Deion Sanders isn’t just building a roster in Boulder—he’s building a movement. With each recruiting victory, the vision becomes clearer. The Colorado Buffaloes are leaning all the way into star power and strategic development. And after locking in one of the most coveted four-star offensive talents in the 2026 cycle, the hype meter inside Colorado’s locker room hit a new high. Freshman QB Julian Lewis wasted no time letting the world know what was coming next. His reaction, shared on social media, had a mix of excitement and edge. But he wasn’t the only one sounding the horns.

It was a full-on digital celebration once the news broke. The newest future Buffalo? Four-star tight end Gavin Mueller, a 6-foot-6, 255-pound pass-catching machine from South Elgin High School in Illinois. Juju uploaded the original post by Hayes Fawcett on his IG story with a bold message: “It’s on!”—a clear warning shot to defenses already bracing for Colorado’s next wave of talent. Then came the flood. April 30 signee, class of 2025 CB Noah King from Hamilton High School dropped a trio of “🦬🦬🦬” emojis under Fawcett’s post. Transfer TE Zach Atkins chimed in too, writing, “We live.” And the man of the hour? Mueller kept it clean, humble, and locked in: “Thank you God. Sko Buffs.”

The outpouring of love wasn’t performative. It was confirmation that Colorado’s locker room has bought into Deion’s blueprint. Mueller’s commitment isn’t just another star rating on a spreadsheet—it’s a cornerstone for what OC Pat Shurmur is building with Julian Lewis under center. At his size, Mueller profiles as a matchup nightmare. He’s big enough to wall off linebackers in the red zone and fast enough to stretch safeties down the seam. In Shurmur’s pro-style sets, that versatility will be a weapon from day one.

Mueller’s path to Boulder wasn’t without options. Over the past year, he racked up more than 25 offers from Power Five programs across the country. His final official visit came just days ago, at LSU. But the moment he touched down in Boulder two weeks ago, something clicked. According to insiders, he was “blown away by the atmosphere.” Whether it was the coaching pitch, the camaraderie, or the elevation, Deion and his staff made the sale.

His commitment gives Colorado a foundational piece in its 2026 class, and he’s the second addition after JUCO commit Domata Peko Jr., a name that carries its own NFL weight. Together, the pair represents a nice balance of long-term upside and short-term grit. But perhaps most important is what his commitment signals about the Buffs’ momentum.

Gavin Mueller brings big-time upside to Colorado’s TE spot

Mueller is a walking mismatch waiting to happen. Ranked as the No. 34 tight end in the country and the 11th-best prospect out of Illinois, according to 247Sports, he brings more than just football credentials to the table.

This guy is a certified two-sport athlete. On the basketball court, he’s got serious bounce and body control—and those skills translate beautifully to the gridiron. “With an 82-inch wingspan and above-the-rim athleticism that translates from the court to the field,” said 247Sports’ Hudson Standish, “has shown the ability to make plays at the catch point and excels at tracking the football in crowded conditions.”

And here’s the kicker: Mueller did all this while battling through a shoulder injury during his first season of football. After surgery and recovery, he’s seen as a raw but high-upside prospect. “Should be viewed as a high-upside attached tight end who could blossom into a key piece for a College Football Playoff contender,” Standish added.

Coach Prime and CU’s staff know talent when they see it. Even if high school recruits aren’t the Buffs’ top priority, Prime’s philosophy remains clear—if you can ball, you’ll get the call.