Colorado Fans Will Love Transfer Santana Hopper's Mentality With Buffaloes

Even with one of its unlikeliest participants, the College Football Playoff didn't satisfy defensive lineman Santana Hopper.

As one of the Colorado Buffaloes' marquee defensive transfers, he's aiming to build on back-to-back all-conference selections and, most recently, a chance on the sport's grandest stage. If coach Deion Sanders' Buffs want one, too, Hopper must be where it starts.

Santana Hopper Joining Colorado With Purpose

Aug 30, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Preston Stone (8) has to scramble out the pocket but is sacked by Tulane Green Wave defensive lineman Santana Hopper (29) during the second half at Yulman Stadium. | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Hopper earned All-AAC honors after ranking third on the Tulane Green Wave with 4.5 sacks and adding 10.5 tackles for loss. Coached by Jon Sumrall, Tulane won its conference championship and earned a CFP bid to face Ole Miss.

The Rebels won in a blowout, going on to reach the semifinals. Hopper could have held his head high and run it back, but he wanted to bring his playoff experience to the Power Four.

"Just getting there wasn't enough," Hopper told reporters Friday. "I've seen things, different styles of football and things like that, so with my other teammates I can explain, tell them how it was ... That was a good experience for me, so I can help pour into other people."

The native of Shelby, North Carolina, started his college career close to home at Appalachian State, where he was an All-Sun Belt selection after five sacks in 2024. He dominated the interior and has climbed the prestige ladder.

Dec 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Tulane Green Wave defensive lineman Santana Hopper (29) sacks North Texas Mean Green quarterback Drew Mestemaker (17) during the first half in the 2025 American Championship at Yulman Stadium. | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

In selecting the final place to drop his knowledge, Colorado stood out for its pro-style feel. How "Coach Prime" ran his program kept Hopper hungry and devoted to his dream of the NFL.

"This is what I've been dreaming for right here," Hopper said of his decision to join the Buffaloes. "That's one thing I haven't gotten to do, play bigger schools. Because I know that's what the scouts want to see from me, and this is where I'm going to be able to prove it."

New defensive line coach Dante Carter isn't much older than Hopper, but he's seen the senior's ability to grow up fast. It's not about what Hopper plays for, it's about who.

"Santana's a grown man," Carter said. "He has a purpose in this, and he plays like it. Every time he gets out there in between those lines, you can tell he's doing this for a reason. He has a six-year-old son right now, so that's his purpose, that's his drive.

Dec 16, 2023; Orlando, FL, USA; Appalachian State Mountaineers head coach Chuck Martin reacts after defensive end Santana Hopper (29) is ejected against the Miami (OH) Redhawks in the third quarter during the Avocados from Mexico Cure Bowl at FBC Mortgage Stadium. | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

"So every day, my ways of motivating him to get more out of him [are to say] 'Man, look at your son. Think about your son every time you put your hand in that dude. He's been doing a hell of a job for us. He's going to be one of the guys."

Having a child so young can derail a career before it starts, but Hopper was never deterred from football. He's ready to finish his college life in a new environment, but the reason why never changes.

"From 11th grade, I knew I had to go get it," Hopper said. "When it's not all about you anymore, it's just different, how you handle yourself and how you approach different things. You've always got to think about someone else besides yourself, so that really helps me make great decisions and do what's best for me and him."

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