Colorado Buffaloes Eyeing 4-Star Defensive Line Recruit Over Bill Belichick’s North Carolina?
Four-star defensive line prospect Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais has narrowed his options down to five schools, with the Colorado Buffaloes in the mix. The Colorado native is considering the Buffaloes alongside Washington, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and UCLA.
Despite a slower start, Colorado’s 2026 recruiting class is gaining momentum. Coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes are now in the race for one of the top recruits, with Umu-Cais, who is also known as ‘T.I.’, making waves as a top recruit. According to 247Sports, he’s ranked as Colorado’s No. 1 recruit and the No. 38 defensive lineman nationally. His versatility is a standout trait, excelling as a top interior lineman but also capable of playing offensive guard.
Umu-Cais recently posted his top five choices on social media, which include Colorado, UCLA, North Carolina, Washington, and Oklahoma. After an official visit to Colorado, where Coach Sanders wasn’t present, Umu-Cais was impressed by how the coaching staff stepped up in his absence. He commented on the experience, saying, “I didn’t have a player host, but I hung out with Coach Domata Peko and other staff. What really stood out was how the staff ran things smoothly even without Coach Prime being there.”
A talented, physical player, Umu-Cais played a pivotal role in helping his team win a 5A state championship in 2024 with 75 tackles. He’d fit seamlessly into the Colorado defense, which led the Big 12 in sacks and tackles for loss in 2024.
While Colorado has the advantage as his home state program, Umu-Cais is still weighing his options. All five schools in his top five, including North Carolina and its legendary coach Bill Belichick, are viable contenders in his eyes, offering strong paths to the NFL.
Colorado, coached by NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, is gaining a reputation for developing players. The Buffaloes already had a first-round draft pick in 2025 and four overall draft selections. Since Sanders took over in 2023, the program has experienced a notable turnaround.
On the other hand, North Carolina’s presence, led by Belichick—who won six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots—adds an interesting dynamic to the competition for recruits. Both Sanders and Belichick are also vying for three-star defensive line prospect Manoah Faupusa this recruiting cycle.
Though the Buffaloes have only secured four 2026 commitments so far, they are rising in the rankings. With their current ranking of No. 105 in the nation, the team could see improvements as more top-tier recruits join the fold. Colorado’s highest-rated commitment is four-star safety Preston Ashley, with other signings from three-star recruits like tight end Gavin Mueller, defensive lineman Domata Peko Jr., and cornerback Maurice Williams.
Despite fewer commitments overall, Sanders prefers to bring in fewer, highly talented recruits. If Umu-Cais decides to commit to the Buffaloes, he could have the opportunity to contribute immediately in his freshman year.
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