2. Linebacker
Coach Prime still hasn’t hired a defensive coordinator, but the group should be improved after adding 12 defensive transfers this offseason. Eight of those additions have come on the defensive line, which was in desperate need of an upgrade after rankings 110th in rushing defense and 117th in total yards per play.
Colorado just wasn’t big enough in the trenches last season, but the coaching staff has addressed that through the portal this offseason. What’s lacking is the talent on the second level of the defense.
A year ago, LaVonta Bentley led the team in tackles as a graduate student and it appears that he’s returning for his final year of eligibility in 2024. However, the Buffs need to add depth behind Bentley because Marvin Ham II took the second most snaps at linebacker and finished the year with six missed tackles and 10 receptions allowed on 11 targets in coverage.
Jaylen Webster from FAU will help to add depth at inside linebacker after back-to-back 50-tackle seasons for the Owls as a freshman and a sophomore. However, only going two deep at a physical position like linebacker isn’t feasible in the Big 12.