Top-100 LB Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng takes Colorado visit

Colorado hosts Kansas State on Saturday night in a battle that carries some major Big 12 implications. As the Buffaloes look to improve to 5-1 on the season, they’re also looking for some momentum on the recruiting trail.

This weekend has turned into a major opportunity to pick up some steam with recruits, as Deion Sanders and his staff currently have just eight commitments in their 2025 class with the December signing period less than two months away.

One big target that the Buffs are hoping to boost their stock with is Manassas (Va.) IMG Academy four-star linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng. The 6-foot, 200-pounder made his way to Boulder and will be in attendance at Folsom Field on Saturday.

Last month, Owusu-Boateng narrowed his list of top schools down to six, with Michigan, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Florida, USC and Texas all making the cut. Each program has had him on campus multiple times throughout his process. Colorado will look to get in the mix by making a big impression this weekend, however.

“Each school is doing their job with me, but Michigan and Notre Dame are doing a really good job. They recruit me so hard. Texas would be right there too. A few schools recruit me on another level, but all six do a great job. The relationships I have with the coaches at all six schools are strong,” Owusu-Boateng told On3’s Chad Simmons on Sept. 19.

Colorado’s expected visitor list this weekend also includes Owusu-Boateng’s IMG Academy teammate and four-star EDGE London Merritt, an Ohio State commit. Daytona Beach (Fla.) Mainland defensive lineman and UCF commit Christian Hudson is also expected.

Owusu-Boateng is the No. 85 overall prospect and No. 6 LB in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 13 player in Florida.

Colorado after multiple blue-chippers

The Buffs recently flipped Miami Northwestern four-star safety Antonio Branch from Penn State and now have two defensive backs in their 2025 class — Detroit Cass Technical four-star cornerback Alex Graham has been in the class since April 26.

With just eight commits, though, Colorado’s class ranks No. 83 in the nation, per the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. Pursuing players like Owusu-Boateng will be a major priority for Sanders and Co. moving forward.

Baltimore St. Frances Academy four-star safety Byron Baldwin recently decommitted from Indiana and is a top target. USC five-star quarterback commit Julian Lewis continues to keep the Buffs warm and is expected to return to Boulder later this season.

Other current commits in Colorado’s class include: Spring (Texas) North Shore four-star wide receiver Quanell Farrakhan Jr., Nashville Lipscomb Academy four-star interior offensive lineman Chauncey Gooden and Buford (Ga.) three-star linebacker Mantrez Walker.