Colorado University Athletics
Mitchell Adds Production To Competitive Buffs Secondary
March 19, 2026 | Football
BOULDER — Colorado defensive coordinator Chris Marve has made the expectation clear for his defense this spring. Fast, physical and relentless.
For junior safety Naeten Mitchell, that standard is exactly what he was looking for.
"It has been great, just learning a new scheme and learning new teammates," Mitchell said. "Everybody is buying in, and I feel like the culture is really built up with Coach Marve coming in."
That culture starts in the secondary, where safeties coach Von Bell is shaping a room built on accountability and preparation at the next level.
"He is a great mentor, a great leader of men," Mitchell said. "He has done what I want to do. Not only is he coaching me on football, but he is coaching me outside of football and getting me ready for the league."
A transfer from New Mexico State, Mitchell arrives in Boulder as one of the most productive defensive additions on the roster after a breakout 2025 season.
The junior safety led his team with 93 total tackles while adding six pass breakups, three interceptions and four forced fumbles. He appeared in 12 games, recording double-digit tackles in four contests, including a career high 12 tackles against New Mexico.
His ability to create game changing plays showed throughout the season. Mitchell recorded two interceptions against Missouri State and returned one 71 yards for a touchdown, highlighting his instincts and ability to turn defense into offense.
"I feel like I am a playmaker," Mitchell said. "Getting to the ball and being able to make plays is my game."
Before his breakout campaign, Mitchell appeared in nine games during the 2024 season and recorded nine tackles after redshirting as a freshman in 2023.
Now, he is stepping into a Colorado defense built on competition and depth, particularly in the secondary where multiple new additions are competing for roles.
"It is a lot of competition, a lot of guys that are really good at football," Mitchell said. "Being able to learn from everybody and compete every day has been great."
Mitchell said the opportunity to develop under a staff with extensive NFL experience played a major role in his decision to transfer.
"When I got in the transfer portal, I wanted a staff that could get me as close to the league as possible," he said. "With this staff, it is second to none. Most of the guys have done what we are trying to do."
On the field, Mitchell projects as a back-end safety capable of covering ground, forcing turnovers and providing physical support in the run game. His production last season, including four forced fumbles, reflects a defender who consistently finds ways to impact the game.
With spring practice underway, Mitchell continues to settle into Coach Marve's system, focused on consistency and continuing to build on the playmaking ability that defined his 2025 season.
"I came here for competition and to play with the best," Mitchell said. "Everybody here wants to work and wants to win."
The Buffs resume spring practice Monday after having spring break.
Fans wanting to get a first glimpse of the 2026 Colorado Buffaloes football team can claim tickets now for the annual AT&T Black & Gold Day.
Football season tickets are on sale now and fans are encouraged to lock in their seats for six exciting games at iconic Folsom Field this fall. Be a part of the pageantry and excitement of one of the most unique college football atmospheres in the country by getting your tickets today!
For junior safety Naeten Mitchell, that standard is exactly what he was looking for.
"It has been great, just learning a new scheme and learning new teammates," Mitchell said. "Everybody is buying in, and I feel like the culture is really built up with Coach Marve coming in."
That culture starts in the secondary, where safeties coach Von Bell is shaping a room built on accountability and preparation at the next level.
"He is a great mentor, a great leader of men," Mitchell said. "He has done what I want to do. Not only is he coaching me on football, but he is coaching me outside of football and getting me ready for the league."
A transfer from New Mexico State, Mitchell arrives in Boulder as one of the most productive defensive additions on the roster after a breakout 2025 season.
The junior safety led his team with 93 total tackles while adding six pass breakups, three interceptions and four forced fumbles. He appeared in 12 games, recording double-digit tackles in four contests, including a career high 12 tackles against New Mexico.
His ability to create game changing plays showed throughout the season. Mitchell recorded two interceptions against Missouri State and returned one 71 yards for a touchdown, highlighting his instincts and ability to turn defense into offense.
"I feel like I am a playmaker," Mitchell said. "Getting to the ball and being able to make plays is my game."
Before his breakout campaign, Mitchell appeared in nine games during the 2024 season and recorded nine tackles after redshirting as a freshman in 2023.
Now, he is stepping into a Colorado defense built on competition and depth, particularly in the secondary where multiple new additions are competing for roles.
"It is a lot of competition, a lot of guys that are really good at football," Mitchell said. "Being able to learn from everybody and compete every day has been great."
Mitchell said the opportunity to develop under a staff with extensive NFL experience played a major role in his decision to transfer.
"When I got in the transfer portal, I wanted a staff that could get me as close to the league as possible," he said. "With this staff, it is second to none. Most of the guys have done what we are trying to do."
On the field, Mitchell projects as a back-end safety capable of covering ground, forcing turnovers and providing physical support in the run game. His production last season, including four forced fumbles, reflects a defender who consistently finds ways to impact the game.
With spring practice underway, Mitchell continues to settle into Coach Marve's system, focused on consistency and continuing to build on the playmaking ability that defined his 2025 season.
"I came here for competition and to play with the best," Mitchell said. "Everybody here wants to work and wants to win."
The Buffs resume spring practice Monday after having spring break.
Fans wanting to get a first glimpse of the 2026 Colorado Buffaloes football team can claim tickets now for the annual AT&T Black & Gold Day.
Football season tickets are on sale now and fans are encouraged to lock in their seats for six exciting games at iconic Folsom Field this fall. Be a part of the pageantry and excitement of one of the most unique college football atmospheres in the country by getting your tickets today!
Players Mentioned
DB
/ FootballColorado Football Press Conference | 2.4.26
Thursday, March 05
Colorado Football Press Conference | 2.2.26
Tuesday, March 03
Bill Collins Made History as Colorado Football's First Black Captain
Thursday, February 12
Colorado Football Postgame Press Conference
Saturday, November 29