Carde Smith, the 6’5, 300-pound offensive tackle with a frame that is “Unstoppable” and outta world reach, has the recruiting world buzzing. The four-star lineman just hit the brakes on his USC commitment, which is reasonable based on how things are going at USC. His de-commitment from the USC Trojans has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape. With the early signing period looming, all eyes are on Boulder, Colorado. And why not? Deion Sanders and his crew are laying it on thick, making sure Smith knows he’s a top priority.

Carde Smith has already made 2 successful visits to Boulder, and Colorado made a good offer to take care of our boy. “Ever since I got the offer, they’ve been on me,” Smith said, clearly feeling the love from Coach Prime and offensive line coach Phil Loadholt. If you know Deion Sanders, you know the pitch. The drill is really simple in Colorado but effective: Come in, put in the hours, work hard, and the starting spot is yours to lose.

The Buffaloes have gone above and beyond to make him feel valued and appreciated, keeping in touch weekly and rolling out the red carpet during his visits. “The energy, the fans, the student section—everything was amazing. Seeing my name on posters in the student section? That was wild,” Smith shared. “It felt like they really wanted me there.”

But it’s not just all about vibe; it’s the honesty. “The coaches keep it real with me, and I respect that,” he said. “They’ve been pushing for me ever since they offered, and it’s been amazing.” It’s safe to make a bet here. Colorado is going all in on this one. But Here’s a kicker part: Smith isn’t just a big deal for Colorado; he’s the type of player that shifts momentum for an entire program all year around.

The Buffs are trending hard on recruiting boards, and with Smith in the mix, the future looks brighter than Rocky Mountain sunrise on Saturday. Still, while the buzz is real, one big question draws: What happens if the man pulling all the strings, Deion Sanders, makes up his mind and follows his sons, Shedeur and Shilo, to the NFL or, specifically speaking, the Cowboys?

What happens if Deion Sanders leaves?

Let’s get one thing straight: Coach Prime ain’t packing his bags anytime soon. The man just cashed in on a hefty five-year, $29.5 million deal, and Boulder is fully backing his vision. But let’s play devil’s advocate. If Sanders were to step away, would the whole program crumble? Most definitely. His charisma is unmatched. The economic value Deion Sanders added to the Colorado is irreplaceable. The coaches will have a hard time maintaining the momentum. Glad Coach Prime ain’t leaving Boulder anytime soon.

For a recruit like Smith, that’s the million-dollar question. Do you roll the dice and bet on the house that’s thriving under Coach Prime, or do you hedge your bets elsewhere to the SEC or Big 10? Here’s the reality: even without Sanders, Smith would still be walking into a revamped Colorado squad with a blueprint for success, but that bit sounds like a stretch. And honestly, with his size and skill, he’s the kind of player who can set the tone wherever he lands.

So, to answer the question, should Carde Smith choose Colorado? Well, if he wants a shot at being a game-changer on a rising team, that too, under prime time, the Buffs are the move. Either way, the clock’s ticking, and the pressure’s on.