Deion Sanders has never been one to back down from a challenge, but this next recruiting battle might just be his toughest yet. With Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter heading to the NFL, the Colorado Buffaloes are facing a cold, hard truth—without star power, their grip on the recruiting scene is slipping.
The numbers don’t lie. Colorado’s NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) valuation has taken a hit, their 2025 recruiting class ranks just 37th nationally, and in the Big 12, they sit at fourth place—a far cry from the dominance Coach Prime envisions. To regain momentum, the Buffs need a statement win on the recruiting trail, and they just set their sights on a high-stakes target.
But here’s the twist—Deion’s secret weapon in this battle isn’t just his charisma or his coaching prowess. It’s a father’s influence.
Colorado’s Bold Power Move: A Father-Son Alliance
Enter Domata Peko, a former NFL defensive lineman who recently joined Colorado’s coaching staff after a long career with the Cincinnati Bengals. His hiring was already a major addition for the Buffs, bringing in a battle-tested veteran to develop their defensive front. But his biggest impact might come off the field—because his son, Joseph Peko, just became one of Colorado’s top recruiting targets.
Joseph, a 6-foot-3, 315-pound defensive lineman from Oaks Christian High School in California, has been heavily courted by Lincoln Riley’s USC Trojans. And for good reason—USC has been one of the hottest teams in recruiting, boasting the No. 2-ranked class of 2026 and a $195,000 average NIL valuation per player, according to On3. In the financial arms race of college football, that’s a massive gap that Colorado has to overcome.
But that didn’t stop the Buffs from making their move.
Joseph Peko took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share his excitement:
“BLESSED!! To receive an offer from The University of Colorado!”
It’s a familiar scene—after all, Folsom Field has already witnessed father-son duos flourish, with Deion coaching his sons Shedeur and Shilo Sanders, as well as Kaleb Mathis, son of CU assistant coach Kevin Mathis. Could Peko be the next?
The battle for his commitment is heating up, and Coach Prime isn’t one to shy away from a fight.
The Recruiting War: USC, Colorado, or a Surprise Contender?
For nearly a year, USC has been the frontrunner for Joseph Peko, extending an offer back in October 2023. Since then, he’s made multiple visits to their campus, building a strong relationship with the Trojans’ coaching staff. On paper, USC still has the edge, with a dominant recruiting class and the kind of NIL backing that turns heads.
But Peko’s recruitment isn’t just about rankings or dollar signs. His numbers—No. 62 among defensive linemen, No. 712 overall—may not place him in five-star territory, but his raw power, frame, and skill set make him an instant-impact player for any defensive front. That’s exactly why Lincoln Riley wants him, and exactly why Deion Sanders is making this a priority.
Coach Prime knows he has one major card to play—his unique approach to recruiting. Unlike traditional programs that pour all their resources into high school signings, Deion has leaned heavily on the transfer portal, assembling a roster built on experience rather than potential.
“We had a great class. We did some wonderful things. I rely heavily on the portal and not high school. You got to be careful with these young ones because it’s a little different nowadays.”
But in this case, he’s making an exception. Winning a head-to-head battle with USC for a key defensive piece would be a statement that Colorado is still in the fight.
Just When You Thought It Was a Two-Team Race… Enter the GOAT
For Deion Sanders, this recruiting battle was already shaping up to be a heavyweight showdown against USC. But just as things started heating up, another contender entered the ring—and this one brings six Super Bowl rings with him.
That’s right—Bill Belichick is now in the mix.
The legendary former New England Patriots coach, now part of North Carolina’s staff, has officially extended an offer to Joseph Peko. Suddenly, the stakes just got even higher.
Think about it—if you’re a young defensive lineman dreaming of an NFL career, who better to learn from than the man who built dynasties with dominant defenses?
With USC, Colorado, and now North Carolina all making strong pushes, the choice just got a whole lot tougher.
The Decision: Family, Fame, or the Fast Track to the NFL?
So, what’s it gonna be for Joseph Peko?
- Stay in the family—follow his father to Boulder and become the next father-son duo under Coach Prime.
- Go Hollywood—join USC’s stacked recruiting class and cash in on an elite NIL valuation.
- Learn from the GOAT—take a chance on Bill Belichick’s defensive expertise and fast-track his development for the NFL.
With six months until the 2025 season kicks off, the battle is far from over. But one thing is certain—this decision isn’t just about football. It’s about legacy, loyalty, and the long game.
And for Deion Sanders, this could be one of his most pivotal recruiting battles yet.
