​The Colorado Buffaloes revamped their entire defense over the offseason, and one of the biggest pickups along the defensive line was Tulane transfer Santana Hopper.Hopper was a force for the Green Wave, propelling them to a College Football Playoff berth. His production last season was enough to give him a spot on Pro Football Network’s Preseason All-America First Team.Hopper was the only Buff to earn any PFN preseason recognition, with him joining Oklahoma’s David Stone as the first team’s defensive tackle pairing.With the Green Wave last year, Hopper started in 13 games, finishing the year with 31 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. He was one of the best Group of Six defensive tackles and should be Colorado’s top defensive tackle in the event Ezra Christensen does not receive another year of eligibility.QBs beware 🤫Santana Hopper has been named to PFN’s Preseason All-America Team@SantanaHop29 x #GoBuffspic.twitter.com/yqs6rhNeh3— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) August 11, 2026Hopper has one year to play and projects as a critical cog along the CU defensive line, which needs a resurgent season after struggling to stop the run a year ago.Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads and Instagram.Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado DT Santana Hopper earns preseason All-America honor