Top RB Cam Newton Commits to Colorado

Colorado landed a major addition to its 2026 recruiting class on the offensive side of the ball as three-star running back Cam Newton (Walnut Grove HS, Texas) announced his commitment to the Buffaloes.

Newton, one of the most productive backs in the state of Texas, chose Colorado over a competitive offer list that included Air Force, Army, Navy, Temple, Sam Houston, Tulsa, and UTEP. His decision gives head coach Deion Sanders and the CU staff a proven, high-volume playmaker with a complete skill set.

At Walnut Grove, Newton established himself as a true workhorse back, rushing for back-to-back 2,000-yard seasons and helping lead the program to consecutive playoff appearances. During his senior campaign, Newton totaled 2,042 rushing yards, 44 total touchdowns, and added 413 receiving yards out of the backfield, while averaging over seven yards per carry.

On film, Newton shows a well-rounded profile that translates to the college level. He combines quickness and elusiveness in space with the power to finish runs between the tackles, and he has the breakaway speed to turn routine carries into explosive plays. As a receiver, he is comfortable catching the ball and creating yards after contact, giving him true three-down potential.

Newton’s production, durability, and versatility make him one of the top rushers in Texas in the 2026 class, and a strong schematic fit for Colorado’s offense. His ability to shoulder a heavy workload while also impacting the passing game positions him as a player who can compete early and grow into a key contributor in Boulder.

This is a significant pickup for the Buffaloes, adding a battle-tested back with proven production and upside as Colorado continues to build momentum on the recruiting trail.

Three Mustangs Earn CSC Academic All-District Honors

Via Mustang Wire

AUSTIN, Texas (CSC/SMU) – SMU Football placed three student-athletes on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team, as tight end Matthew Hibner, kicker Sam Keltner, and long snapper Morgan Tribbett earned recognition for excellence on the field and in the classroom.

To qualify for Academic All-District honors, student-athletes must carry a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA, be at least a sophomore academically, and meet specific participation benchmarks during the 2025 season. The CSC Academic All-District program recognizes the nation’s top football student-athletes across all divisions for their combined academic and athletic achievements.

Hibner started all 13 games for the Mustangs, totaling 31 receptions for 436 yards and four touchdowns, including a season-long 80-yard reception. The graduate student was named a Campbell Trophy Semifinalist and earned All-ACC Honorable Mention honors. Off the field, Hibner continued his academic excellence, earning academic all-conference recognition for the fourth consecutive year.

Keltner anchored SMU’s special teams, converting 14 field goals and 36 PATs for a team-best 78 points. The Keller, Texas, native also handled kickoff duties, recording 4,744 yards and 42 touchbacks on 76 kickoffs. His performance in SMU’s 35-24 win over Clemson earned him ACC Specialist of the Week and Lou Groza Star of the Week honors.

Tribbett served as the Mustangs’ starting long snapper and saw action in every game this season. His consistency was instrumental in the success of both Keltner and punter Wade McSparron, who finished the year with 55 punts for 2,337 yards.

All three honorees played key roles in helping SMU post a 9–4 record and secure a victory in the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl.

SMU Signee Hudson Woods Powers Smithson Valley to Second Straight State Title

By Marc Henry Via Mustang Wire

On the biggest stage in Texas high school football, SMU signee Hudson Woods delivered a championship-caliber performance to help Smithson Valley claim its second consecutive state title with a convincing 28–6 win over Frisco Lone Star.

From the opening snap, Woods set the tone defensively. Lined up off the edge, he was a constant disruptive force, consistently living in the Lone Star backfield and never allowing the opposing offense to get comfortable. His get-off was elite, pairing a lightning-quick first step with violent, well-timed hands that allowed him to win early in reps. Woods showed advanced pass-rush polish, using his length to keep blockers at arm’s length, setting a firm edge against the run, and closing with speed once he cleared the tackle.

What stood out most was the variety in his rush plan. Woods mixed in power and finesse, flashing an effective bull rush, excellent bend around the corner, and the ability to counter when initially engaged. His motor never slowed, chasing plays down from the backside and applying constant pressure throughout the game.

The impact plays told the story: two forced fumbles, one returned for a touchdown, along with a pass breakup and multiple sacks. Each momentum-shifting moment came from Woods’ relentless effort and high football IQ, making him the centerpiece of a defense that rose to the occasion when it mattered most.

With back-to-back state championships now on his résumé, Woods heads to the Hilltop as part of SMU’s 2026 recruiting class. He has proven himself as a battle-tested defender built for the next level.

 Performances like this underline why he’s such a major pickup for the Mustangs and a defender who projects to make an impact early in his college career.