A Father's Day Visit
Colorado’s football program is making a concerted effort to add a marquee name to its 2026 recruiting class. Four-star defensive lineman Ben'Jarvius Shumaker, a top-100 prospect from Mississippi, traveled to Boulder over Father's Day weekend, sparking speculation that he might flip his commitment from an SEC school. The visit was highlighted by a personal tour of the campus and meetings with coaches, during which Shumaker expressed admiration for the Buffaloes' recent on-field turnaround.
Shumaker’s Profile and Rankings
Ranked No. 3 overall among defensive linemen in Mississippi and No. 3 in the state by the 247 and Rivals industry composites, Shumaker carries a 0.9712 composite grade that places him among the nation's most coveted interior linemen. Coaches praise his advanced foot quickness, disruptive technique and ability to penetrate the backfield, traits that set him apart from many peers in his graduating class. In 2025 he recorded seven sacks and 17 tackles for a loss, underscoring his pass-rush productivity.
The Broader Recruiting Battle
The Buffs are not alone in the pursuit; they are also courting Tyler Alexander, another four-star lineman who was hosted by Notre Dame during the same weekend as Shumaker's visit. Colorado has already flipped several SEC commitments in recent weeks, and landing Shumaker would elevate the class to the highest-rated group in school history, surpassing the current pledge of four-star tackle Li'Marcus Jones. The coaching staff, led by Deion Sanders, continues to leverage relationships across the South to secure top talent and reshape the program's trajectory.