Spring football often reveals where a team’s identity will be built, and for the Colorado Buffaloes the linebacker room may become one of the most important position groups shaping the defense in 2026.

Colorado enters the spring with a linebacker unit that blends experienced transfers, returning contributors and promising freshmen, creating a room filled with competition and opportunity.

Under head coach Deion Sanders, the Buffaloes continue building a defense that prioritizes speed, versatility and physicality at the second level.

Veteran Transfers Provide Immediate Stability

The backbone of the linebacker group is a trio of experienced transfers who bring proven production at the collegiate level.

Senior linebacker Gideon Lampron arrives in Boulder with one of the most productive defensive resumes in the room. Before transferring, Gideon Lampron started all 12 games at Bowling Green and served as a team captain while recording 119 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

Gideon Lampron earned First Team All-MAC honors and Phil Steele All-America honorable mention recognition, finishing among national leaders in tackles for loss.

Gideon Lampron’s path to Colorado also came with a memorable story. While entering the transfer portal, Gideon Lampron unexpectedly found himself on the same flight as Deion Sanders. After introducing himself to the coach and explaining Gideon Lampron’s desire to play in Boulder, Deion Sanders followed up later after reviewing Gideon Lampron’s film.

That chance meeting ultimately helped bring Gideon Lampron to Colorado.

Another experienced addition is Liona Lefau, who transferred from Texas with extensive Power Four experience. Liona Lefau appeared in 42 career games with 21 starts and has the versatility to contribute in both run defense and coverage.

Senior linebacker Tyler Martinez also adds significant experience after transferring from New Mexico State, where Tyler Martinez recorded 96 tackles during the 2024 season and earned Second Team All-Conference USA honors.

Young Talent Adds Speed and Long-Term Potential

Behind the veteran core, Colorado’s linebacker room includes several freshmen with impressive high school production.

Rodney Colton Jr. arrives from Georgia after four varsity seasons at Newnan High School where Rodney Colton Jr. established Rodney Colton Jr. as one of the state’s top linebackers.

Texas linebacker Carson Crawford also enters the program with an impressive resume after helping lead Carthage High School to a remarkable 57–2 record during Carson Crawford’s career while earning three All-State selections.

Carson Crawford recorded 97 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and six sacks as a senior while also contributing as a receiver.

Another freshman, Colby Johnson, brings elite speed to the position. The Washington native ran a 10.87 in the 100 meters and 22.81 in the 200 meters, giving Colby Johnson exceptional sideline-to-sideline range.

Returning Contributors Add Depth

Colorado’s linebacker group also includes returning players who contributed heavily on special teams last season.

Sophomore Gage Goldberg appeared in nine games and logged 81 special teams snaps across kickoff, kickoff return and punt return units.

Gage Goldberg also brings an interesting connection to the program as the son of WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg.

Senior Bo Simmons-Lapenna also returns as a depth piece after appearing in nine games and contributing nearly 80 special teams snaps last season.

Competition Will Define the Room

With experienced transfers, promising freshmen and returning contributors all competing for roles, the linebacker depth chart will likely remain fluid throughout spring camp.

Linebackers often serve as the quarterbacks of the defense, responsible for aligning teammates and diagnosing offensive formations before the snap.

Building communication and chemistry within the unit will be one of the biggest priorities during spring practice.

The Centerpiece of Colorado’s Defensive Identity

For Colorado’s defense, the linebacker position sits at the center of the system.

These players must diagnose plays quickly, close running lanes and maintain discipline against modern spread offenses designed to create space.

The combination of veteran leadership and young talent provides the Buffaloes with both stability and upside entering the season.

If Colorado hopes to take another step defensively, the development of the linebacker room will likely play a major role in determining how far the defense can go.