Colorado University Athletics
A New Front: Colorado’s Defensive Line Reloads
February 27, 2026 | Football
Inside the Defensive Line Room
As Colorado prepares for spring practice, CUBuffs.com is taking an inside look at each position group on the roster.
BOULDER —Few position rooms on Colorado's roster will look more different this spring than the defensive line.
With only two familiar faces returning in Quency Wiggins and Kylan Salter, who moves from linebacker to defensive end, the Buffaloes enter spring practice with a front built almost entirely through transfers and new additions. Five defensive ends and nine interior linemen will line up as Buffs for the first time, creating one of the most reshaped units on the roster.
What stands out immediately is the combination of proven production and physical size. From Power Five transfers to junior college standouts and conference award winners, Colorado's defensive line room blends experience, length and interior mass as it rebuilds the front.
Group: Defensive End/Defensive Line
Defensive End
Returners: Kylan Salters, Quency Wiggins
Newcomers: Toby Anene, Immanuel Ezeogu, Balansama Kamara, Domata Peko Jr., Yamii Talib
Defensive Line
Returners: None
Newcomers: Ezra Christensen, Santana Hopper, Lemont Lester Jr., Josiah Manu, Tyler Moore, Dylan Manuel, Sedrick Smith, Vili Taufatofua, Samu Taumanupepe
Position Group Preview
Colorado's defensive front will be defined by competition this spring.
With only two returners at defensive end and an entirely new interior rotation, the Buffaloes are rebuilding the trenches through experience, production and size. The edge room features players who have posted multi sack seasons and forced turnovers at previous stops, while the interior group brings a mix of power, length and proven backfield disruption.
The defensive ends combine athleticism and pass rush ability. Several newcomers arrive with all conference recognition and double digit tackles for loss in their careers. The emphasis on pressure off the edge is clear, and spring practice will determine who sets the tone.
Inside, Colorado adds physical mass and rotational depth. From 300 pound interior anchors to explosive up field penetrators, the defensive line group is built to impact both run defense and the pass rush. The addition of experienced transfers provides maturity, while younger players add developmental upside.
The room may be new, but the objective remains the same. Control the line of scrimmage. Collapse the pocket. Force offenses into uncomfortable situations.
Let's meet the defensive line.
Toby Anene
Year: Senior
Hometown: St. Paul, Minn.
High School: East Ridge
Previous School: NDSU
Anene, a 2025 All-MVC Second team, and AP FCS All-American Honorable Mention, joined the Buffs after a successful three seasons with the Bison. In 2024 he was on the FCS National Championship team. In that season he started the last nine games at defensive end. He led the Missouri Valley Football Conference with four forced fumbles, six quarterback hurries and four pass breakups. In the NCAA Division I FCS Championship game, he recorded a season-high five tackles. In the semifinals versus Mercer he recorded four tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and two pass break ups.
In 2025, Anene was stellar, recording 8.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and a forced fumble in 13 starts. After going undefeated in the regular season, NDSU lost a shocker in the first round of the playoffs, but Anene nevertheless recorded a season-high six tackles, three pass break ups, a quarterback hurry and a sack.
Anene is a 2022 graduate of East Ridge High School, a two-year starter and team captain his final season. He was a two-way player rushing for 800 yards and eight touchdowns with 53 tackles and 3.5 sacks in his career, with 602 rushing yards and five touchdowns coming his senior year. He also participated in track and field. Anene is finance manager and is of Nigerian descent.
Immanuel Ezeogu
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Suffolk, Va.
High School: Nansemond River
Previous School: James Madison
After playing in all 14 games in 2025, he recorded 15 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble and one pass breakup while contributing primarily from a linebacker role. His most productive performance came against Old Dominion, when he posted career-highs with six tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss while forcing a fumble. He also recorded his first career sack against Georgia Southern and added a tackle for loss against Weber State.
Originally redshirting in 2024 after appearing in one game, Ezeogu gained valuable developmental time before stepping into a rotational role the following season.
