Safe to say, Tawfiq Byard didn’t pull a NOB.

It seems like Deion Sanders has a knack for keeping the league on its toes, doesn’t it? Just when it looked like Colorado Buffs’ recruiting momentum might hit a lull, Coach Prime pulled another trick out of his sleeve, snagging Tawfiq Byard, the breakout sophomore safety from USF. But while Sanders celebrated his latest acquisition, it didn’t take long for a certain former target, a 4-Star IMG Academy transfer, who chose Ann Arbor or Boulder to chime in with a cheeky reaction that stirred up the recruiting drama all over again.

The 4-star IMG Academy linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, who early on signing day committed to the Wolverines, couldn’t resist commenting on Hayes Fawcett of On3’s post about the commitment of former Bulls safety Tawfiq Byard who committed to Colorado on Tuesday. No words, just a pair of fire emojis—“🔥🔥.” Short, sweet, and dripping with playful swagger, the message left fans speculating. Was it admiration? Or was it a comment of regret? Whatever the intent, it perfectly captured the recruiting chess game between programs like Michigan and Colorado. As the 3-Star of the 2023 class, at the beginning of the early signing period, was officially welcomed by the USF.

For Byard, the decision to choose the Buffaloes over the Bulls wasn’t just about swapping coasts; it was about chasing championships. “Time to win the Natty,” the DeMatha Catholic high school transfer boldly declared after announcing his commitment. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound safety turned heads during his 2024 season with USF, amassing 54 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, and an interception. That production, combined with his versatility and football pedigree—he’s the younger brother of Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard—made him one of the most intriguing names in the transfer portal.

Colorado, under Deion Sanders, has become a magnet for players looking to elevate their game. Byard’s arrival adds depth and skill to a secondary that already boasts the sixth-best pass defense in the Big 12. Buffs defensive coordinator played a pivotal role in swaying Byard’s decision, emphasizing the program’s vision and how the sophomore safety fit into their plans. If Colorado’s 2024 campaign taught us anything, it’s that this unit, while inconsistent at times, has the potential to dominate when firing on all cylinders. With 3 years of eligibility remaining, adding Byard to the mix only strengthens their trajectory.

But let’s not forget the backdrop of this recruiting drama, NOB’s commitment to Michigan. The 4-star linebacker, widely regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 class, had been a prime target for Coach Prime. His choice to sign under Sherrone Moore was a big relief for their recruitment in the wake of a struggling 6-6 end of the not-defending-anymore champions. Yet, his playful social media jab reminds us that recruiting battles don’t end with a letter of intent. Good thing, The Coach of the Year contender had this secret weapon.

Give Tawfiq Byard Deion Sanders and Buffs over the Bulls, any day

Tawfiq Byard has officially chosen Colorado over the Bulls Alex Golesh, and it’s clear his visit to Boulder left a lasting impression. The talented safety, who also checked out Virginia Tech and LSU, shared that his time with the Buffaloes, particularly head coach Deion Sanders and defensive coordinator Rob Livingston, sealed the deal. Byard’s decision reflects the magnetic pull of Coach Prime’s program and the culture they’re building at Colorado.

In a conversation with On3’s Steve Wiltfong, the safety raved about Livingston and his NFL pedigree. “The defensive coordinator Rob Livingston—we speak the same language,” Byard explained. “He’s an NFL guy who’s coached a lot of great safeties.” That’s the kind of coach you want in your corner. But it wasn’t just the football staff that won him over. He highlighted the warmth and hospitality of everyone he met, from the academic staff to Coach Prime himself. “They make you feel welcomed and loved,” he said. “Everyone was welcoming!”

Colorado’s 2025 transfer class is already ranked No. 14 nationally by 247Sports, and landing a player like Byard only bolsters their reputation. This makes one each elite recruit for Michigan and Colorado. One got a LB, and one got a safety. Who’s next?