2026 TE Gavin Mueller commits to Colorado

South Elgin (Ill.) three-star tight end Gavin Mueller has committed to Colorado, he announced on Wednesday.

He chose the Buffaloes over LSU, Notre Dame and Wisconsin.

Mueller is the No. 516 overall prospect and No. 22 TE in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 14 player in Illinois.

The 6-foot-6, 231-pounder becomes the second pledge for head coach Deion Sanders and the Buffs this cycle. Last month, Calabasas (Calif.) EDGE Domata Peko Jr., the son of CU coach Domata Peko, announced his commitment.

Mueller, who also excels in track and field via the shot put, took his official visit to Boulder on the first weekend of May. Colorado receivers coach Brett Bartolone helped lead the Big 12 program’s push for the tight end.

More on Colorado Recruiting

Boulder has been filled with elite recruits logging official visits this month. Sanders and the CU staff have signed light classes the previous two cycles, and while that’s expected to be similar this cycle, there are myriad blue-chippers considering the Buffs heading into the summer.

Mansfield (Texas) Lake Ridge five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo, IMG Academy (Fla.) four-star duo in IOL Breck Kolojay and EDGE Jake Kruel, Windsor (Colo.) four-star OT Deacon Schmitt, Alexander City (Ala.) Benjamin Russell five-star wide receiver Cederian Morgan and Lucas (Texas) Panther Creek four-star athlete Jalen Lott are among the top targets that have logged visits.

On3 VP of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong has the latest coming out of Colorado’s big Mother’s Day recruiting weekend here.

Last cycle, Colorado signed the No. 35 class nationally, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. Headlining the class was Carrollton (Ga.) four-star quarterback Julian Lewis, who flipped to the Buffs from USC at the end of November.

“It’s a huge opportunity! What Coach Prime has been able to build in two seasons can’t be denied. I’ve had a chance to get to know him and believe that he can further develop me into the player and person that I want to be,” Lewis said in a statement following his commitment. “Coach Shurmur has been an NFL offensive coordinator and head coach, so he understands exactly what’s needed at the next level. Coach Prime is going to play the best player, whether it’s a freshman or a walk-on.”

Lewis closed the cycle as the No. 56 prospect and No. 7 QB. He was one of five blue-chippers in the On300 to ink with the Big 12 program.