Now transitioning from linebacker to defensive end, his athletic profile and length project naturally to the edge. The move allows him to focus on attacking downhill and rushing the passer, areas where his high school production suggests upside.
At Nansemond River High School in Virginia, Ezeogu was a multi positional standout. As a senior, he totaled 49 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five sacks and two interceptions while earning First Team All Region honors. As a junior, he posted 78 tackles, 33 tackles for loss and 11 sacks, earning Second Team All State recognition at defensive end. His high school résumé shows consistent backfield production and versatility on both sides of the ball.
With proven tackle for loss ability and experience in space, Ezeogu adds speed and developmental upside to Colorado's defensive end rotation. His transition to the line gives the Buffaloes another athletic edge option as the front continues to take shape this spring.
Balansama Kamara
Year: Senior
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pa.
High School: Central
Previous School: Albany, Temple
Kamara brings proven production and versatility to Colorado's defensive front after stops at Albany and Temple.
In his most productive collegiate season, Kamara recorded 67 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks while adding three forced fumbles and seven quarterback hurries. His ability to disrupt the backfield consistently made him one of the most active defenders on the line. Across his two season at Albany, he totaled 89 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.
During the 2024 season at Albany, Kamara played in 11 games and recorded 22 tackles, including 11 solo stops. He forced a fumble against Bryant and continued to demonstrate his ability to pressure the quarterback.
Prior to Albany, Kamara spent two seasons at Temple. He saw his first career action in 2021, making his first collegiate tackle against Wagner and earning Defensive Scout Team Player of the Week honors. In 2022, he transitioned from defensive end to outside linebacker during the spring and made his first career start against Cincinnati, recording a partial sack. He lettered that season.
A graduate of Central High School in Philadelphia, Kamara was a three-year letterwinner under head coach Rich Drayton. As a junior, he recorded nine sacks, three forced fumbles and 60 tackles. He was named to the Pennsylvania All State Big 33 team as a senior.
Damoto Pako Jr.
Year: Junior
Hometown: Calabasas, Calif.
High School: Calabasas
Previous School: Ventura College
Peko Jr. arrives in Boulder as one of the most highly rated junior college edge defenders in the country, bringing pedigree, versatility and national recruiting recognition to Colorado's defensive front.
Coming out of Ventura College, he was ranked among the top junior college prospects in the nation. The 247 Composite listed him as the No. 5 overall junior college player nationally and the No. 1 edge defender in the class. Rivals Industry Ranking also rated him No. 5 nationally and the top edge defender. ESPN ranked him the No. 5 junior college prospect and the best edge defender in the country, while 247 Sports listed him as the No. 10 overall player and No. 2 edge defender nationally.
At Ventura College, Peko Jr. played one season and recorded 16 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. He added five pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, showing his ability to impact the game beyond the stat sheet.
Before junior college, Peko Jr. was a consensus three star recruit out of Calabasas High School. A two way standout, he earned All League and All County honors as both a tight end and edge defender. As a senior, he totaled 39 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, nine sacks and nine pass breakups while forcing a fumble and blocking a kick. On offense, he recorded 24 receptions for 388 yards and four touchdowns.
He was invited to play in the 2023 Polynesian Bowl and was named first team All-Marmonte League and first team All-Ventura County. He also competed in soccer during high school.
Yamil Talib
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
High School: Berkner
Previous Schools: Oklahoma State / Charlotte
Talib adds developing production and athletic upside to Colorado's defensive front after stops at Oklahoma State and Charlotte.
In 2025 at Charlotte, Talib appeared in 11 games and recorded 28 total tackles, including 17 solo stops. He finished the season with 4.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and five quarterback hurries. He also registered a pass breakup and showed flashes of backfield disruption late in the season.
His most productive stretch came in conference play, including six tackles against North Carolina and five tackles performances against Army West Point and East Carolina. Against Georgia, he posted a sack and two tackles for loss. He added another tackle for loss at Tulane and consistently generated pressure from the edge.
