4-Star QB Jaden O’Neal Potentially Nears Commitment to Colorado Ahead of Julian Lewis’ Crucial Visit

Jaden O’Neal sets sights on Deion’s squad! This coveted quarterback of the 2026 recruiting class, has been making headlines with his recent college visits. He has already received offers from nearly 30 schools, proving his impressive skills. Wasting no time, O’Neal packed his June schedule with nine unofficial visits, in order to find the perfect college fit.

His tour began with the Oklahoma Sooners, followed by a visit to Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes program on June 4th. This news sent a wave of excitement through Buffs’ fans, and their joy only grew when O’Neal included Colorado in his top 10 schools list released on June 19th.

4-star QB finds Deion’s Buffaloes closer to home

Hayes Fawcett, a recruiting insider, announced the news on his X handle that, “Four-Star QB Jaden O’Neal (2026) is down to 10 Schools, he tells me for @on3recruits.”  Fawcett highlighted O’Neal’s impressive credentials, noting that the “6’3″, 215-pound quarterback from Long Beach, California, is ranked as the No. 6 pro-style quarterback in the 2026 class by On3 Industry.” Even as a sophomore, O’Neal boasts a massive 61% pass completion rate without playing any big games. 

The QB also went on to express how each school has its own appeal. He admired the “history and tradition” of programs like Ohio State Buckeyes and Oklahoma. Even Florida State Seminoles and Auburn Tigers also piqued his interest, stating, “I have always dreamed about playing in the South.” But Colorado and Oregon held a special place on his list. Their proximity to home combined with “great coaches” made them strong contenders. Now, this news comes just two weeks after his visit to Boulder, further fueling speculation that O’Neal might favor the Buffs.

Now, the timing of his announcement is particularly interesting. It precedes the highly anticipated official visit of 5-star quarterback Julian Lewis to Colorado on June 21st. Similar to O’Neal, Lewis has visited numerous schools and narrowed down his favorites. With Lewis nearing a decision, O’Neal’s interest adds a new intrigue. 

Jaden O’Neal emerges as a top target as Lewis leans elsewhere

Despite a middling 4-8 record last season, the Colorado Buffaloes are generating excitement on the recruiting trail. It attracted both Jaden O’Neal and Julian Lewis, but O’Neal seems more intrigued by the Buffs.

Jaden O’Neal is someone who prioritizes positive visits and strong coach relationships. He even praised Colorado’s “experienced coaching staff” and his positive interactions with Deion Sanders and Pat Shurmur. He also values “development and relationship” when choosing a school, and the Buffs seem to fit the bill. Looks like it might be swaying O’Neal more than Lewis.

In a recent June 18th interview with 247Sports, Lewis reaffirmed his initial commitment to USC, praising head coach Lincoln Riley’s success with Heisman Trophy winners. With Lewis potentially slipping away, Deion Sanders could be turning his attention to securing the new star QB, Jaden O’Neal. Let’s see how it turns out.