Colorado knocked it out of the park with their defensive portal haul, filling holes across the entire field with proven playmakers at virtually every position.
The disappointing 3-9 season triggered an exodus to the transfer portal. Among those seeking new opportunities were Tawfiq Byard (Texas A&M), London Merritt (Clemson), and Alexander McPherson (Penn State), just to name a few.
After 36 departures, the Buffs quickly added 43 newcomers, including standouts DeAndre Moore Jr. (Texas) and Boo Carter (Tennessee).
Colorado added two defensive tackles featured among PFF's highest-graded transfers
Highest Graded Transfer Defensive Tackles this Off-Season💪 pic.twitter.com/ZezPCBU5jC
— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 13, 2026
Santana Hopper was a major transfer portal acquisition for the Buffs, ranked as the No. 2 defensive lineman and No. 35 overall player in the portal class.
The ex-Tulane standout posted 29 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 10.5 TFL in 2025, earning the No. 3 grade (80.2) among portal defensive tackles.
Erza Christensen was another major recruiting win for Deion Sanders and his staff as they looked to bolster their front seven. Though the former New Mexico State player faced eligibility issues after signing, he received a waiver recently and joined the team.
Christensen joins teammates Naeten Mitchell and Tyler Martinez as the third New Mexico State transfer to join the Buffs this offseason. He posted 42 tackles, 11 TFL, six sacks, and 28 QB hurries.
He ranked as the portal's top-graded transfer defensive tackle in the portal with an 88.6 grade.
Hopper and Christensen join transfers Sedrick Smith (Maryland), Dylan Manuel (Appalachian State), Samu Taumanupepe (Baylor), and Vili Taufatofua (San Jose State) as interior defensive linemen tasked with stopping the run and getting pressure on the opposing quarterbacks.