After five games in 2026, the Colorado Buffaloes sit at 1-4, though their defense has held firm—particularly a critical special teams play that avoided a season-opening defeat against Georgia Tech. With a three-game losing streak looming, Coach Deion Sanders and his staff now face pressure to implement necessary adjustments during the upcoming bye week.
Defensive coordinator Chris Marve and the defenders have done well, and it’s time to hand out grades for each position group. The defensive line has been a standout unit, earning an A- grade. This unit has watched run offenses wear down the trenches, but has struggled to counter with a pass rush in the past.
However, this season is different, with Monmouth transfer Lamont Lester Jr. exploding onto the scene with his three-sack night versus the Yellow Jackets. North Dakota State transfer Toby Anene has also become effective, and Santana Hopper has slid inside and is wrecking havoc. Texas Tech struggled to contain Hopper, despite the 29-7 Buffaloes loss.
Defensive Position Groups
Colorado is still lacking key depth at defensive tackle, hence why Hopper moved down the line amid a crowded edge rush room. But interior defensive lineman Dylan Manuel has quietly stepped up, while another edge rusher has helped provide length inside in 6-5 Quency Wiggins.
The linebackers have earned a B+ grade, with Sanders raving about the group before the season. Gideon Lampron, a Dayton and Bowling Green transfer, has proven to be as good as advertised, with 38 tackles to lead the ‘backers. Ex-Texas linebacker Liona Lefau has also surpassed the 30-tackle mark through five games.
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However, the linebacker room sustained a huge blow in losing Tyler Martinez for the season with an injury. This will mean walk-on Gage Goldberg or Carson Crawford must step up big. The cornerbacks have earned a B- grade, with Boo Carter and Cree Thomas helping to improve the unit. Carter has shown his versatility, especially as an active blitzer.
Cornerbacks and Safeties
Thomas has shown solid man coverage ability, despite having an early penchant for holds. But the depth outside of Carter and Thomas must become addressed, with Marve needing a third cornerback to step up following the removal of Jah Jah Boyd. The safeties have earned a B grade, with New Mexico State transfer Naeten Mitchell emerging as a sure tackler.
Randon Fontenette has stepped up big as Colorado’s leading tackler, with Marve clearly feeling immensely comfortable with Fontenette playing closer to the line of scrimmage and moonlighting as a closet linebacker. His downhill physicality has handed the Buffaloes a new tone setter on defense. Colorado needs a stronger third safety option moving ahead, though.
Special Teams
Special teams have been a weakness, earning a D- grade. The epic Carter field goal block to start the season has been a highlight, but there’s not much else to note. Colorado not having a true special teams coach has left an impact, with placekicker Elliot Arnold delivering mixed results. Even kickoff returners are not averaging 20 yards per return, and punt returns haven’t fielded much results.
The Buffaloes’ defense will be tested in the coming games, and it will be important for them to continue to perform well if they want to turn their season around. With the bye week ahead, the team will have a chance to regroup and make adjustments before their next game. Colorado Buffaloes football fans will be watching closely to see how the team responds to their current challenges.
