Colorado’s early push in the 2028 class already has a name attached to it: Jaiden Barnett.
The Jacksonville, Florida, wide receiver has started to heat up after an eye-opening scrimmage debut on Aug. 14, and Colorado is right in the middle of the conversation. Barnett, who plays for The Bolles School, picked up his Buffaloes offer in April and has even pinned that announcement on his X account.
That offer now looks even more interesting after Barnett’s performance against Georgia powerhouse Kingsland, a 34-10 Bolles win. On3’s Chad Simmons called Barnett the “biggest riser” from the scrimmage on Aug. 15, and the numbers backed it up. Barnett hauled in a 44-yard touchdown and also showed he can help on special teams as a return man.
Barnett told Colorado Buffaloes on SI that he expects the recruiting attention to ramp up from here, and Colorado has clearly caught his eye. He pointed to his conversation with wide receivers coach Rashad Davis as a strong one.
"The conversation with coach [Rashad] Davis was great. Got to learn a little bit about him and how the program operates and how I’m going to fit in. And I just let him know I’m ready to work," Barnett said.
Barnett also has his attention on offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, whose “Go-Go” offense is built to create one-on-one chances for receivers. That part of the pitch matters to Barnett, especially with Marion’s track record developing players like Jordan Addison and Xavier Worthy before their NFL careers.
"It intrigues me a lot knowing the players who became better at that craft through him," Barnett said. "Makes me wanna be a part of that and I would be proud to learn."
As of Aug. 16, Barnett holds nine offers, and Colorado is one of the programs making the strongest early impression. He said he has not yet spoken with Deion Sanders, but he made it clear that would mean something to him.
"I haven’t gotten the chance to talk to him but when I do, it will be a blessing," Barnett said. "Honestly, him believing in my game to better his program just makes me more hungry for that opportunity to do that."
Colorado’s offer comes with real production already on Barnett’s résumé. The rising Sunshine State prospect posted 972 all-purpose yards and 13 touchdowns, and he does it at a Bolles program that also features five-star edge rusher Asher Ghioto and four-star running back Xander Edwards.
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Carter said the staff has been experimenting with Wiggins and other edge rushers on the interior, a move that could give Colorado some needed flexibility up front. Wiggins offseason improvement has only added to the intrigue, and the way he adapts to the new role may end up being one of the quieter but more important developments for this defense. [Read more 🡒]