After limited playing time at Fresno State where he recorded just 12 tackles and 1.5 sacks over two seasons, this newly signed Colorado defensive lineman gambled on himself by transferring to New Mexico State.
His decision absolutely delivered, exceeding expectations in every meaningful way.
Named to First Team All-Conference USA, Ezra tallied 42 tackles, 11 for loss, six sacks, two pass breakups, and one forced fumble.
Ezra Christensen earned PFSN First Team All-American honors, one of five G5 players selected, and made HERO Sports' third-team Group of Five All-American list.
He topped all FBS defensive lineman with 28 quarterback hurries.
Christensen didn't just perform well—he dominated as the 3rd-highest rated interior defender in college football with an impressive 87.0 PFF grade.
He only trailed Air Force's Payton Zdroik (89.7) and Sacramento State's DeSean Watts (89.3) for the top mark.
Watts recently committed to Washington despite speculation he might follow former head coach Brennan Marion to Colorado, where Marion took the offensive coordinator position this winter.
Colorado's Amari McNeill ranked 16th among interior linemen with an 81.5 defensive grade, placing him in the top 20.
Christensen's peak performance came Week 8 at Liberty, earning a 91.1 PFF defensive grade.
In the three point loss, Ezra delivered a stellar performance, earning an impressive 90.4 pass-rush grade while racking up four tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble.
Christensen committed to Colorado on Jan. 9, joining teammates Tyler Martinez (LB) and Naeten Mitchell (S) who also chose the Buffs.
Buffs nation let’s ride pic.twitter.com/8x8P1dtQHE
— Ezra Christensen (@EzraChristense5) January 10, 2026
He joins Sedrick Smith, Vili Taufatofua, Santana Hopper, Toby Anene, Dylan Manuel, Balansama Kamara, Yamil Talib, and Lamont Lester in Colorado's defensive line overhaul.
These players will look to strengthen a defense that ranked 129th in the FBS last season, allowing 210.9 rushing yards per game.