Deion Sanders and Bill Belichick face off in recruiting battle for top defensive lineman
Bill Belichick and Deion Sanders are locked in on Joseph Peko, a 6-foot-3, 310-pound defensive tackle from Westlake Village, California, who has emerged as a top-tier prospect in the 2026 recruiting cycle. As of early August, both Colorado and North Carolina are considered the final contenders for Peko's commitment, turning his recruitment into a two-way battle between college football's most headline-grabbing personalities.Peko has made a name for himself with consistent production at the high school level. He tallied 40 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, and a forced fumble last season, building on a 2022 campaign that featured similar dominance. Analysts, including 247Sports' Greg Biggins, believe he has the tools to become a "true nose guard" in college, but with the versatility to line up across the defensive front.He's also gained attention from some of college football's biggest programs. […]