Colorado football defensive MVP predictions for 2026 season

Colorado's defense struggled mightily last season after leading the Big 12 in sacks in 2024, prompting a major defensive overhaul this offseason.

Deion Sanders and company brought in 40-plus transfers, many of them on the defensive side of the ball, including possible every starter who takes the field Thursday evening against Georgia Tech.

New defensive coordinator Chris Marve has several experienced players to play with, including a deep linebacker core that Sanders called the best unit on the roster. Under Marve's leadership, there are high expectations for an improved year from the Buffs' defense even if the defensive line remains a bit of a question mark.

With so many new faces in larger roles, the MVP options could be endless. Our staff has identified a few players who could be Colorado's defensive MVP by season's end.

S Randon Fontenette

James Carnes: I view him as the hammer of this defense because he can fit the run downhill and also drop back in coverage. Colorado running back Jaquail Smith called him the "biggest defensive back I’ve ever seen." He is in store for a standout season on CU's back end.

LB Gideon Lampron

Ariana Pensy: Also an unoriginal pick, but an honest one, is linebacker Gideon Lampron as Colorado's top defensive player. Lampron is going into his first year with the Buffaloes after transferring from Bowling Green. As a true freshman last year, he had 119 total tackles, including 17.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Reports from fall camp have also indicated he is already stepping up as a leader on the defense. He will be a big difference-maker for the Buffaloes this season, both as a leader and as a player.

DT Santana Hopper

Charlie Strella: Lampron should be the choice considering his talent and production, but defensive line play is too important to choose a second-level player. With Ezra Christensen's eligibility looking unlikely, Hopper is the top interior player on the roster and will be critical to a successful run defense. He is coming off a season where he started 13 games for the College Football Playoff-qualifying Tulane Green Wave. Hopper finished the year with 31 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.

How much production CU receives from Hopper likely determines the Buffaloes' defensive ceiling.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football defensive MVP predictions for 2026 season