Nelson was committed to Colorado State since June but flipped to Utah State on Signing Day in one of the more surprising moves of the day.

Nelson caught 10 passes for 151 yards with four touchdowns for Millikan in a blowout win over Compton.

The Colorado State commit continues to learn all the ins and outs of the tight end position, but his ability to catch the ball always stands out. He caught a touchdown pass in Friday’s game on a bootleg play that allowed the big tight end to get in space with only one defender to beat. Nelson is a strong route runner who knows how to get open to make plays at all levels. He rarely came off the field for Millikan and has plenty of upside as an edge rusher as well.

Nelson had a huge night on both sides of the ball in Millikan’s 27-14 win over Foothill of Nevada. He had nine catches for 101 yards and had two sacks on defense.

Nelson was a matchup nightmare for a lot of teams at the event. He was too fast for a lot of linebackers to cover in the flats and too big for defensive backs. Nelson excels on out-breaking routes and has good body control near the sideline.

Millikan receiver Jude Nelson Jude Nelson 6'4" | 220 lbs | TE Millikan | 2026 State CA announced his commitment to Colorado State last Friday.

Nelson caught 29 passes for 357 yards with five touchdowns last season for Millikan.

He chose Colorado State over Fresno State, UNLV and Boise State among others who also offered him. Nelson is the third player from California in Colorado State’s 2026 recruiting class.