The Colorado football team will be without Ezra Christensen in 2026.

The Buffs‘ top defensive line transfer was denied a preliminary injunction on Monday, making him ineligible to play this season. It’s an unfortunate ending to a saga that dragged on for months but at least now, Colorado has clarity with 10 days before the season opener vs. Georgia Tech.

Ezra Christensen’s lawyer, Darren Heitner, said they will be “looking into filing an emergency motion for reconsideration.”

This is a big loss for the Buffs.

The 6-foot-2, 280-pound New Mexico State transfer totaled 11 TFLs and six sacks in 2025, earning first-team All-CUSA honors. He also led all FBS defensive linemen in total QB hurries (28) and had the third-highest grade among interior DL, according to Pro Football Focus.

It’s even more unfortunate for Ezra Christensen, who expressed his frustration with the situation last week.

“This is where I have to feed my family,” Ezra Christensen told DNVR. “My people back home in Africa are counting on me and looking forward to watch me play. Everyday I wake up, it’s like they’re taking food off my plate.”

Without Ezra Christensen, Colorado will depend on Tulane transfer Santana Hopper and App State transfer Dylan Manuel. Coastal Carolina transfer Tyler Moore and Baylor transfer Samu Taumanupepe will take on an even bigger role.

“It’s frustrating to talk about it,” Ezra Christensen said. “I don’t know if it’s a politics thing. I don’t know if it’s a Coach Prime or Colorado thing.

“I know for sure if I was at another institution, this would’ve been a lot easier.”

Follow Colorado Buffaloes beat reporter Scott Procter on X.