Stock up: Colorado football standouts after 10 spring practices

A few Colorado football players are beginning to emerge after 10 spring practices.

The Buffs‘ roster and coaching staff was completely overhauled this offseason, and for good reason. After a handful of evaluation whiffs in 2025, Colorado’s top priority in the transfer portal this time around was production.

“The main focus was on production,” defensive ends coach George Helow said Monday. “A lot of these guys who transferred in were high-production guys. That’s what we’re looking for.”

Here’s a look at five Colorado football players who are trending up after 10 spring practices.

DE Immanuel Ezeogu

Ezeogu is one of many new faces in the Buffs’ defensive line room. The James Madison transfer played in all 14 games for the Dukes last season, totaling four TFLs and a sack. Ezeogu opened eyes during winter workouts when he ran a 4.4 40-yard dash, flashing his coveted combination of size and speed.

He’s a naturally talented pass rusher and if he can continue to develop as a run defender, the redshirt sophomore could be a disruptive force. Ezeogu appears to be on track for a significant role on the Colorado football team at defensive end along with Toby Anene, Vili Taufatofua and Balansama Kamara.

“He’s a fast-twitch muscle-fiber guy,” Helow said of Ezeogu. “He can rush the passer and has a really good get-off. He has a really good motor and for 254 pounds, he can really hold up and strike a block.

“Originally when I saw the tape, I thought he was more of a third-down guy. But on first and second down, he’s doing everything we’ve been asking him to do and holding up in the run game. I’m really pleased with Manny.”

WR Quanell Farrakhan Jr.

The Colorado football team has dealt with injuries at receiver this spring. Joseph Williams, DeAndre Moore Jr. and Hykeem Williams have all missed time, leaving extra opportunities for Farrakhan Jr. The former four-star recruit caught just one pass in 2025 as a true freshman but he appears poised for a bigger role this year despite the transfer additions at receiver.

Farrakhan Jr. has become a consistent and favorite target of all three Colorado quarterbacks this spring. Injuries to the Buffs’ other WRs could be a blessing in disguise.

“I don’t really look at it that way,” Farrakhan said of his extra opportunities this spring. “I just look at it as an opportunity for me to get better and get some more reps, just taking advantage of everything that I can and making the most plays count.”

DB Braylon Edwards

Edwards is quickly becoming a Colorado football fan favorite. The true freshman from Texas powerhouse Duncanville High School has wasted no time introducing himself to teammates with his pads. Edwards is a physical defensive back who has already delivered a few big hits during spring practices. The Buffs appear to have their starting safety duo in place (Randon Fontenette, Naeten Mitchell) but Edwards might not be too far behind.

“You have some great guys in that room, especially those freshmen,” Colorado defensive pass game coordinator Kevin Mathis said. “Those young guys come from championship teams. These guys are winners and you can see it in their play.”

DB Mojo Williams Jr.

Williams Jr. is another true freshman DB who could see the field right away. The Colorado football team’s cornerback situation is much more up in the air, giving Williams Jr. a potential path to early playing time. He played four seasons of varsity football at Louisiana powerhouse Edna Karr High School and has been sticky in coverage throughout the spring.

“This will be the first time since I’ve been here that we’re really counting on those guys (freshmen DBs) to come in and play now,” Colorado defensive pass game coordinator Kevin Mathis said. “They have that type of ability.”

QB Julian Lewis

The Colorado football team will go as far as Julian Lewis takes it in 2026. Utah transfer Isaac Wilson was the topic of conversation after the first few spring practices, but Lewis has heated up since spring break. The redshirt freshman delivered multiple highlight throws during Week 3 of spring ball, showcasing his elite arm talent and potential.

Lewis is still learning the Go-Go offense but the competition that Wilson provides will bring out the best in them both. The Colorado football team’s WR room was heavily upgraded this offseason and Lewis is the biggest beneficiary of that.

another day, another JuJu dot 🎯 pic.twitter.com/JLFSlKUhB3

— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) March 27, 2026

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