve already hosted him for A-Day and will again on June 20th. A commitment then would make him the class’s first wide receiver—a game-changing early win for DeBoer. Morgan’s not just compared to greats; he embodies them. At 6’4″, 210 pounds, he dominates defenders, using powerful hands to win jump balls and showcasing incredible body control. SI notes his Julio Jones-like build—no exaggeration. He excels deep and in the red zone. Alabama’s aggressive pursuit is significant. While Auburn and Georgia remain contenders, Alabama’s early lead and recent receiver success could be decisive.

With no current receiver commits, Morgan would set the tone. Summer recruiting is heating up, and Alabama’s June schedule reflects it. Cederian Morgan leads the charge, but he’s not alone. Four-star wideout Ethan “Boobie” Feaster, linebacker Cincere Johnson, and edge rusher KJ Ford highlight a strong Tide recruiting push.

Alabama’s elite wideouts like Derrick Meadows and Lotzeir Brooks in 2025 demonstrates their ability to land top talent. Morgan’s commitment could be the cornerstone of their offensive recruiting, and a decision for Alabama on July 2nd would create significant momentum. But what if Deion Sanders snatch him out of Kalen DeBoer’s hands?

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