If you’ve been following along, you already know we took a deep dive into the Colorado offense. Now it’s time to flip the field and talk defense.
Colorado enters 2025 with Robert Livingston in his second year as defensive coordinator after his time with the Cincinnati Bengals. The improvement under Livingston last season was nothing short of dramatic: CU jumped from 121st to 43rd nationally in points allowed per game. That meant nearly 12 fewer points and more than 100 fewer yards per game allowed. Simply put, the Buffs defense was no longer a liability—it became a competitive edge.
Livingston’s unit takes the field this season with an intriguing mix of SEC transfers, in-house development projects, and high-ceiling athletes. Let’s break it down by position.
Defensive Line
Edge/Ends
Quency Wiggins (JR, 6’6” 265, LSU transfer): A long, athletic pass rusher with a seven-foot wingspan and a basketball background. Raw but explosive, Wiggins has breakout potential as a disruptive force on the edge.
Arden Walker (JR, 6’2” 250, Missouri transfer): The Cherry Creek product brings SEC experience and sharp instincts against the run and option game. Walker may not flash as a pure speed rusher, but he projects as a reliable, assignment-sound edge defender.
Interior
Jeheim Oatis (JR, 6’5” 325, Alabama transfer): The highest-ranked defensive player in the portal, Oatis arrives in Boulder as perhaps the most talented defender on the roster. He can play multiple spots across the line, combines size with a relentless motor, and adds the ability to swat down passes. With Warren Sapp coaching the interior, Oatis is poised to thrive.
Anquin Barnes Jr. (JR, 6’5” 305, Alabama transfer): Trimmed down under Sapp’s guidance, Barnes retains his raw power while improving his quickness. Expect him to play a major role in clogging lanes and collapsing pockets.
Linebackers
Maravius French (JR, 6’2” 225, UTSA transfer): A read-and-react linebacker who closes with speed and physicality. French’s instincts make him a sideline-to-sideline presence.
Reginald Hughes (JR, 6’2” 225, transfer): Similar skill set to French but with added ability in coverage. Hughes has the quickness and technique to match up with backs and tight ends, giving the Buffs flexibility in sub-packages.
Together, French and Hughes give Colorado a pair of versatile, aggressive linebackers who complement each other well.
Defensive Backs
Safeties
Carter Stoutmire (SO, 5’11” 210): Converted corner who filled in admirably for Shilo Sanders last season. A rangy center-field safety with corner instincts and physical tackling ability.
Terrance Love (SO, 6’2” 225, Auburn transfer): Big, physical safety with good ball skills from his two-way high school background. His size makes him a factor against both the run and the pass.
John Slaughter (SO, Tennessee transfer): Still largely unproven, but his arrival adds needed depth to the room.
Cornerbacks
Teon Parks (JR, 6’1” 180, Illinois State transfer): Competitive, confident, and technically sound. Parks brings energy and attitude to the secondary.
DJ McKinney (JR, 6’0” 190): The headliner of the group. McKinney projects as an NFL draft pick and will be tasked with handling top opposing receivers. While he must refine certain aspects of his technique—particularly against inside leverage—his ceiling remains among the highest on the roster.
Tyrecus Davis (GRAD, 5'10" 190, Wyoming transfer): The physical cover corner will turn heads in 2025. Expect him to be one of the players who starts "under the radar" and earns his spot.
How do the Buffs stack up in the Big 12?
Colorado’s defense took a major leap forward in 2024, and the pieces are in place for continued improvement. The infusion of SEC talent up front gives Livingston more tools to build around, while the linebacker tandem of French and Hughes promises steady production. The secondary, though less proven, has potential with McKinney anchoring the group.
If this unit takes another step forward, the Buffs could move from simply “better than last year” to one of the stronger defenses in the Big 12.
MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS:
- Tom Brady helps Shedeur Sanders secure a roster spot in Cleveland
- Arch Manning sends clear message to Ohio State: "We got the red dot on everyone"
- Notre Dame Football unveils new logo— first time in 60 years
- Sportsbook takes unexpected dig at Deion Sanders' son after NFL cut