He appeared in 11 games last fall and finished with 28 total tackles, including 17 solo stops. Talib recorded 4.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and five quarterback hurries while adding a pass breakup. His most productive performance came against North Carolina where he totaled six tackles and a tackle for loss. He also posted five tackles against Army West Point and East Carolina, and recorded a sack against Georgia late in the season.
A standout at Berkner High School in Dallas, Talib was the team's leading tackler in his final season with more than 100 tackles. He was named District 7 6A Defensive Player of the Year and earned first team all-city honors.
Football runs in the family. Talib is the nephew of former Kansas All American and NFL cornerback Aqib Talib.
Talib brings length, speed and developmental upside to a defensive line room built on new faces and competition entering the spring.
Defensive Line
Ezra Christensen
Year: Senior
Hometown: San Diego, Calif.
High School: Poway
Previous Schools: San Diego Mesa College / Fresno State / New Mexico State
Christensen arrives in Boulder as a veteran transfer with proven production and experience across multiple levels of college football.
During the 2025 season at New Mexico St, he appeared in 11 games and totaled 42 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks, while forcing one fumble and consistently pressuring the quarterback. He recorded at least one tackle for loss in six contests and delivered multiple disruptive performances, including a two sack effort against Tulsa and another two sack game at Liberty. His 11 tackles for loss accounted for 52 yards, while his six sacks resulted in 40 yards lost.
He also added quarterback hurries and pass breakups, demonstrating his ability to affect the pocket even when not finishing the play.
Prior to that season, Christensen competed at Fresno State. In 2024, he appeared in five games and recorded a sack and tackle for loss against then No. 9 Michigan before redshirting. In 2023, he played in 12 games, totaling 10 tackles and earning Academic All Mountain West recognition.
Before Fresno State, Christensen was one of the top junior college defensive linemen in California at San Diego Mesa College. He earned first team All Conference and Region III All California honors in 2022 after posting 7.0 sacks against top competition in the JUCO ranks.
At Poway High School, he was named Palomar League Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year after leading the league with 15 sacks as a senior.
Originally from Sierra Leone, Christensen moved to the United States during high school and has only played four full seasons of football after growing up playing soccer. His athletic background shows in his explosiveness and lateral movement along the line. At Poway High School, Christensen was named Palomar League Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. He led the league with 15 sacks as a senior, establishing himself as one of the most disruptive pass rushers in the area.
Originally from Sierra Leone, Christensen moved to the United States during his sophomore year of high school. He grew up playing soccer and has only played four full seasons of football.
Santana Hopper
Year: Senior
Hometown: Shelby, N.C.
High School: Shelby
Previous Schools: Appalachian St.
Hopper arrives in Boulder as one of the most decorated and productive additions to Colorado's rebuilt defensive front.
Entering the 2025 season at Appalachian St, he was recognized nationally, earning Second Team Preseason All AAC honors from Athlon Sports, First Team Preseason honors from Phil Steele, and Second Team HERO Sports Preseason Group of Five All American recognition. He backed up that attention with another disruptive campaign.
In 2025, Hopper appeared in 14 games and totaled 31 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, adding a fumble recovery and four quarterback hurries. His tackles for loss accounted for 44 yards, and his sacks resulted in 33 yards lost. He delivered several impact performances, including a six tackle, four tackle for loss outing against Tulsa and a two-sack performance against North Texas. He added six tackles against Army West Point and consistently created backfield disruption throughout conference play.
According to Pro Football Focus, Hopper graded as one of the top defensive linemen in the country with an 80.2 overall defensive grade. He recorded 12 quarterback hits, which ranked first nationally, and totaled 39 quarterback pressures, third nationally, while posting an 81.4 pass rush grade. His ability to affect the quarterback extended beyond sack numbers, as he consistently collapsed the pocket and forced hurried decisions.
