What Ezra Christensen's Eligibility Update Means for Colorado Buffaloes

The Colorado Buffaloes hung onto the hope that defensive lineman transfer Ezra Christensen would join them soon, but a new setback rises.

Apr 11, 2026; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Colorado Buffaloes practiced without prized defensive tackle transfer Ezra Christensen during fall camp all while the ex-New Mexico State star dealt with an ongoing eligibility battle with the NCAA.

That situation took a new turn on Aug. 24, further placing Christensen's 2026 playing status in jeopardy.

Latest Update on Ezra Christensen Eligibility Case

Aggie defensive lineman Ezra Christensen tackles the Bearkat quarterback for loss during Thursday night game against Sam Houston State at Aggie Memorial. | Jaime Guzman/Special to the Sun-News

Christensen got denied a preliminary injunction, making him ineligible for the fall season per multiple reports.

This now becomes a big loss for the Buffaloes, as Christensen was expected to boost a struggling spot last season. He first arrived to Boulder with 11 tackles for a loss and delivered six sacks, which first earned him a chance to boost Colorado's woeful pass rushing production last season.

Christensen also previously started and starred for Fresno State when the Bulldogs were led by Jeff Tedford in 2023 and 2024. So Colorado handed him a chance to play in a Power Four setting, which would've handed him a sixth college season had the NCAA granted him the extra year.

But now he and his attorney Darren Heitner absorb a huge blow alongside Colorado.

Next Action Ezra Christensen can Help Take

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the game against the North Dakota State Bison at Folsom Field. | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Heitner has already looked into filing an emergency notion for consideration.

"The court should know that another jurisdiction ruled for the player in a very similar case and the NCAA’s recently supplementary filing was clearly made to confuse the court and slow down the process," Heitner posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Christensen's eligibility case also comes during a new surreal time for college football when it comes to eligibility. Now undrafted NFL players receive the option of returning to the collegiate game including entering the transfer portal, thanks to a brand new fifth-year eligibility rule granted for 2022 high school graduates. Judges in both Colorado and in the middle of August, Louisiana, handed players leverage to pivot back to the college realm. Those same league rookies, though, needed to file a TRO (Temporary Restraining Order) against the NCAA to enter into the portal.

Christensen's case is still different in this regard: he never entered the NFL Draft waters after his NMSU career. Plus he played in the junior college realm, which also impacts his eligibility in this case between him versus the NCAA.

But Christensen also played football during a time COVID-19 wiped away senior high school campaigns, forcing him to play JUCO ball. Now once again, his chances of playing with the Buffaloes became more diluted than ever.

Who Colorado Turns to Officially Amid Ezra Christensen Setback

Tulane Green Wave defensive lineman Santana Hopper (29) reacts to sacking North Texas Mean Green quarterback Drew Mestemaker (not pictured) during the first half in the 2025 American Championship at Yulman Stadium. | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Looks like Tulane defensive lineman transfer Santana Hopper officially slides inside for Sanders and new defensive coordinator Chris Marve.

Colorado had explored that possibility already, even amid Christensen's absence. Like Christensen, Hopper presents his own high pass rush win rate that can potentially boost the Buffaloes.

But Colorado has seen former LSU transfer Quency Wiggins take big steps too. Including defensive tackles coach Dante Carter calling him an "X-Factor" this season.

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