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Grading Each Colorado Buffaloes Defensive Position Group Through Five Games

The Colorado Buffaloes’ defense has been a bright spot in an otherwise shaky start to the 2026 season, with coach Deion Sanders and defensive coordinator Chris Marve pointing to early promise despite a three-game losing streak. The unit’s resilience nearly salvaged a season-opening win over Georgia Tech, with a critical special teams stop sealing the difference in a close contest.

On the defensive line, the Buffaloes have thrived in disrupting opposing offenses, particularly through a dominant edge-rush duo. Lamont Lester Jr., a transfer from Monmouth, set a new single-game sack record for the program with three against Georgia Tech, while Toby Anene has matched his production.

Santana Hopper, a transfer from Tulane, has been equally impactful, recording 5.5 tackles for loss in a loss to Texas Tech and adapting seamlessly to a new interior role due to depth concerns at defensive tackle. Dylan Manuel and Quency Wiggins have also contributed, with the latter adding length inside the trenches at 6-5 inches.

Meanwhile, the linebackers have been led by Gideon Lampron, a Dayton and Bowling Green transfer who has delivered 38 tackles and lived up to Sanders’ pre-season praise as the unit’s standout. Though the Buffaloes enter their bye week facing skepticism, this defensive core has provided the foundation for their competitive performances so far.

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