Days before Colorado’s season-opener at Georgia Tech, BuffsBlitz.com’s Brian Howell reported another hit to the Buffaloes’ defensive front: defensive end Balansama Kamara is currently ineligible.
The news comes just a week after District Court Judge J. Chris Larson denied CU defensive tackle Ezra Christensen’s motion for a preliminary injunction on Aug. 24, which would have awarded Christensen a sixth season. Kamara, who is also seeking a sixth year of college football from Larson, is scheduled for a preliminary injunction hearing in Boulder County court on Wednesday.
Unlike Christensen’s eligibility, though, Kamara’s wasn’t publicly in limbo.
When the 6-foot-3, 260-pound end committed to Boulder on Jan. 4, seemingly bringing first-team All-Coastal Athletic Association talent from Albany (67 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, three FFs), no one batted an eye. He spent two years at Temple, one at junior college Hutchinson CC and two at Albany, but redshirted as a true freshman in 2021 and medically in 2023. Kamara played three full seasons in five years while Christensen played four; Christensen only redshirted in 2024.
Kamara even gained praise during the spring, being named a leader in the ends room by position coach George Helow at the end of March.
“Toby [Anene], Sama, Vili [Taufatotua], they’re leading the charge right now,” Helow said on March 30.
So, when preseason camp rolled around and there was no sign or mention of Kamara, he was assumed to be injured. Taufatotua, among others, has dealt with injury.
Yet Kamara has been ruled ineligible since June 26, just days after the NCAA adopted the new “five-for-five” eligibility rule on June 23. He had filed for an “extreme hardship waiver” with the NCAA on Dec. 9, but had to wait and was denied after the new model was established. Kamara’s July 8 appeal was denied, and he filed a preliminary injunction motion on Aug. 11. The motion’s hearing, which decides whether his 2023 season at Hutchinson CC counts toward his eligibility, will be held on Wednesday.
Down two players entering Thursday against the Yellow Jackets, the position group garnering the most questions will have more to answer than initially expected. And stopping Michigan transfer running back Justice Haynes will be even harder.
So, here’s who CU has left to rely on:
DE - Immanuel Ezeogu
The 6-foot-2, 240-pound James Madison transfer has turned heads since arriving in Boulder. Despite being younger than some of his teammates, Ezeogu was a factor amid JMU’s College Football Playoff push, making 15 tackles and a sack last season in his first year with a role. He looks to make a leap entering his third year and has received praise from staff and teammates.
DE - Toby Anene
As one of the line’s most experienced players, Anene has led the unit since he arrived from North Dakota State. The 6-foot-4, 260-pound end started for nearly the last two seasons, posting 27 total tackles (8.5 TFLs), 10.5 sacks, 10 pass deflections and five forced fumbles in 2025. The Bison end joins Ezegou as one of the more established players on CU;s defensive front.
DE - Kylan Salter
While not having the largest role at linebacker last season, appearing in 10 games for Colorado, Salter has made a serviceable move to EDGE this offseason. As one of the only returners in the room, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound fourth-year looks to provide depth in the end room.
DE - Domata Peko Jr.
After being one of the best junior college edge players in the nation, Peko will provide some older depth at 6-foot-4, 235 pounds.
DE - Yamil Talib
After spending time at Oklahoma State and Charlotte, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound Talib is another looking to make a jump after a productive season (37 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two pass breakups, 1.5 sacks, one interception and one forced fumble).
DE/DL - Quency Wiggins
Switching from defensive end to inside, the returning Wiggins has been praised by both the players and staff. At 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, entering his fifth year, he brings not only size, but experience to the interior, which could help replace what will be missing from Christensen and Kamara.
DL - Santana Hopper
Standing out as a leader and someone whom defensive line coach Dante’ Carter has named to make plays, Hopper comes from a starting position at Tulane where he posted 31 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2025.
DL - Samu Taumanupepe
Arriving from Baylor, the fourth-year Taumanupepe holds a 6-foot-3, 375-pound frame. While he hasn't seen much field time for the Bears, and even less in his prior seasons at Texas A&M, Taumanupepe has been complimented by his coaches for his offseason work. With hopes to stop the run, Taumanupepe should see a fair number of snaps.
DL - Vili Taufatofua
Transferring from San Jose State, where Taufatofua earned an All-Mountain West honorable mention, he also brings experience from his prior year at Utah. The 6-foot-3, 260-pound edge posted 34 tackles (seven TFLs), three sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass breakup in 2025. And while he’s coming back from injury this preseason, he looks to have a decent role on CU’s line.
DL - Dylan Manuel
After making seven starts in 12 games at Appalachian State, the 6-foot-1, 300-pound Manuel was already expecting to take on a decent role after the Christensen news. He’ll be even more important after losing Kamara. He notched 37 total tackles (seven TFLs), five quarterback hurries, three sacks and one interception in 2025.
DL - Lamont Lester Jr.
Entering his third year of collegiate football, Lester brings depth to the defensive line. At 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, he posted 37 tackles (11.5 TFLs), 10 quarterback hits, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass deflection last season at Monmouth University in 2025. And now with Kamara and Christensen out, Lester could see one of the biggest role jumps.
DL - Tyler Moore
Another third-year, though with less of a role at his prior school (Coastal Carolina), Moore has made a name for himself in Boulder: the “get-off king.” Moore is slightly shorter at 5-foot-10 but weighs 290 pounds, making him faster off the line. Along with Lester, he is another candidate to see more time.
DL - Josiah Manu
After switching positions from the opposite side of the ball, Manu, a first-year player, has brought fight to practice. While 6-foot-5 and 295 pounds, though, it may be harder for the rookie to find the field. But it may not be impossible with the thinner room and a potential emergency.
Players Mentioned
Balansama Kamara
Defensive End
Josiah Manu
Defensive Line
Ezra Christensen
Defensive Line
Toby Anene
Defensive End
Kylan Salter
Defensive End
Domata Peko Jr.
Defensive End
Yamil Talib
Defensive End
Quency Wiggins
Defensive End
Santana Hopper
Defensive Line
Samu Taumanupepe
Defensive Line
Vili Taufatofua
Defensive Line
Dylan Manuel
Defensive Line
Lamont Lester Jr.
Defensive Line
Tyler Moore
Defensive Line
Coaches Mentioned
