For the second time this month, the Colorado Buffaloes have landed a linebacker in the 2026 recruiting class.

On Thursday, Carson Crawford, from Carthage (Texas) High School, announced his verbal commitment to the Buffs and head coach Deion Sanders.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Crawford had been committed to Texas State but took an official visit to CU on June 20 and decommitted from Texas State two days later. Rated a three-star recruit by 247Sports, Crawford has a dozen offers, including from Houston and San Diego State.

Last year, Crawford helped Carthage to a 15-1 record and Texas 4A D-II state title.

Earlier this month, linebacker Colby Johnson (Sammamish, Wash.) committed to the Buffs.

CU now has seven commits for the 2026 class, including: offensive lineman Xavier Payne (Miami, Fla.); cornerbacks Preston Ashley (Brandon, Miss.) and Maurice Williams Jr. (New Orleans); edge Domata Peko Jr. (Ventura College); and tight end Gavin Mueller (South Elgin, Ill.).