Deion Sanders needed less than 24 hours to get the party started in Boulder.

Sanders was officially unveiled as the next head coach at Colorado late Saturday night. Sunday morning, he and the Buffs earned a commitment from 2025 Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy wideout Winston Watkins Jr. A one-time Texas A&M commit, Watkins is the 13th-ranked prospect in the entire 2025 class and a 5-star in the industry-generated 247 Composite.

The 5-foot-10, 172-pound receiver is the fourth-best wideout in his class and the third-ranked recruit from Florida. He transferred into IMG Academy for his freshman season in 2021 and worked primarily as a reserve wideout for the nationally-ranked team. This fall, he had 25 receptions for 393 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore.

Watkins is the cousin of former Clemson star and first-round NFL Draft pick Sammy Watkins Jr.

“Deion Sanders!” Watkins told 247Sports. “Big influence to me and will get me to my best ability. “He is that guy. Man he did it on the field and he does it in the office as well. Can’t wait to see what he does with the program.”

Sanders had unprecedented success recruiting while at FCS Jackson State. At a Power Five program now, it looks like he’ll continue to be a force on the recruiting trail.

Watkins is a player 247Sports loves already. Regional recruiting analyst Andrew Ivins wrote this on his game:

A slot receiver with some juice that has already established himself as one of the top offensive playmakers in the class of 2025 following numerous strong showings on the offseason camp circuit. Produced as an eighth grader at the varsity level before enrolling at the powerhouse that is IMG Academy. … Pretty advanced as a route runner for his age. Mixes gears well and understands how to create separation with quick cuts or little head fakes. Seems to catch most of the stuff that comes his way and does a nice job of tracking the football down the field before adjusting to make the play. Difficult to corral in a tunnel and will use his burst to jet away from would-be tacklers.