Colorado Adds Disruptive Defensive Tackle Transfers

Deion Sanders rebuilds Buffaloes defensive line with top-ranked PFSN metrics

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Colorado Buffaloes have added two key defensive tackle transfers in Ezra Christensen from New Mexico State and Santana Hopper from Tulane. Both players rank among the most disruptive defensive tackles in the country according to advanced analytics, providing a major boost to a defensive line that struggled last season.

Why it matters

Colorado's defense had issues generating pressure and stopping the run in 2025, so strengthening the defensive line was a top priority for new head coach Deion Sanders. Christensen and Hopper's proven ability to disrupt offenses could transform the Buffaloes' defensive front into one of the team's biggest strengths.

The details

Christensen (87.5) and Hopper (85.7) both ranked in the top five nationally in PFSN's defensive tackle impact metric, which combines stats and grades to evaluate overall performance. Their strong analytics suggest the Buffaloes have landed two undervalued transfers who could make a major impact.

  • Colorado lost more than half their roster to the transfer portal this offseason.

The players

Ezra Christensen

A transfer from New Mexico State who secured eligibility for a sixth season, bringing much-needed experience to Colorado's defensive line.

Santana Hopper

A transfer from Tulane who also ranks among the most disruptive defensive tackles in the country according to advanced analytics.

Deion Sanders

The new head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, who has been working to rebuild the team's defensive line this offseason.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

By adding two highly-rated defensive tackle transfers in Ezra Christensen and Santana Hopper, Deion Sanders has taken a major step towards rebuilding Colorado's defensive line and transforming it into one of the team's biggest strengths heading into the 2026 season.