Are the Colorado Buffaloes about to unleash a defensive nightmare? We’re diving deep into the 2025 season’s most terrifying unit: the edge rushers! With NFL-bound talent, proven playmakers, and electrifying freshmen, this group is stacked. Can anyone in the Big 12 truly stop this pass-rushing powerhouse?

As the countdown begins for the 2025 Colorado Buffaloes football season, all eyes are turning to a specific unit poised to redefine defensive prowess: the edge rushers. With the August 29 kickoff against Georgia Tech rapidly approaching, this detailed preview delves into the strategic significance and formidable talent within this critical position group, setting the stage for an electrifying year.

Under the transformative leadership of Deion Sanders, the recruitment and development of premier edge rushers have been a cornerstone of the Buffaloes’ defensive strategy since 2023. These athletes, comprising defensive ends and outside linebackers, are tasked with the crucial responsibilities of containing the run, setting the defensive edge, and relentlessly pursuing opposing quarterbacks, making them indispensable to the team’s success.

Assessed across ten core position groups, the Colorado Buffaloes’ edge rushers confidently secure the third-highest ranking, placing them firmly within the upper echelon of collegiate football talent. This elite standing is not merely a number; it reflects a unit brimming with athleticism, skill, and, most notably, a roster featuring multiple players projected to make significant impacts in the NFL.

While the departure of impactful talents like BJ Green and Taje McCoy, who transferred to Oklahoma State, represents a notable shift, the depth chart for the upcoming season remains impressively robust. The Buffaloes have successfully navigated these transitions, ensuring that a high caliber of defensive pressure will be maintained, if not elevated, in 2025.

Leading this formidable charge is Arden Walker, whose consistent performance and vocal presence have established him as the undeniable anchor of the entire defense. Coaches and teammates laud his mental fortitude and ability to set the tone, perfectly complementing his on-field production of 33 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks last season. Walker is unequivocally an NFL prospect, holding first-team All-Big 12 potential.

The unit’s strength is further amplified by talents such as Okunlola, a player whose proven track record in the ACC at Pitt underscores his capabilities. Built as the quintessential 4-3 defensive end, his unique blend of length, athleticism, and versatility allows him to bend the edge effectively while also possessing the agility to drop into coverage when necessary. Similarly, Keaton Wade, despite battling injuries, demonstrated flashes of brilliance with four sacks in just six games, highlighting his future pro potential and the terrifying impact a healthy season could have on the Buffaloes’ defensive line.

The influx of promising young talent, particularly from the esteemed IMG Academy pipeline, signals a bright future for the Buffaloes’ defensive front. London Merritt, a highly touted recruit who flipped from Ohio State, is already making waves with first-team reps in camp, showcasing the size (6’4”, 255) and refined technique to contribute immediately. Alongside him, Alexander McPherson, another IMG product, stands ready to further bolster this exciting group.

With such a potent combination of seasoned leaders, proven playmakers, and dynamic newcomers, expectations are justifiably high for the Colorado Buffaloes’ edge rushers. They are not merely aiming to replicate last season’s success but are poised to once again lead the Big 12 in sacks, cementing their status as one of college football’s most exciting and dominant defensive units.