How Deion Sanders Shocked College Football by Snatching Top Recruit from Florida and Florida State

So here’s a curious twist in the college football recruiting saga: Colorado, under the watchful eye of Deion Sanders, just snagged a four-star cornerback, Preston Ashley, who had offers from Florida, Florida State, and a host of SEC suitors. You gotta wonder—what magic is Coach Prime weaving that convinces top-tier talent from SEC heartlands to join the Big 12 instead? Ashley’s choice to pledge to the Buffaloes isn’t just a win; it’s a bold statement that Colorado’s rebuilding with serious intent. And with big shoes to fill—losing stars like Shedeur Sanders and Heisman winner Travis Hunter—this incoming talent infusion couldn’t have come at a better time. As Colorado eyes the 2025 Big 12 crown, the question isn’t just if they can replace their departed stars, but whether Sanders’ roster wizardry can turn potential into gridiron glory. Ready to dive into the full story behind this rising powerhouse? LEARN MORE

Colorado football coach Deion Sanders continues to build his roster. The Buffaloes got a big recruiting win on Tuesday, as the team picked up the pledge of cornerback Preston Ashley. Ashley is a four-star player, per On3, who had offers from Florida and Florida State.

“If u wanna be da best you gotta get coach by the best. We coming,” Ashley posted on social media, per the outlet.

The cornerback had a lot of interest from SEC programs. A Mississippi native, Ashley had an offer from Ole Miss. Auburn was also involved and had sent him an offer.

In the end, Ashley chooses to go to the Big 12 and play for Coach Sanders. He joins a Colorado recruiting class in 2026 that already has two other players. Ashley is currently the highest-ranked prospect in the 2026 class for Colorado.

Colorado football hopes to win the Big 12 in 2025

Coach Sanders’ program has a lot to replace this season. Colorado football lost their starting quarterback in Shedeur Sanders, as well as two-way star Travis Hunter. Hunter won the Heisman Trophy last season, and was selected second overall in this year’s NFL Draft. Shilo Sanders is also gone from the secondary, as are others.

While that is certainly a lot to replace, there is some help on the horizon. Colorado has a new young quarterback in Julian Lewis, who helped train some with Shedeur Sanders last year. Lewis was a huge recruiting coup for the Buffaloes, as he had originally intended to go to USC. He is likely the team’s starter at quarterback in 2025.

Colorado had a nine-win season last year, and just missed the conference championship game. This season, the Buffaloes have another tough schedule. They have conference road trips to West Virginia, Kansas State, TCU, Utah and Houston. The Buffaloes have home conference games with BYU, Iowa State, Arizona State and Arizona.

Colorado starts the 2025 season with a game against Georgia Tech, on August 29. Ashley will surely be cheering on his new team for that game.

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