Cam Newton Signs with Colorado: Versatile Texas RB Brings Playmaking Power to the Buffs' 2026 Class
Cam Newton - no, not that Cam Newton - is headed to Boulder. The 5-foot-9, 185-pound running back out of Prosper (Texas) Walnut Grove made it official on Wednesday, signing with Colorado on the first day of the regular signing period. And make no mistake: this Newton brings his own brand of electricity to the field.
“Exciting just knowing the hard work I put in has paid off finally,” Newton said after his signing ceremony. “Colorado just felt like family. All the coaches made me feel at home… It felt like home when I went this January.”
That feeling of belonging might be mutual - because Newton’s production suggests he’s exactly the kind of player Colorado wants in its backfield. Over 36 varsity games, he racked up a staggering 6,176 all-purpose yards and 91 touchdowns.
Of those, 5,118 yards came on the ground, where he averaged a robust 7.4 yards per carry. That’s not just efficient - that’s explosive.
Despite that résumé, Newton’s recruitment didn’t feature the kind of blue-blood buzz you might expect. He held offers from a range of schools including Air Force, Army, Navy, Columbia, Dartmouth, Yale, Tulsa, UTEP and Tempe. Solid programs, but not the Power Five attention his numbers might warrant.
“I thought how I did in my junior season, I didn't expect to have as little looks as I did,” Newton admitted. “I was still super blessed to have the offers that I did, but I expected more in a sense. But finally now, being at home at Colorado, it is just an awesome place to be at.”
If there’s any doubt about whether Newton can compete at the next level, his recent accolades should quiet that. He was named MVP of the Military Appreciation Bowl (formerly the U.S.
Army All-American Bowl) after a multi-touchdown performance earlier this winter - a showcase event that tends to separate the good from the elite. He also earned MVP honors for both his team and district in 2025.
When it comes to his style, Newton draws inspiration from two of the NFL’s most dynamic backs: Alvin Kamara and Jahmyr Gibbs. That gives you a sense of what he aspires to be - a back who can hurt you on the ground, through the air, and in space.
“Colorado expects me to compete, with my skill set as an overall playmaker,” Newton said. “They see me being one of those guys when I come to Colorado.”
And that skill set could fit seamlessly into what new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion is building. Newton noted that many of Marion’s run schemes are similar to what he executed in Texas high school football - a sign that the transition might be smoother than most.
“Lots of the plays (Marion) has run in the past were actually run schemes I did in Texas football,” Newton said. “So I am excited to see his playbook and what he is going to throw at me. He is a great offensive coach.”
Of course, the road to playing time won’t be easy. Colorado’s running back room is deep and competitive.
Senior DeKalon Taylor returns, along with juniors Micah Welch, Damian Henderson II (a Sacramento State transfer), Richard Young (an Alabama transfer), and sophomore Jaquail Smith (another Sacramento State transfer). That’s a crowded group, but Newton isn’t shying away from the challenge.
“As time goes, I can always work on my speed because college is way different than high school speed,” he said. “I'll just hone my craft until I get to Colorado.”
He’s also looking forward to learning under running backs coach Johnnie Mack, whose own playing days at Texas Tech and high football IQ offer a valuable resource for development.
“And being coached by Deion ‘Coach Prime’ Sanders - not a lot of people can say they've had that opportunity,” Newton added. “I am super excited for it with the opportunities he provides for his athletes. I am excited to see how he can also help develop me when I get there.”
The Buffaloes are betting on Newton’s versatility, vision, and relentless work ethic - and if his high school career is any indication, they may have landed a back who can make an impact early. He’s not just joining Colorado’s 2026 class - he’s bringing a playmaker’s mentality with him.