The Colorado Buffaloes football program has made strategic moves to fortify its defensive line, bringing in more than 40 transfer athletes during the current offseason. This aggressive recruitment drive underscores a clear intent to elevate the team's defensive capabilities, an area that saw considerable attention.
Among the influx of new talent, two individuals, Ezra Christensen and Santana Hopper, are poised to make an immediate impact. Christensen, formerly with New Mexico State, was recognized as the leading defensive tackle in 2025 by Pro Football Focus (PFF), earning an impressive grade of 88.6. Similarly, Hopper, who transferred from Tulane, secured the third spot on PFF's top-eight list with a robust grade of 80.2, highlighting his exceptional performance in the previous season.
Hopper's 2025 season was marked by significant contributions, accumulating 29 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 10.5 tackles for loss. His prowess in pressuring quarterbacks was particularly notable, recording 39 pressures, which placed him second among all defensive tackles. This statistic alone validates his high ranking and the anticipation surrounding his arrival at Colorado.
Christensen's journey to the Buffaloes was almost derailed by an eligibility waiver requirement, but his successful clearance means a formidable presence has been added to Colorado's defensive front. Like Hopper, Christensen has a proven track record of disrupting opposing offenses, leading the FCS in quarterback hurries with 28. Their combined skill sets are expected to revolutionize the team's defensive strategy.
These acquisitions are critical for defensive coordinator Robert Livingston, who now has two highly capable defensive tackles in Christensen and Hopper. Both players excel at both rushing the passer and defending against the run, addressing significant deficiencies that plagued the CU defense in 2025. Their ability to perform at an elite level across all downs will undoubtedly be a game-changer for the team.
The strategic recruitment of top-tier defensive talent, particularly in the defensive line, positions the Colorado Buffaloes for a more competitive future. The integration of players like Christensen and Hopper, who have demonstrated exceptional performance and high PFF ratings, signals a new era for the team's defense, promising enhanced pressure on opposing offenses and a stronger run defense.