Colorado’s plan for Ezra Christensen is suddenly hanging in the balance.
The Buffaloes added the defensive tackle out of the 2026 transfer portal with the expectation that he could strengthen the interior of the defensive line, but his eligibility for a fifth college season has already become a real issue. According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Christensen is now suing the NCAA after his waiver request was denied, putting his status for the 2026 season in jeopardy.
Christensen’s attorney, Darren Heitner, addressed the situation in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, and laid out the case his firm is making. Heitner said Christensen was adopted at 16 after growing up in Sierra Leone, and noted that the COVID-19 era cost him his senior season. He also said the pandemic kept Christensen from meeting with a counselor about his eligibility before he chose the junior college route.
Heitner also took direct aim at the NCAA’s handling of the matter.
"The NCAA canceled his waiver without ever engaging with a single one of those facts. The NCAA purportedly reopened Ezra's case after initially erroneously canceling it. But the NCAA is sitting on its hands and Ezra can't wait any longer," Heitner posted.
The timing only adds to the tension in Boulder, with fall camps set to begin in less than a month and Colorado already working through an eventful offseason. The Buffaloes brought in former Sacramento State head coach Brennan Marion after one season to lead the offense, and Marion has already drawn attention for his thoughts on the 2026 Colorado offensive line and his comparison for starting quarterback Julian "JuJu" Lewis.
Christensen had been viewed as a major addition. At New Mexico State, he stood out on a 4-8 team under Tony Sanchez, finishing with 11 tackles for loss and six sacks despite being listed at 6-2. That production helped fuel the belief that he could develop into an NFL-caliber defensive tackle in Colorado.
Now the Buffaloes may have to prepare for a different reality if the NCAA keeps Christensen off the field in 2026. With Chris Marve now handling the defensive play-calling duties, Colorado could be forced to shift another transfer inside.
Tulane edge rusher Santana Hopper is one possible answer, even though the 6-2 Hooper also offers flexibility as a three-technique defensive tackle. Quincy Wiggins gives Marve another option, though the 6-5 senior is light at 255 pounds.
Baylor transfer Samu Taumanupepe brings size at 6-3 and 375 pounds, but he appears more likely to compete for nose tackle work. Ex-Maryland defensive tackle Sedrick Smith is also in the mix as Christensen’s situation remains unresolved.
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