Notre Dame transfer DB Cree Thomas commits to Colorado

Notre Dame transfer defensive back Cree Thomas has committed to Colorado, On3’s Hayes Fawcett reported. He will have four years of eligibility remaining.

Thomas appeared in three games this past season at Notre Dame as a true freshman. During that time, he had one tackle and a pass defended. By preserving a redshirt, he will have four more years of eligibility.

Thomas played high school football at Phoenix (Ariz.) Brophy College Preparatory, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 512 overall player from the 2025 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. 

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

Cree Thomas is the latest commitment for Deion Sanders and Colorado as the Buffaloes reload in the portal. He joins a transfer class that includes former Tulane defensive lineman Santana Hopper, who comes in as the No. 120 overall player in the On3 Industry Transfer Portal Rankings.

Hopper spent one year at Tulane after transferring from Appalachian State and put up strong numbers with the Green Wave. Across 14 games, he totaled 31 tackles – including 10.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks – as a redshirt junior.

Those numbers came after an impressive run at Appalachian State. During his two years as a key contributor, Hopper had 71 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. He took a redshirt as a true freshman in 2022, meaning he has one year of eligibility remaining.

Colorado also added a playmaker from FCS Sacramento State this week as running back Jaquail Smith committed. He will reunite with Brennan Marion, who served as the Hornets’ head coach last year and is gearing up to become Deion Sanders’ offensive coordinator.

Smith rushed for 511 yards and five touchdowns on 76 carries as a true freshman. He also topped 100 rushing yards in four games this past season, including a career-high 135 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a 55-27 win over Weber State on Oct. 11.

Colorado went 3-9 this past season, losing five straight games to end the year. Following the final game – a 24-14 loss at Kansas State – Sanders made it clear he planned to evaluate “everything” within the program and said coaching changes would also be in the cards.