USC was able to land a commitment from Mobile (Ala.) Williamson four-star offensive tackle Carde Smith on Aug. 5.

The former Auburn pledge was a big recruiting victory for Lincoln Riley and the Trojans this summer, but there’s still work to be done to sign the 6-foot-6.5, 295-pounder, as Colorado is now firmly in the mix.

Smith took an unofficial visit to Boulder two weekends ago. On Monday, he told On3’s Phillip Dukes that he’s planning to return for an official visit with the Buffaloes on Oct. 26 when they play Cincinnati.

“The coaches staying in contact with me even after I committed to another school,” Smith said when asked about his interest in CU. “Staying in contact with my mom — my mom plays a big role in the commitment, if she’s straight, I’m straight. If she feels like that’s a place I could be too, we’re gonna go with it, see what it’s talking about.”

Part of Colorado’s pitch to the blue-chipper is an early path to playing time, similar to true freshman and former Five-Star Plus+ offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, who is currently headlining Colorado’s offense line. O-line coach Phil Loadholt, head coach Deion Sanders and the wave of former NFL standouts on the Buffaloes’ staff are also piquing the interest of Smith.

“Really telling me how much they want me. How they had another freshman last year, Jordan Seaton, he came on there and started as a freshman,” Smith said of the Buffs’ pitch.

When visiting earlier this month, Smith noted that he spent some time with Seaton, who provided some valuable words of advice as he continues to maneuver through his recruiting process. Smith took in Colorado’s overtime victory over Baylor and called the visit “a movie.”

Smith weighing options, also planning another visit to USC

Smith is one of three offensive linemen in USC’s 2025 class, as of Sept. 30. He also told Dukes that he’s planning to return to USC for a visit at the end of November when the Trojans host USC at the end of the regular season.

Colorado’s class, which features just eight commitments and ranks No. 80 in the nation per the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings, has two linemen in the fold, including Nashville Lipscomb Academy four-star IOL Chauncey Gooden.

The Yellowhammer State product is the No. 233 overall prospect and No. 18 OT in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 15 player in Alabama.

On3 ranks Smith higher than other recruiting services. He checks in at No. 172 overall, No. 13 at the OT position and No. 7 in Alabama, per the 2025 On300.

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