Home / Sports / Colorado Defense Gets Major Boost with Hopper
Colorado Defense Gets Major Boost with Hopper
14 May
Summary
- Santana Hopper, a transfer defensive tackle from Tulane, joins Colorado.
- Colorado's defense ranked 135th in rush defense and 129th in sacks.
- Hopper recorded 31 tackles and 10.5 TFLs for Tulane in 2025.
As the Colorado Buffaloes prepare for the 2026 season, a crucial focus is on transforming their defensive unit. This effort includes the significant acquisition of defensive tackle Santana Hopper via transfer from Tulane.
Colorado's defense faltered considerably in the 2025 season, ranking 135th in the nation by allowing 222.5 rush yards per game and finishing 129th with only 13 sacks. These struggles put immense pressure on the secondary.
Hopper's arrival is anticipated to address these deficiencies. In his 2025 campaign with Tulane, he recorded 31 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks, demonstrating his ability to disrupt offenses.
Standing at 6-2 and 265 pounds, Hopper offers versatility, capable of playing defensive tackle, edge rusher, or potentially nose tackle. His explosiveness is expected to aid Colorado in generating negative plays against opposing run games.
Additionally, the Buffaloes have recruited other defensive linemen like Ezra Christensen. If eligible, Christensen could form a formidable duo with Hopper, aiming to make the Buffaloes' defensive tackle room one of the Big 12's most disruptive.
