The Colorado Buffaloes have emerged as one of the final contenders in the race for four-star edge rusher James Pace III, setting up a recruiting battle with SEC powers Auburn and Tennessee. The highly regarded defender is expected to announce his commitment on Friday evening after completing official visits to all three programs.
Coach Prime, Deion Sanders, and his staff have enjoyed significant momentum on the recruiting trail in recent months, and landing Pace would represent another major victory for Colorado’s rapidly improving 2027 class. The Buffaloes hosted the Maryland standout on the final official visit of his recruitment, hoping to leave a lasting impression before decision day.
Pace, who stars at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, is regarded as one of the top edge rushers in the nation. Standing at 6-foot-2½ and weighing around 225 pounds, the four-star prospect has attracted nearly 30 scholarship offers throughout his recruitment.
Auburn appears to be one of Colorado’s biggest obstacles in the race. The Tigers hosted Pace earlier in the recruiting process and have established strong ties to Maryland prospects in recent classes. Analysts have also projected Auburn as a serious favorite to secure his commitment.
Meanwhile, Tennessee remains firmly in contention. The Volunteers have consistently been among Pace’s preferred destinations and continue to present a strong SEC option with a history of developing elite defensive talent. Their presence has ensured that the recruitment remains highly competitive heading into the final hours.
According to recruiting reports, Pace has kept his decision closely guarded and indicated that he was still undecided just days before his announcement. The talented defender said he was weighing several factors, including coaching relationships, player development and overall fit within each program.
Colorado’s coaching staff believes having the final official visit could prove advantageous. The Buffaloes have steadily built momentum under Sanders, and the opportunity to showcase the program’s vision and culture during Pace’s last stop may provide a crucial edge.
Securing Pace would further strengthen Colorado’s 2027 recruiting class, which already includes multiple four-star commitments. Adding one of the nation’s premier edge defenders would bolster the Buffaloes’ defensive future and reinforce the program’s growing reputation on the national recruiting stage.
With commitment day finally arriving, Colorado, Auburn and Tennessee now await the decision of one of the country’s most sought-after defensive prospects. Whichever school ultimately lands James Pace III will gain a significant addition and a potential cornerstone player for the future.
