Colorado Seeks to Keep Top In-State Recruit Colton Ott Home

Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes are prioritizing the 2028 offensive lineman from Boulder.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 11:56pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting an offensive line play, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors, conveying the raw power and energy of football.Deion Sanders' efforts to recruit top in-state offensive linemen like Colton Ott could reshape Colorado's offensive line of the future.Boulder Today

The Colorado Buffaloes and head coach Deion Sanders are focused on keeping top 2028 offensive line recruit Colton Ott in-state. Ott, a 6-4, 310-pound interior lineman from Boulder, has already visited Colorado's campus and received a scholarship offer from Purdue. Sanders and offensive line coach Gunnar White are working to convince Ott to stay home and become a key part of the Buffaloes' future offensive line.

Why it matters

Retaining top in-state talent is crucial for Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes as they look to rebuild the program. Ott's versatility to play guard or center makes him an attractive target, and keeping homegrown players like him in Boulder could pay dividends down the road.

The details

Colton Ott is a three-star offensive line recruit in the class of 2028 who stands at 6-4 and 310 pounds. He has already visited Colorado's campus this spring and shared positive feedback about his interactions with offensive line coach Gunnar White. Ott also recently received a scholarship offer from Purdue, giving him an option to play in the Big Ten. Colorado is also pursuing another top 2027 in-state offensive lineman, four-star recruit Jackson Roper, making Ott a key priority for the Buffaloes' future.

  • Ott visited Colorado for spring practice this year.
  • Ott recently announced he received a scholarship offer from Purdue.

The players

Deion Sanders

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, who is focused on rebuilding the program and retaining top in-state talent.

Colton Ott

A 2028 three-star offensive line recruit from Boulder, Colorado who has visited Colorado and received a scholarship offer from Purdue.

Gunnar White

The offensive line coach for the Colorado Buffaloes, who is working to recruit Ott to stay home and play for the Buffs.

Jackson Roper

A 2027 four-star offensive line recruit from Colorado, who is also a top target for the Buffaloes.

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What they’re saying

“I like Coach White a lot. I watched a practice there and had a great time with him. He likes me as an interior offensive lineman. I'm good playing either, guard or center. I can snap a little bit.”

— Colton Ott, Recruit

What’s next

As Ott begins his junior season, Colorado will continue to prioritize recruiting him to stay home and play for the Buffaloes. The Buffs will also look to land another top in-state offensive lineman, Jackson Roper, in the class of 2027.

The takeaway

Deion Sanders and the Colorado coaching staff are making a concerted effort to keep top in-state talent like Colton Ott home, recognizing the importance of building a strong offensive line through homegrown recruits. Retaining players like Ott could be a key factor in the Buffaloes' long-term rebuilding efforts.