With a 22-29 loss to West Virginia, Deion Sanders’ bowl eligibility drowned over the weekend. Adding to the distress, Buff’s recruiting front is on high alert. Boasting 25% blue-chip prospects in their 2026 class, Mario Cristobal’s Miami is moving fast to flip one of them.

Meet Gavin Mueller. A 6’6, 250-pound tight end from South Elgin, Illinois, boasting more than 20 offers. For a state medalist shot put athlete who hadn’t played football in his first two years of high school, Sanders’ interest in him said a lot. His disciplined work ethic, comprising a strict diet and regular gym sessions, made him a lucrative recruit. Among the many things we know about Coach Sanders, one of them is that he is a disciplinarian. However, with rising popularity, a horde of programs are eager to get him on board.

In a conversation with Rivals, Steve Wiltfong hinted that Cristobal’s team has a chance to flip the four-star recruit. “He’s (Gavin) committed to Colorado. Great relationships with that Buffalo staff. That’s the area where Miami is looking to continue to build upon, as they certainly have the offense, the stage, the style of play that’s conducive to him and his skill set.” Certainly, Mueller’s relentless dedication to the sport won Prime Time over.

Add to that Mueller’s track skills, and the Buffs found their second commit in the Class of 2026 in May 2025. Even Gavin found the ‘Deion Sanders’ brand and the locker room chemistry to be the reasons to pick Colorado.

“But most of all it seems like a brotherhood there…it seems like they genuinely wanted me to be there,” he said. But Miami comes armed with ACC and playoff contention. Last month, he dropped by Coral Gables, and it would be fair enough to say that his trip didn’t disappoint him, for he is back for another visit this weekend for Miami’s faceoff against NC State.

The Hurricanes’ approach to getting Mueller back on campus is clear. Build relationships. “They look forward to getting them back around coach Cristo on the staff, back around the players on the team…maybe some commits to make him feel more comfortable with the people at Miami.” Bottom line: Cristobal is working hard to flip him.

Will Gavin Mueller flip to Miami?

Gavin Mueller didn’t play football in his first two seasons of high school. During his junior year, he began his football journey, showcasing his talent at camps. As Clint Cosgrove, his athlete-management representative, recalls, he just showed up on the 7-on-7 circuit and was noticed by the recruiters. Unfortunately, he suffered a labrum injury, leaving him with limited action last season.

However, his senior season is going strong. Recently, he made a school record after chipping in 215 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns in a 64-21 win against Elgin. Five of those TDs came in the first half. Presently, Colorado is facing a QB conundrum and needs a revived offense next season. Their recruitment ranks have fallen from 35th to 57th nationally and from 11th to 13th in the Big 12. With a No. 23 tight end in the Class of 2026, the Buffs wouldn’t want to let go of Gavin that easily.

During his visit to Boulder, he was impressed. “He’s (Deion Sanders) a big factor,” Mueller said. “I had two separate hour-long meetings with him. You get a little nervous [going in], but one of the easiest dudes I’ve ever talked to.”

So, will he flip to the Miami Hurricanes?