Colorado Buffaloes Strikes First commit of 2026 class

Four-star tight end Gavin Mueller, a 6-foot-6, 250-pound athlete, commits to Colorado over LSU, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin.

The Buffaloes just made a major splash and are officially on the board for the 2026 recruiting cycle.

Gavin Mueller, a towering 6-foot-6, 250-pound four-star tight end out of Wheaton, Illinois, has committed to Colorado, becoming Coach Prime’s first recruit in the class. And he’s not just any early commit — he has the tools to become a matchup nightmare down the road.

Mueller picked Colorado over powerhouse programs such as LSU, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin. With physical traits that already have NFL scouts paying attention, he brings high-end potential to Boulder well before his senior season.

Ranked No. 451 overall and the No. 21 tight end nationally by the 247Sports Composite, Mueller is a rare prospect with considerable upside. He only began playing football as a junior at Wheaton St. Francis High School, having previously focused on basketball. His size, athleticism, and 82-inch wingspan give him a unique skill set that makes him one of the more intriguing long-term prospects in the country.

“Coach Prime was one of the easiest dudes I’ve ever talked to. We were cracking jokes for like an hour.”

Mueller’s decision to commit to Colorado was clearly influenced by the strong connection he built with Coach Deion Sanders. After an extended conversation, the tight end prospect felt an immediate sense of belonging with the Buffaloes’ coaching staff and their vision for the program.

What Gavin Mueller Brings to Colorado

247Sports national analyst Hudson Standish sees Mueller as a prototypical in-line “Y” tight end—someone who can create separation at the line of scrimmage and contribute in both the passing game and as a blocker in the run game. He’s already shown dependable hands and the ability to track the football through tight coverage.

Despite battling through a shoulder injury during his first year playing organized football—an issue that ultimately required surgery—Mueller earned praise for both his grit and athleticism.

“Mueller should be viewed as a high-ceiling tight end prospect with the potential to develop into a major contributor for a College Football Playoff-caliber team,” Standish noted.

His combination of size and athleticism is rare, even for powerhouse programs in the SEC and Big Ten. Landing a player of his caliber gives Colorado a major recruiting victory and highlights the national reach Sanders and his staff are establishing.

A Physically Impressive Tight End Room

With Mueller joining the fold, Colorado’s tight end group has become one of the most physically impressive units in the Big 12. The Buffs are assembling a group that isn’t just big—it’s versatile, young, and suited for multiple offensive schemes.

Here’s a breakdown of the current tight ends:

• Zach Atkins – 6’4″, 240 lbs

• Sav’ell Smalls – 6’3″, 265 lbs

• Charlie Williams – 6’4″, 245 lbs

• Brady Kopetz – 6’4″, 270 lbs

• Corbin Laisure – 6’5″, 250 lbs

• Zayne DeSouza – 6’6″, 255 lbs

• Gavin Mueller – 6’6″, 250 lbs

This group gives Colorado the flexibility to run spread offenses or more traditional pro-style looks while creating consistent mismatches in the passing game.

Why Mueller’s Commitment Is a Big Deal

Mueller’s decision is another sign that Colorado’s recruiting momentum under Coach Prime is no fluke. Beating out schools like LSU and Notre Dame for a top Midwestern prospect underscores just how seriously recruits are taking the Buffs.

It’s also a testament to Sanders’ long-term vision. While much of the focus is on the 2025 and 2026 seasons, Colorado is clearly laying the foundation for sustained success.

Mueller expects to be fully recovered from his shoulder injury and will play both sides of the ball again this fall as a senior. He also continues to play basketball—an athletic background that has clearly enhanced his movement skills and ability to make plays in space.

If his development stays on track, Mueller has the potential to be a standout at Colorado and one of the headline names among tight ends in the 2026 recruiting class.