His production in 2025 followed an All Sun Belt First Team campaign in 2024 when he recorded 36 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks, along with two forced fumbles. In 2023, he earned Freshman All American recognition after totaling 34 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks while appearing in all 14 games.
Across his collegiate career, Hopper has quietly accumulated more than 100 tackles, 25 tackles for loss and 13 sacks, establishing himself as a proven and consistent interior disruptor.
At Shelby High School in North Carolina, Hopper helped lead the program to two state championships and a 35-5 record over his final three seasons. As a senior, he recorded 84 tackles, 14.5 sacks and 38 tackles for loss while helping guide a 15-1 state championship team. He was rated as a three-star prospect and ranked among the top players in North Carolina.
Hopper brings multi-year production, national pass rush metrics and postseason recognition
Lemont Lester Jr.
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Jersey City, N.J.
High School: Don Bosco Prep
Previous School: Monmouth
Lester enters spring as one of the most statistically productive young pass rushers in the defensive line room after a breakout 2025 campaign.
He appeared in all 12 games last season for Monmouth and totaled 37 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks, accounting for 84 yards lost. He added two forced fumbles, one pass deflection and 10 quarterback hits, consistently impacting opposing quarterbacks from the edge
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Lester opened the year at Colgate with five tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. He followed that with sacks in consecutive games at Fordham and Charlotte. His most dominant stretch came in October, highlighted by a 1.5 sack, 25-yard loss performance against Delaware State and another 1.5 sack outing against Stony Brook where he also forced a fumble. He finished the season strong with six tackles and a sack against UAlbany.
Across the season, Lester recorded at least one sack in eight games and posted multiple tackles for loss in six contests. His 9.5 sacks demonstrate both consistency and finishing ability, while his 11.5 tackles for loss underscore his ability to penetrate the backfield.
As a true freshman in 2024, he appeared in one game and made his collegiate debut against nationally ranked Villanova.
Before college, Lester was a decorated defender at Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey. He earned First Team All-State and All County honors as a senior after previously being named First Team All-County as a junior and Second Team All-County as a sophomore. Over his prep career, he recorded 21 sacks and more than 200 total tackles while contributing to 25 team wins. He also saw time at running back, scoring three touchdowns, and competed in wrestling and track and field.
With proven sack production at the collegiate level and a strong multi sport athletic background, Lester adds youth, edge burst and pass rush upside to a defensive line room built on competition entering spring practice.
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Loveland, Colo.
High School: Thompson Valley
Manu enters spring as one of the younger pieces in the defensive line room after making the move from offensive tackle to the defensive front.
A consensus three-star prospect coming out of Thompson Valley High School, Manu was rated among the top-20 players in the state of Colorado. Recruiting services ranked him as one of the top offensive tackles in the class, with an 86 rating from both Rivals and 247 Sports. The 247 Composite listed him among the top 1,300 players nationally and the No. 18 prospect in Colorado.
Now transitioning to defensive line, Manu brings size at 6-5 and 295 pounds along with a physical foundation built from four years in the trenches on offense.
At Thompson Valley, he was a force on both sides of the ball. While starting his entire career along the offensive line, he also totaled 137 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, three sacks and three fumble recoveries defensively. His best season came as a junior when he helped lead the Eagles to a 14-0 record and a state championship. That year he recorded 55 tackles and nine tackles for loss while anchoring the offensive line, earning first team All-Conference, first team All-State and multiple postseason honors including Conference Offensive Player of the Year and League Lineman of the Year.
He finished his prep career with a 37-12 overall record and brings championship experience to Boulder.
Manu also comes from a strong athletic lineage. His cousin Jacob Manu currently plays linebacker for Washington, and his cousin Giovanni Manu is an offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions. Football runs in the family, along with athletic versatility.
Tyler Moore
Year: Junior
Hometown: Locust Grove, Ga.
High School: Luella
Previous School: Tennessee St. / Coastal Carolina
Moore enters the defensive line room as a powerful interior presence with multi-year collegiate experience.
