In an unusual recruiting turn late in the cycle, one of Colorado's top 2027 commitments flipped from the Buffaloes to another school just to flip back to Colorado a day later.
On Nov. 9, news broke that Brentwood Academy (TN) four-star offensive tackle Li'Marcus Jones had flipped his commitment from Colorado back to his home state Mississippi State Bulldogs.
However, that decision was not one that would last.
"After having a hard time sleeping and thinking on my decision, I realize that going back home to Mississippi is not for me," Jones wrote in an X post on Nov. 10. "I allowed the media to get to my head about where Coach Prime will be at next year but the staff informed me that they will in fact be there so with that being said I’m 100% locked
in with Coach Prime and the buffs!!"
This season is Jones' first and only season playing for Brentwood Academy. He transferred from Jackson Callaway (MS) ahead of the season and announced his original commitment to Colorado on May 24.
After having a hard time sleeping and thinking on my decision I realize that going back home to Mississippi is not for me. I allowed the media to get to my head about where Coach Prime will be at next year but the staff informed me that they will in fact be their so with that… pic.twitter.com/hdtFQhrIrD
— Li'Marcus “BUG” Jones (@limarcusjones74) November 11, 2026
As unusual as the situation may be, it isn't the first time Colorado has been involved in something similar this recruiting cycle with a player originally from Mississippi.
Back in June, Choctaw County (MS) four-star defensive lineman Ben'Jarvius Shumaker announced that he was flipping his commitment from Ole Miss to Colorado. Shumaker had been committed to the Rebels since March 6.
That commitment to Colorado lasted less than a day. Nine hours after that flip happened, Shumaker flipped his commitment back to Ole Miss from Colorado and has remained steadfast in that commitment since.
According to 247Sports, Colorado boasts the No. 36 class in the 2027 recruiting cycle and the No. 4 class in the Big 12. Jones is one of three four-star prospects committed to Colorado and one of two players from Tennessee — alongside quarterback Andre Adams — committed to the program.
Follow Sports Reporter Joe Spears on X at @joe_spears7 or via email: JSpears@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 4-star OT Li'Marcus Jones flips back to Colorado a day after flipping to Mississippi State
