New faces and new energy for Colorado's LB group, Spring position previews

When we look at the Colorado Buffaloes linebacker corps heading into 2025, it’s clear that this unit is poised for change—and, if all goes as planned, improvement.

With some key departures and a lot of new faces, the Buffs are hoping to forge a defense that can hang with the best in the Big 12. Let’s dive into the linebackers who could be ready to take the mantle this season.

First off, let’s talk about the new arrivals. Martavius French is the big name here. After a dominant stint at UTSA, French is ready to step in and lead the charge for Colorado. He’s a downhill linebacker with a motor that doesn’t quit, and with 17 tackles for loss in 2024 alone, you better believe he’s going to be a game-changer.

When you look at his journey from Tennessee to JUCO to UTSA, it’s clear this guy has a chip on his shoulder and is ready to make the most of his final year of eligibility. If he can come close to replicating the impact that Nikhai Hill-Green had last year, Colorado’s defense will be in good hands.

Alongside French, is Reginald Hughes who is another transfer with the potential to make a significant impact. Hughes transferred from Jacksonville State, and is an athletic linebacker who’s also familiar with making plays in the backfield. With 10 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2024, he’s got the tools to be an every-down player for Colorado.

What’s exciting about Hughes is that he brings speed to the linebacker group. He’s that versatile guy who can cover the field sideline to sideline, while also wreaking havoc in the trenches. If those two can hit the ground running, the linebackers could be the backbone of this defense.

But don’t sleep on the returners either. Jeremiah Brown, who flirted with the transfer portal after last season, is back in Boulder, and this could be his breakout year. He’s been on the cusp of stardom for a while now, and with another offseason under his belt, he could be ready to seize that starting role.

Brown’s been around the block, transferring from Jackson State, and the coaching staff has consistently shown a lot of trust in him.

Jaylen Wester, another returner, also deserves a mention here. After some solid flashes last season, Wester has a chance to earn more playing time in 2025. Let’s not forget that huge hit he put on KJ Jefferson last year—forcing a fumble that Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig took all the way to the house for a 95-yard touchdown.

And let’s not forget the freshman, Mantrez Walker, a highly touted linebacker from Georgia. With a high football IQ and a skill set that impresses the coaching staff, don’t be surprised if Walker starts pushing for playing time sooner rather than later.

The linebacker group also features other solid contributors like Kyeran Garcia, Gage Goldberg, and Trenton Hood, who could all play vital roles in this defense, especially if injuries hit or a rotation is needed.

At the end of the day, the linebacker unit for Colorado is full of promise. With a mix of proven veterans like French and Hughes, along with a solid group of returners and up-and-comers like Walker, the Buffs are set up to have a much-improved defense in 2025.