During the 2025 season at Coastal Carolina, he appeared in six games and recorded nine tackles, including one tackle for loss. He posted multi tackle performances against Georgia Southern and James Madison and recorded a tackle for loss against South Carolina. His snaps came primarily in rotational duty along the interior, where he provided size and depth at nose tackle.
Prior to that, Moore played the 2024 season at Tennessee State, appearing in 13 games as a freshman. He totaled 15 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks, while adding a forced fumble, five quarterback hurries and a pass defended. His forced fumble came in the season opener at Mississippi Valley State, where he also recorded a sack and two tackles for loss. He posted three tackle performances against Arkansas Pine Bluff and Howard and showed interior pass rush ability with sacks against Mississippi Valley State, Howard and UT Martin.
Across his first two collegiate seasons, Moore has totaled 24 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks while gaining experience against both FCS and Group of Five competition.
At Luella High School in Georgia, Moore was a highly productive defensive lineman. He earned GACA All State honors as a senior and finished his prep career with 191 tackles and 81.5 tackles for loss across 35 games. As a senior alone, he recorded 73 tackles and 43 tackles for loss, demonstrating consistent backfield penetration. He was rated a three-star prospect by 247 Sports and ranked among the top defensive linemen in Georgia, receiving FBS offers from Eastern Michigan, Oklahoma and Pittsburgh.
Dylan Manuel
Year: Junior
Hometown: Stockbridge, Ga.
High School: Stockbridge
Previous School: Appalachian St. / Charleston Southern
Manuel enters spring as a physical interior presence with multi-level experience and a productive 2025 campaign.
Last season, he appeared in 12 games for Appalachian St. and totaled 37 tackles, seven tackles for loss and three sacks, adding five quarterback hurries and six pass breakups. His production was steady throughout conference play, highlighted by a seven-tackle performance against Georgia Southern and six tackle outings against Boise State and Marshall.
He recorded sacks against Lindenwood, Georgia Southern and Marshall, while posting multiple tackles for loss in four different games. His ability to affect both the run and passing game showed up in the stat sheet with consistent backfield penetration and quarterback disruption.
Before the 2025 season, Manuel was a member of Charleston Southern's program in 2024, where he earned Second Team Freshman All American honors from Phil Steele. He appeared in all 12 games as a true freshman and finished with 15 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks, along with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He helped anchor a defense that ranked among the top 20 nationally in tackles for loss and recorded three tackles for loss in the conference finale at Eastern Illinois. He also registered three-tackles against Florida State, showing early flashes against Power Five competition.
At Stockbridge High School in Georgia, Manuel led his team to a state championship appearance during his senior season. He recorded 86 tackles, 28 tackles for loss and 11 sacks as a senior, earning First Team All-Region honors. During his junior year, he totaled 69 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. In one playoff game alone, he posted 12 tackles, five tackles for loss and three sacks.
Sedrick Smith
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
High School: South Atlanta
Previous School: South Carolina St. / Alabama A&M / Maryland
Smith arrives in Boulder with experience across multiple programs and exposure to Power Five competition.
After beginning his collegiate career at South Carolina State, Smith transferred to Alabama A&M before continuing his development at Maryland. In 2024, he appeared in 11 games and recorded 20 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks, showing steady interior growth throughout the season.
During the 2025 season at Maryland, Smith played in 12 games and totaled seven tackles, including two tackle performances against UCLA and Rutgers. He gained valuable experience competing in the Big Ten, facing offenses such as Wisconsin, Washington, Michigan and Michigan State. His reps against high level competition provided continued development.
Coming out of high school, Smith was rated a three-star prospect and held Power Five offers from Georgia, Georgia Tech and Purdue, reflecting the early evaluation of his size and upside.
Smith brings length and interior strength to Colorado's defensive front. His frame allows for continued physical development, and his experience across multiple systems adds maturity to a defensive line room built heavily through transfers and new additions.
