Thanksgiving wasn’t just about turkey and football for Colorado fans—it was about the future of CU football. While the holiday only featured one college game on TV (Memphis vs. Tulane), the University of Colorado Buffaloes made national headlines without even stepping on the field. Deion Sanders and the Buffs landed four key commitments, reshaping the recruiting landscape for 2025 and giving Boulder plenty to celebrate.

HEADLINING THE NIGHT: LONDON MERRITT COMMITS TO COLORADO

Leading the Thanksgiving haul was four-star EDGE rusher London Merritt. Announcing his decision on the show “Night Cap” with Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson, Merritt thanked God and revealed his commitment to the University of Colorado.

Merritt, ranked as the No. 260 overall prospect and the No. 30 EDGE in the class of 2025 by On3, recorded impressive stats in 2023, including five sacks and 11 quarterback hurries. Previously committed to Ohio State, Merritt decommitted earlier this week, sparking rumors of a Colorado move. By Thanksgiving night, those rumors became reality, giving the Buffs a huge boost in their defensive lineup.

A POWER MOVE: OFFENSIVE TACKLE CARDE SMITH FLIPS TO CU

The next big news came with four-star offensive tackle Carde Smith, who flipped his commitment to Colorado. Smith had previously committed to Auburn before switching to USC, only to reopen his recruitment last week. Ranked No. 228 nationally and the No. 20 offensive tackle in 2025, Smith is a major addition to CU’s offensive line. His decision adds critical depth to a team looking to dominate in the trenches.

EDGE TALENT ON THE RISE: ALEXANDER MCPHERSON JOINS THE BUFFS

Shortly after Smith’s announcement, Class of 2025 EDGE Alexander McPherson followed suit. A three-star recruit from Florida, McPherson was previously committed to Oklahoma State before flipping to Colorado. Ranked No. 865 overall, McPherson has shown promise with 53 tackles and seven sacks in 2022. After transferring to IMG Academy, his skill set only improved, making him another key piece for Colorado’s defensive future.

A NEW WEAPON: WIDE RECEIVER QUENTIN GIBSON

To round out an unforgettable evening, three-star wide receiver Quentin Gibson committed to the Buffs. Despite being just 5-foot-8 and 165 pounds, Gibson is a dynamic playmaker. He showcased his abilities in 2023 with 542 yards and seven touchdowns, earning his spot as the No. 181 wide receiver in the class of 2025. Gibson’s versatility and speed will give CU an edge in the ever-competitive Big 12.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR BOULDER AND BEYOND

With these four commitments, Colorado’s 2025 recruiting class jumped 35 spots nationally, now ranked No. 30 in the country and No. 2 in the Big 12. For head coach Deion Sanders, this is more than just a recruiting win—it’s a statement. Sanders’ ability to draw top talent is turning CU into a must-watch program and bringing fresh energy to Boulder.

These commitments come at a pivotal moment for the Buffs, who are working to solidify their place in the Big 12 after years in the Pac-12. The excitement surrounding CU football is at an all-time high, with fans across Boulder celebrating a team that’s shaping up to be a powerhouse.

WHY THANKSGIVING NIGHT MATTERS

Thanksgiving 2024 will go down as a turning point for Colorado football. It’s not just about the recruits—it’s about the message it sends. CU is no longer a team playing catch-up; it’s a program that top players want to join. With Sanders at the helm, Boulder has become the epicenter of college football excitement, and the Buffs are primed for greatness.

The Buffs gave their fans plenty to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, and the best is yet to come. Keep your eyes on Boulder—it’s clear that Colorado is building something special.

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