Deion Sanders, Buffaloes face tough recruiting battle against Bulldogs for top in-state recruit Jackson Roper

Four-star offensive lineman Jackson Roper is being pursued not only by the Colorado Buffaloes of Deion Sanders but also by the Georgia Bulldogs. However, a recent visit to Athens could tip the scales in favor of Kirby Smart’s team.

“I loved the urgency and expectation in every single period. Every minute of every period is mapped out. They waste no time and are moving in and out of drills with urgency and a pace unlike any other practice I’ve seen,” he said via Chad Simmons.

“I recently included UGA in my top 10,” Roper continued. “There’s definitely been movement since then. I can say this — they’re a lot closer to No. 1 than they are No. 10.”

Boulder needs to bolster the OL

During the 2025 season, the Colorado Buffaloes’ offensive line remained a critical liability, consistently failing to provide a clean pocket for their quarterbacks.

Kaidon Salter #3 of the Colorado Buffaloes.

The unit surrendered a total of 39 sacks over 12 games, averaging 3.25 sacks allowed per contest, which ranked them among the bottom tier of the Big 12 in pass protection.

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This lack of stability forced quarterbacks like Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis to face constant pressure, resulting in a staggering 245 yards lost due to sacks.

Furthermore, the struggling front line hindered the run game, which managed only 3.5 yards per carry, leaving the offense one-dimensional and often overwhelmed by physical defensive fronts.

Potential offensive line for the Buffaloes

The 2026 Buffaloes offensive line features a revamped unit anchored by Bo Hughley at LT and Demetrius Hunter at center.

While Yahya Attia and Larry Johnson III provide veteran stability, the battle for the interior is heating up; notably, Jayvon McFadden is emerging as a strong contender for the starting RG spot alongside newcomer Jose Soto.

This group’s primary mission is protecting Julian Lewis as Colorado looks to dominate the Big 12.

Smart could lock down Roper

Georgia’s unparalleled track record of developing elite defensive talent into first-round NFL picks is the ultimate recruiting pitch for Roper. Under Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have produced a staggering 15 defensive players drafted in the first round over the last five years, more than any other program in the country.

Head coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs.

By joining a system that consistently leads the nation in scoring defense, Roper wouldn’t just be playing for championships; he would be entering a proven pipeline designed to maximize his draft stock and transition him seamlessly to the professional level.