Colorado football losing 2026 DL commit to top Big Ten program

The Colorado Buffaloes lost a 2026 commitment on Wednesday afternoon when three-star defensive lineman Joseph Peko announced that he'd be flipping his commitment from the Buffs to Washington.

Peko, a 6-foot-3, 310-pound product of Oaks Christian High School in Southern California, is ranked as the nation's No. 107 defensive lineman and No. 66 prospect in the state by 247Sports. Peko initially committed to Deion Sanders' program when his father, Domata Peko, was the defensive line coach. The Pittsburgh Steelers hired the elder Peko in February for the same role, which may have played into his son's decision to flip his pledge.

Given the family ties disappearing, the move to Washington is not all that surprising. However, Peko's brother, Domata Peko Jr., is also on the Buffs, preparing to enter his first season in Boulder.

Let’s Get it💯 @UW_Football@BrandonHuffman@GregBiggins@CoachJeddFischpic.twitter.com/liGWLD8coo

— Joseph Peko (@JosephPeko) May 27, 2026

Colorado's 2026 recruiting class now sits at 16 commits, with 14 already enrolled this past semester. Only one of the 16 is a defensive lineman, but Sanders' staff has brought in several transfers, and most recently junior college standout Malachi Brown, to shore up the front four.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football loses DL Joseph Peko to Washington