With exposure to MEAC, SWAC and Big Ten competition in his background, Smith adds depth and versatility to a reloaded defensive line unit entering spring practice.
Vili Taufatofua
Year: Senior
Hometown: Auckland, New Zealand
Previous School: New Mexico Military Institute / Utah
Taufatofua brings proven production, pass rush efficiency and international background to Colorado's defensive front.
In 2025 at San Jose State, he started all 11 games and earned All-Mountain West Honorable Mention honors while also being named CSC Academic All-District. He finished the season with 34 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass breakup, establishing himself as one of the more disruptive defensive linemen in the conference.
His impact showed up early and often. Against Texas, he recorded five tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, a forced fumble, a pass breakup and two quarterback hurries. He followed that with five tackles and a sack against Idaho. At Wyoming, he totaled two tackles for loss, a sack and forced fumble. He posted a career-high seven tackles at Utah State and closed the year with five tackles against Air Force.
Before his breakout Mountain West season, Taufatofua developed at multiple levels. He began his collegiate career at New Mexico Military Institute in 2022, where he was one of the most productive defensive linemen in junior college football. He recorded 81 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks, tying for the NJCAA Division I national lead in sacks and ranking third nationally in tackles for loss. He also forced three fumbles and blocked a kick while helping NMMI to a 9-3 season and a bowl victory.
He then transferred to Utah, where he redshirted in 2023 and appeared in one game in 2024 before earning his opportunity at San Jose State in 2025.
Originally from Auckland, New Zealand, Taufatofua attended Mount Roskill Grammar School before coming to the United States to pursue football. His journey from international prospect to junior college standout to Mountain West impact starter adds maturity and perspective to a defensive line room built heavily through transfers.
Samu Taumanupepe
Year: Junior
Hometown: Humble, Texas
High School: Atascocita
Previous School: Texas A&M
Taumanupepe brings rare size and interior mass to Colorado's defensive front, giving the Buffaloes a true short yardage presence in the middle.
In 2025 at Baylor, he appeared in six games primarily as a situational interior defensive lineman. He logged 27 total defensive snaps, including 19 against the run, and recorded two tackles, with single stops against Arizona State and Arizona. His role centered on short yardage and interior run defense packages, where his size allows him to occupy space and demand double teams.
Before transferring to Baylor, Taumanupepe spent two seasons at Texas A&M. He redshirted in 2023 while appearing in a win over New Mexico, then played in two games in 2024, totaling six tackles, including four against McNeese and two versus New Mexico State.
Coming out of Atascocita High School in Texas, he was a consensus three-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN. As a senior, he helped lead his team to an 11-3 record and a Class 6A quarterfinal appearance. He totaled 60 tackles with six tackles for loss, one interception and one pass breakup, earning all-district recognition as a junior.
At 376 pounds, Taumanupepe provides a different body type within Colorado's defensive line room. His presence gives the Buffs a true interior anchor capable of controlling the line of scrimmage in run heavy situations.
Colorado's defensive line will not rely on familiarity this spring. It will rely on competition.
With only two returning contributors and a wave of newcomers across both the edge and interior, the front has been rebuilt through experience, production and size. Conference honorees, junior college standouts, Power Five transfers and developmental pieces now share the same meeting room.
The resumes are established. The roles are not.
Spring practice will determine rotations, depth and identity. But the blueprint is clear. Pressure off the edge. Strength in the middle. Relentless effort up front.
The Buffaloes have reshaped the trenches.
Up Next: An inside look at the offensive line.
The offensive line will feature five returners who each spent time in the starting rotation, providing a foundation of experience entering the season.
Alongside them are eleven newcomers, giving the Buffaloes a dramatically reshaped front heading into spring practice. The blend of returning game reps and fresh additions sets the stage for one of the most competitive rooms on the roster.
The faces may be new. The responsibility remains the same.
Protect the quarterback. Control the line of scrimmage. Set the tone up front.
