Colorado Buffaloes Expect Versatile Defensive Scheme Under New Coordinator Chris Marve

Marve's experience with multiple fronts could help improve Colorado's defense in 2026.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 10:15pm

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The Colorado Buffaloes are looking to improve their defense in 2026 under new defensive coordinator Chris Marve. Marve has experience running a variety of defensive schemes, including 4-2-5, 3-3-5, and other fronts that emphasize versatility and unpredictability. The Buffaloes have also brought in several new defensive players through the transfer portal to bolster the front seven, which should allow Marve to implement his preferred defensive approach.

Why it matters

Colorado's defense struggled at times in 2025, so the hiring of Marve and the influx of new defensive talent represents an opportunity for the Buffaloes to take a big step forward on that side of the ball. Marve's experience with multiple defensive fronts could make Colorado's defense more difficult to prepare for and gameplan against, potentially leading to improved results in 2026.

The details

New defensive coordinator Chris Marve has a track record of running versatile defensive schemes, including 4-2-5, 3-3-5, and other fronts that can disguise blitzes and coverages. This approach is expected to be a significant change from the previous defensive coordinator, Robert Livingston. To support Marve's vision, Colorado has brought in several new defensive players through the transfer portal, including defensive tackles Dylan Manuel, Santana Hopper, Sedrick Smith, and Tyler Moore, as well as edge rushers Vili Taufatofua, Toby Anene, Immanuel Ezeogu, and Balansama Kamara. The Buffaloes have also added linebackers Liona Lefau and Gideon Lampron, who have shown the ability to make plays at a high level.

  • Marve was previously the inside linebackers coach and defensive coordinator at Virginia Tech.
  • Marve has also served as the linebackers coach at both Florida State and Vanderbilt.
  • Colorado coach Deion Sanders named Marve as the new defensive coordinator in February 2026.

The players

Chris Marve

The new defensive coordinator for the Colorado Buffaloes, with experience running versatile defensive schemes at the Division I level.

Deion Sanders

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, who hired Marve to be the team's new defensive coordinator.

Robert Livingston

The previous defensive coordinator for the Colorado Buffaloes, who departed to take a job in the NFL.

Dylan Manuel

A defensive tackle who transferred to Colorado through the portal to bolster the Buffaloes' front seven.

Liona Lefau

A linebacker who transferred to Colorado through the portal and has shown the ability to make high-level plays.

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What they’re saying

“When we were looking at the construction of the roster, and we were looking at some of these edge guys, and wondering are they going to start doing some three-man front type of stuff? The answer is going to be a resounding yes. I think that a lot of the roster construction lends to the theory that they saw this coming.”

— Jake Schwanitz, DNVR Buffs Podcast

What’s next

The Buffaloes will have an important spring practice period to allow Marve to build chemistry with the defense and implement his preferred schemes.

The takeaway

Colorado's hiring of Chris Marve as defensive coordinator, coupled with the influx of new defensive talent through the transfer portal, represents a significant opportunity for the Buffaloes to improve on that side of the ball in 2026. Marve's experience with multiple defensive fronts could make Colorado's defense more versatile and unpredictable, potentially leading to better results against both the run and pass.