Deion Sanders and Bill Belichick battle over a lineman with NFL bloodlines

In college football, some battles go beyond the field. This time, it’s a recruiting war between two legends. Deion Sanders and Bill Belichick. The prize? Joseph Peko, a class of 2026 defensive lineman. Son of former NFL standout Domata Peko and younger brother of Domata Peko Jr. Who’s already committed to Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes.

The story has all the makings of a sports drama. On one side, Deion Sanders—Coach Prime himself—is pushing to strengthen his roster with top-tier talent. And he seems to have the edge, thanks to family ties. Domata Peko, Joseph’s father, is part of Colorado’s coaching staff, making Boulder an emotionally powerful option. On the other side, Bill Belichick, a six-time Super Bowl champion, now leads the North Carolina Tar Heels and offers something few can match: elite professional development and a culture directly linked to the NFL.

The fight for Peko

Joseph Peko isn’t just a name with weight. According to EssentiallySports, during his time at Oaks Christian High School, he recorded 40 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, and one forced fumble in his most recent season. Standing 6’3″ and weighing 310 pounds, Peko’s size and versatility make him a perfect fit for multiple defensive schemes. It’s no surprise Deion Sanders and Bill Belichick are both going all-in to land him.

Colorado and North Carolina are battling for DL Joseph Peko, per @adamgorney 👀

His dad, Domata, coaches Colorado’s d-line, and his brother is committed to the Buffalos.

Intel: https://t.co/l4OC3wEe7A pic.twitter.com/lH2VLcTEG8

— Rivals (@Rivals) August 4, 2025

Multiple outlets report that Peko has narrowed his choices to two. Colorado and North Carolina. His official visit to Boulder on June 16 was a turning point. There, he recreated an iconic photo with his brother, reinforcing the family bond with Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes. But Bill Belichick isn’t backing down. In April, he hosted Peko in Chapel Hill, and according to 247Sports, the young recruit felt comfortable with Bill Belichick’s football IQ and developmental plan.

The goal is growth

EssentiallySports also highlighted the financial backdrop of this recruitment. While programs like USC offer NIL packages nearing $195,000, Colorado focuses on a more personal, family-driven culture—something Deion Sanders has cultivated since his arrival.

Still, Peko made it clear: his final decision won’t be about popularity or money. He’s looking for a place where he can grow as a player and feel at home. In that sense, both Deion Sanders and Bill Belichick have strong cards to play. One represents the vibrant present of college football; the other, the winning tradition of the NFL.

Who will win this tug-of-war? Regardless of the outcome, this battle has already raised the stakes in college recruiting.