Breaking Down Colorado’s 2026 National Signing Day Additions
National Signing Day has arrived, and Colorado is starting to piece together its 2026 recruiting class. There’s still more to come, but the early signees already give us a good look at the direction this class is headed.
From high-upside defenders to athletic offensive linemen and versatile skill players, the Buffaloes are adding talent across the board. Here's a closer look at who’s officially joining the fold.
Preston Ashley - Defensive Back
Brandon (Mississippi) H.S. | 5-11, 185 | 4-star (247Sports, ESPN); 3-star (Rivals)
Ashley is one of the headliners of this group-and for good reason. A top-15 player out of Mississippi, he’s a physical, instinctive safety who projects as a nickel back at the next level.
He’s not just a stat-stuffer-though 203 tackles, 14 pass breakups, and three picks across four varsity seasons certainly jump off the page. He’s a proven winner, helping Brandon reach the state title game twice, and his Under Armour All-American nod speaks to his national recognition.
Ashley’s athleticism shows up in multiple sports (track and field) and in the classroom (honor roll student). Add in some football pedigree-his father, Tyrone Ashley, led Ole Miss in rushing in 1991-and you’ve got a player with both the tools and the foundation to make a real impact in Boulder.
Rodney Colton Jr. - Linebacker
Newnan (Georgia) H.S. | 6-1, 225 | 4-star (ESPN); 3-star (247Sports, Rivals)
Colton brings a downhill edge to the linebacker room. A four-year varsity contributor with 157 total tackles and 27 tackles for loss, he’s a player who lives in the backfield.
His senior year was especially productive-57 tackles, 10 TFLs, two interceptions, and three defensive touchdowns. That kind of playmaking ability, especially in the red zone, is tough to teach.
He’s also a multi-sport athlete, which shows up in his lateral quickness and open-field agility. There's a lot to like about his motor and versatility, and he’s the type of linebacker who could carve out a role early on special teams while developing into a starter.
Carson Crawford - Linebacker
Carthage (Texas) H.S. | 6-4, 220 | 4-star (247Sports); 3-star (ESPN, Rivals)
Crawford is the highest-ranked player in Colorado’s class according to 247Sports, and his production backs that up. He’s been a cornerstone of Carthage’s 57-2 run over the past four seasons, and he’s still chasing another state title with the Bulldogs currently undefeated.
This fall, he’s posted 97 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, six sacks, and 23 quarterback hurries-yes, 23. That kind of pressure rate is rare at the high school level.
He’s also chipped in offensively with 15 catches for nearly 200 yards and three scores, showing off his athleticism and hands. Crawford has the frame and skill set to be a difference-maker in Colorado’s front seven.
Colby Johnson - Linebacker
Eastlake (Washington) H.S. | 6-2, 195 | 3-star (247Sports, ESPN, Rivals)
Johnson is a name to keep an eye on. He played both sides of the ball for Eastlake and earned all-league honors as a junior and senior. His performance against Bellevue-11 tackles, three TFLs, a sack, and a forced fumble-was a showcase of his ability to fly to the football.
His track speed (10.87 in the 100m) translates well to the field, giving him the kind of range that defensive coordinators love in today’s game. He’s a bit lean, but with development, he could be a hybrid linebacker-safety type who thrives in coverage and space.
Josiah Manu - Offensive Lineman
Thompson Valley (Colorado) H.S. | 6-5, 295 | 3-star (247Sports, ESPN, Rivals)
Manu is a homegrown anchor with a big frame and a nasty streak in the trenches. A four-year starter at Thompson Valley, he helped lead the program to a 37-12 record, including an undefeated state championship season as a junior. He’s not just a mauler on offense-he’s put up 137 tackles and 14 TFLs on defense as well.
He’s already earned all-state honors and was named conference offensive player of the year, which tells you how dominant he was at the high school level. Football runs in the family too-his cousin Giovanni Manu is with the Detroit Lions, while another cousin, Jacob Manu, played at Washington. There’s plenty of upside here, especially once he gets into a college strength program.
Xavier Payne - Offensive Lineman
Jones (Florida) H.S. | 6-7, 320 | 3-star (247Sports, ESPN, Rivals)
Payne is a mountain of a man with the kind of size that can’t be taught. At 6-7, 320 pounds, he’s already built like a Power Five tackle. He started at left tackle this year for an 11-2 Jones team that’s still alive in the 4A playoffs.
He’s raw, but the tools are there-long arms, heavy hands, and a wrestling background that helps with leverage and footwork. He’s the kind of developmental lineman that could turn into a cornerstone if the coaching staff can refine his technique and conditioning.
Christian Ward - Wide Receiver
IMG Academy (Florida) | 6-3, 205 | 3-star (247Sports, ESPN, Rivals)
Ward’s path to Colorado has taken him through some of the top programs in high school football. He spent his senior year at IMG Academy, but his breakout came in 2024 at Walton High in Georgia, where he racked up 768 yards and 10 touchdowns on 46 catches.
He’s got great size at 6-3 and has shown he can stretch the field and win in contested catch situations. His connection to current CU quarterback Julian Lewis-whom he played with at Carrollton in 2023-could help him get comfortable quickly in Boulder. Add in his multi-sport background, and Ward brings a lot of athletic upside to the receiver room.
Maurice “Mojo” Williams - Cornerback
Edna Karr (Louisiana) H.S. | 5-11, 170
Williams is a bit of a mystery in terms of rankings, but don’t let that fool you-he’s a competitor from one of Louisiana’s top programs. Edna Karr has long been a pipeline for college talent, and Williams fits the mold of a gritty, press-man corner who isn’t afraid to mix it up.
He’s a fluid athlete with good footwork, and while he’ll need to add some weight at the next level, the foundation is there. With the right development, he could be a steal in this class.
Final Thoughts
Colorado’s 2026 class is still taking shape, but the early returns show a clear emphasis on athleticism, versatility, and high-upside players with multi-sport backgrounds. There’s a blend of proven production and raw potential, especially on defense and along the offensive line.
With a few more additions expected, this group could form the backbone of Colorado’s next wave of contributors. Keep an eye on these names-they’ll be the ones shaping the future in Boulder.