Colorado 4-Star WR Commit Stuns College Football World with Decision to Flip and Join Arizona State Sun Devils

April 29, 2025 — In a shocking twist that has sent ripples across the college football landscape, four-star wide receiver Malik Dawson, one of the crown jewels of Colorado’s 2025 recruiting class, has officially decommitted from the Buffaloes and flipped his commitment to the Arizona State Sun Devils.

 

The move comes just weeks after Dawson reaffirmed his verbal commitment to Colorado in multiple interviews, making Monday’s announcement all the more stunning. Dawson, who plays for Centennial High School in Corona, California, is ranked as the No. 22 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 137 overall prospect according to the 247Sports Composite. He had been a key piece of Coach Deion Sanders’ star-studded 2025 class—a group that had drawn national attention due to its explosive potential.

 

But now, Dawson is heading to Tempe, and it’s a massive recruiting win for Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham.

 

The Breaking Point

 

Sources close to Dawson indicate that his decision was influenced by a combination of factors, including offensive scheme fit, stability within the program, and the opportunity for early playing time. While Colorado’s offense has been high-octane under Sanders, recent staff turnover, a crowded wide receiver room, and ongoing speculation about Coach Prime’s long-term commitment may have played a role in Dawson’s decision to reevaluate.

 

“After deep reflection, conversations with my family, and prayer, I’ve decided to flip my commitment and take my talents to Arizona State University,” Dawson wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “I have nothing but love for Coach Prime and the Buffs, but I feel that ASU is the right place for me to grow as a player and a man.”

 

The announcement blindsided many in the Colorado camp, including members of the coaching staff who reportedly found out only moments before Dawson made the news public.

 

A Huge Win for Arizona State

 

For Arizona State, this is the kind of recruiting victory that could shift the program’s trajectory. Dillingham, now in his third season at the helm, has worked tirelessly to rebuild the Sun Devils into a Pac-12 contender (or Big 12, depending on realignment status), and landing a player of Dawson’s caliber is a statement of intent.

 

“This is a culture-changing commitment,” one ASU recruiting staffer told local media. “We’re building something special here, and Malik believes in what we’re doing.”

 

Dawson visited Tempe unofficially two weeks ago, a trip that flew under the radar until now. Insiders say he connected deeply with ASU’s offensive staff, who are expected to utilize him in a hybrid role, capitalizing on his elite speed, crisp route-running, and high football IQ.

 

Reactions Pour In

 

The college football world reacted quickly and dramatically. Analysts described it as “the biggest flip of the spring,” with some comparing it to previous blockbuster decommitments that shifted the balance of power in recruiting.

 

“This is massive,” said 247Sports recruiting analyst Greg Biggins. “You just don’t see kids of Dawson’s profile flip this late in the cycle unless something major is happening behind the scenes. Arizona State fans should be thrilled.”

 

Colorado fans, however, were stunned. Many took to social media to express disbelief, disappointment, and frustration. The Buffs had built their 2025 class around high-profile skill players, and losing a top receiver like Dawson could create a ripple effect.

 

What’s Next for Colorado?

 

Coach Prime and his staff now face the urgent task of reloading. While the Buffs remain in the mix for other elite wideouts like five-star Keenan Ricks and four-star Dorian Holt, Dawson’s departure leaves a noticeable hole.

 

There’s also the broader concern: Could this flip be the beginning of a trend? Colorado’s dynamic recruiting rise under Sanders was built on charisma, bold promises, and a vision of instant transformation. But as the dust settles, some players may be reconsidering whether the program is built for long-term success or just short-term spectacle.

 

One Pac-12 assistant (who asked to remain anonymous) said, “Dawson flipping may not be the last domino. If you look at what ASU and other schools are building—structure, development, identity—that matters to kids and their families.”

 

The Bigger Picture

 

This recruitment drama also highlights the ever-evolving nature of modern college football, where NIL deals, coaching movement, conference instability, and early playing time all contribute to decisions that would have been unthinkable even five years ago.

 

Arizona State’s NIL infrastructure has grown significantly over the past 12 months, with local collectives and boosters stepping up to support Dillingham’s recruiting efforts. While there’s no public information suggesting NIL was the determining factor in Dawson’s flip, the program’s resources are no longer lagging behind those of traditional powerhouses.

 

Final Thoughts

 

For now, Arizona State has reason to celebrate. Malik Dawson brings immediate star power to the Sun Devils’ future offense and signals that ASU is ready to compete for top-tier talent in a crowded recruiting landscape.

 

For Colorado, the road ahead just got a bit rockier. Deion Sanders still has time to adjust, pivot, and recruit, but the loss of a marquee player like Dawson is a sobering reminder that college football’s recruiting battles are won—and lost—every day.

 

And for the rest of the college football world, it’s another sign that nothing is ever certain when it comes to five-star dreams and four-star decisions.