Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders has quickly become one of College Football‘s recruitment masters. Moreover, his ability to land elite talent at both Jackson State and Colorado has transformed these programs. Let’s explore his most impressive recruiting victories.
The Jackson State Era
1. Travis Hunter (2022) – Five-Star CB/WR
The nation’s #1 overall recruit shocked the football world by choosing Jackson State over the Florida State Seminoles. As a result, Hunter became the first five-star prospect to sign with an HBCU in the modern era. Eventually, the versatile two-way star followed Sanders to the Colorado Buffaloes, joining other high-profile transfers covered in our transfer portal analysis.
2. Shedeur Sanders (2021) – Four-Star QB
The #15 quarterback in his class rejected numerous Power Five offers to join his father. Subsequently, his performance silenced critics when he won SWAC Freshman of the Year. Additionally, he led Jackson State to an undefeated 2022 regular season. Now, Shedeur has developed into a potential first-round NFL draft pick, as detailed in our coverage of his NIL empire.
3. Kevin Coleman (2022) – Four-Star WR
The #71 overall prospect nationally selected Jackson State instead of the Miami Hurricanes and Florida State. Furthermore, Coleman’s commitment right after Hunter’s proved Sanders’ recruiting success wasn’t a fluke but a trend that would reshape college football recruiting.
The Colorado Revolution
4. Cormani McClain (2023) – Five-Star CB
Sanders successfully flipped the #1 cornerback from Miami to Colorado. Consequently, he showed his appeal extended beyond his Jackson State connections. McClain’s elite skills fit perfectly with Colorado’s defensive needs in the Big 12, similar to other defensive standouts in our 2026 defensive prospects update.
5. Jimmy Horn Jr. (2023 Transfer) – Wide Receiver
Horn showcases Sanders’ transfer portal expertise. Therefore, his choice of Colorado over offers from Texas A&M Aggies and others speaks volumes. In fact, Horn made an immediate impact, resembling other transfer successes highlighted in our coverage of impact transfers.
6. Jordan Seaton (2024) – Five-Star OT
The #1 offensive tackle chose Colorado over powerhouses like the Alabama Crimson Tide and Ohio State Buckeyes. Thus, Sanders proved he could recruit elite talent for any position, not just skill players. Likewise, Seaton joins other five-star linemen like Immanuel Iheanacho who are changing college football’s line play.
7. Julian Lewis (2025) – Five-Star QB
Perhaps Sanders’ most impressive feat was flipping Lewis from the USC Trojans. After reclassifying from 2026, the top quarterback in his class picked Colorado. Despite offers from the Georgia Bulldogs and others, Lewis committed to Sanders’ vision. This battle mirrors other QB recruiting battles we’ve analyzed, including the Ward-Sanders NFL Draft comparison.
Sanders’ connection with today’s athletes has dramatically elevated his programs’ talent. Consequently, he’s now among college football’s premier recruiters regardless of program history. His approach parallels other successful recruiters featured in our top recruiters of 2025 coverage.
For more recruiting insights, therefore, keep following Prospect-Radar.com for the latest in High School Football and college recruiting news.
