Colorado’s defense is set for a major overhaul ahead of the 2026 season, with the program targeting a turnaround that could place it among the nation’s most formidable lines.
At the heart of the revamped front is Santana Hopper, a defensive tackle who arrives from Tulane after a breakout year that produced 31 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
Hopper’s blend of size and explosiveness is expected to clog running lanes and pressure quarterbacks, giving the Buffaloes a versatile weapon against both the run and the pass.
The team also brought in Ezra Christensen, along with Dylan Manuel, Tyler Moore and Sedrick Smith, to deepen the tackle room, and Christensen’s own disruptive interior presence adds another layer of menace.
A disruptive duo takes shape
New defensive coordinator Chris Marve, whose philosophy of physicality, violence and versatility has already shaped the way the staff envisions Hopper and Christensen as a complementary duo, believes the pair could become one of the most disruptive tackle combinations in the Big 12 and nationally.
Head coach Deion Sanders, who has built his reputation on aggressive, hard‑hitting football, believes the new interior front will be a cornerstone of Colorado’s quest to compete for a conference title.
If the chemistry translates, the Hopper‑Christensen pairing could rank among the most disruptive tackle duos in the Big 12 and perhaps the entire country.