Four-star 2025 offensive lineman Carde Smith commits to Deion Sanders and Colorado

Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes have secured a key addition to their 2025 recruiting class by signing four-star offensive tackle Carde Smith from the USC Trojans. Smith, an Alabama native and originally committed to USC, is considered the No. 13 offensive tackle in the country.

Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 290 pounds, Smith visited Boulder in September and is scheduled to return to campus before Colorado’s game against Cincinnati on Oct. 25. He made his announcement on Nightcap with Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson on Thanksgiving. He was one of four players committed to the Buffs on the show, including four-star London Merritt.

Smith adds significant talent to Colorado’s offensive line, which already features top overall player Jordan Seaton. Known for his size and athleticism, Smith has the potential to continue to grow. Experts believe he could gain up to 25 pounds in college. His athleticism is particularly evident at the right tackle position, where he consistently wins at the point of attack and uses his size to overwhelm defenders. Smith also shows explosiveness off the line and displays a natural strength that makes him an effective run blocker.

Although Smith excels at run blocking, he may need a year or two of coaching to further develop as a pass protector at the college level. Despite his limited proven athletic context, his size and above-average athleticism suggest Smith has the potential to become a multi-year starter in a Power Four program.

Thanks to Smith’s commitment, Colorado’s 2025 recruiting class now has ten members, including two additional offensive linemen: four-star Chauncey Gooden and three-star Jay Gardenhire. His addition improves Colorado’s recruiting rankings, moving up from No. 79 nationally. Coach Prime’s efforts to rebuild the Buffaloes’ offensive line are evident, with the program adding elite talent like Smith to increase competitiveness.