Deion Sanders recruit reaffirms commitment to Colorado

The past two weeks for Colorado have highlighted the fragility of their rebuilding efforts. The Buffaloes suffered back-to-back blowout defeats, being outscored 105–24, with a 53–7 loss at Utah and a 52–17 loss to Arizona. Coach Prime’s team now holds a record of 3–6 overall and 1–5 in Big 12 competition, revealing many of the same issues that have plagued them throughout the season.

But one of Deion Sanders’ future linemen isn’t backing away from the challenge.

Xavier Payne, an offensive-line commit from Orlando, Florida, reaffirmed his belief in Colorado’s direction this week, publicly vowing to be part of the fix rather than another casualty of frustration. A former Florida State pledge, Payne de-committed from the Seminoles earlier this year before choosing the Buffaloes, a decision that now carries more significance amid the program’s latest slide.

“There are some things wrong fs but I wanna be a part of the solution,” said Payne on the X app.

There are some things wrong fs but I wanna be apart of the solution 🏠💯 https://t.co/16CE6IZ4lN

At 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds, Payne has emerged as one of the vocal anchors in Colorado’s 2026 recruiting class, which currently features 13 verbal commitments and ranks No. 68 nationally according to 247Sports. It’s a modest position on paper, but notable for its steadiness at a time when public confidence has wavered.

🏠🏠🏠 This weekend!!!! #SkoBuffs #LEGENDARY #athleticallychubby 🦬🦬🦬🦬🦬🦬🦬🦬🦬🦬🦬🦬🦬@Coach_Gunnar @theyoungcoach @coachcov8 @DeionSanders pic.twitter.com/nHr8bbyWdt

For a team still trying to find footing in the trenches, Payne’s commitment resonates beyond the recruiting rankings. The offensive line has been the Buffaloes’ biggest weakness, and yet here’s a prospect from 1,700 miles away choosing to stay while fully aware of the challenges ahead.

In a season where results have shaken faith, Payne’s decision stands as a small but meaningful reminder that not everyone is running from the struggle, some still want to help rebuild it.

More college football news: 

• 12 coaches who could be fired before December 
• Belichick relieved after first ACC win
• Five jobs Coach Prime may consider
• Dabo vows to keep fighting unless Clemson ‘sends me packing’
• Deion Sanders says ‘come at me’ not the players or coaches