Blending Experience and Youth, Colorado Reshapes Defensive Backfield

Blending Experience and Youth, Colorado Reshapes Defensive Backfield

February 13, 2026 | Football

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Who are they: Insight of Colorado’s Defensive Backs

By: Herman Shelton, Associate Director/Athletic Communications

As Colorado prepares for spring practice, CUBuffs.com is taking an inside look at each position group on the roster.

BOULDER — Colorado's defensive back room does not lack talent. What it does have is competition.

With only a handful of returning scholarship players and an influx of transfers and freshmen, the Buffaloes enter spring practice with one of the most reshaped position groups on the roster.

"Competition usually brings out the best in people, and we've got competition really on every level of the defense," defensive coordinator Robert Livingston said ahead of spring workouts.

That competition is by design.

"The marching orders from Coach Prime is take production, not potential," Livingston said.

Group: Defensive Backs
Returners: Ben Finneseth, Kole Mathis, RJ Johnson, Makari Vickers
Newcomers: Jah Jah Boyd, Justin Eaglin, Boo Carter, Braylon Edwards, Emory Floyd, Randon Fontenette, Jaydan Hardy, Naeten Mitchell, Paul Omodia, Ashley Preston, Donavon Stephens, Cree Thomas, Alex Ward, and Mojo Williams Jr.

Position Group Preview: Colorado's defensive backroom enters the season with a deep and diverse mix of returning contributors, proven transfer production and a large group of newcomers across both cornerback and safety positions. The unit features experienced veterans who have contributed on defense and special teams, alongside multiple transfers who bring starting experience from the Power Four and Group of Five levels, including players who have appeared in conference championship games and postseason play.

At safety, the group is bolstered by physical back-end defenders with tackling production, ball disruption and versatility to align at multiple depths. Several safeties arrive with extensive collegiate snaps, leadership traits and experience in both run support and coverage, adding stability and flexibility to the middle of the field. The cornerback group combines length, speed and coverage ability, with players capable of handling boundary, field and nickel responsibilities.

Across the entire secondary, special teams value remains a defining strength, with multiple defensive backs contributing in coverage units and the return game. The blend of experienced safeties, competitive cornerbacks and highly regarded freshmen creates competition at every position, providing the coaching staff with multiple lineup options while establishing depth and developmental balance throughout the defensive backfield.

The room also features returning contributors who saw action last season and are now competing for expanded roles.

Still, Livingston has resisted naming early standouts.

"That's probably unfair to do that so early. We haven't even put on a helmet yet," Livingston said. "But the leadership is very good."

Lets meet the current roster, going into 2026 spring training.

Preston Ashley
Year: Freshman
High School: Brandon
Hometown: Brandon, Miss.

Preston: is a highly regarded cornerback from Brandon High School who signed as part of the 2026 class. He was rated a consensus four-star prospect by the recruiting services and earned Under Armour All American honors. Coming out of high school, he was named All State and 7A Defensive Player of the Year after a standout prep career that included 203 total tackles, 14 pass breakups, eight tackles for loss, three interceptions, two sacks and multiple forced turnovers. He helped lead Brandon to two state championship game appearances and one semifinal appearance. As a senior, he recorded 35 tackles, six pass breakups, four tackles for loss, one interception and one sack, while guiding the team to the second round of the playoffs. As a junior, he totaled 68 tackles and helped Brandon reach the Mississippi 7A State Championship game. He also competed in track and field and was an honor roll student. Preston brings size, production and a strong football pedigree to the secondary. His father, Tyrone Ashley, played football at Ole Miss, while his uncles Rowell Preston and Rock Preston also played collegiately, with Rock Preston winning a national championship at Florida State.

Jah Jah Boyd
Year: Sophomore
High School: Roman Catholic
Previous School: Indiana
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pa.

Boyd: was a three-star prospect out of Roman Catholic High School in the 2024 class. He initially committed to James Madison before reversing course and signing with Indiana. His freshman season was cut short due to an ACL injury. In 2025, he appeared in four games, recording seven solo tackles and one forced fumble over 47 defensive snaps. Pro Football Focus graded him at 90.1, allowing just one reception for nine yards. At Indiana, he played primarily at nickel safety and slot corner. Coming out of high school, he was rated a four-star prospect by ESPN and a three-star recruit by 247Sports and On3, while ranking as the No. 32 two-way athlete nationally by ESPN. He owns Roman Catholic's single season receiving touchdown record and was named Philadelphia Catholic League MVP as a senior, earning first team All Catholic League honors as both a wide receiver and defensive back.

Boo Carter
Year: Junior
High School: Bradley Central
Previous School: Tennessee
Hometown: Chattanooga, Tenn.

Carter:is a dynamic defensive back who made an immediate impact at Tennessee, earning the starting STAR role as a true freshman while contributing on defense and special teams. He appeared in 21 career games with five starts, totaling 63 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles, three pass breakups and one interception. He was named to the 2024 SEC All-Freshman Team, earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors against Florida and was recognized as a preseason All-American by multiple outlets. As a punt returner, he averaged 16.0 yards per return for his career and led the SEC in punt return average as a freshman. During the 2025 season, he ranked among the national leaders in forced fumbles and recorded multiple high-impact performances, including a two forced fumble game against UAB. A consensus four-star prospect out of Bradley Central High School, Carter was named Tennessee Class 6A Mr. Football and helped lead his team to a 13-1 record and a state semifinal appearance as a senior. He brings positional versatility, playmaking ability and return-game value to the defensive backfield.

Justin Eaglin
Year: Senior
High School: Pine Forest
Previous School:James Madison
Hometown: Spring Lake, N.C.

Eaglin: is an experienced cornerback who has appeared in 25 career games, making 14 starts. During the 2025 season, he played in all 14 games with 11 starts, earning Second Team All-Sun Belt, All-ECAC honors and appearing in the College Football Playoff with James Madison. He recorded 35 tackles, five interceptions including a pick six, eight pass breakups and a blocked kick. He ranked tied for second in the Sun Belt in interceptions and sixth in passes defended. His season highlights included a career long 61-yard interception return at Oregon in the College Football Playoff, a 37-yard pick six against Washington State and a two-interception performance versus Old Dominion. In 2024, he played in 11 games with three starts, totaling 12 tackles and one interception, registering his first career interception at Charlotte. He made his collegiate debut in 2023 and redshirted in 2022. A product of Pine Forest High School, he was a First-Team All-East Conference selection as a junior and senior and earned First-Team All-County honors as a senior. He was part of multiple playoff teams and a conference championship program and was an honor roll student.

Braylon Edwards
Year: Freshman
High School: Duncanville
Hometown: Duncanville, Texas

Edwards: is a three-star defensive back from Duncanville High School who signed with Colorado as part of the 2026 class after flipping his commitment from SMU. He is a physical and versatile defender with experience at cornerback, safety and nickel. Coming out of high school, he was rated a consensus three-star prospect by the major recruiting services, with Rivals listing him as the No. 100 cornerback and ESPN ranking him among the nation's top 100 at the position. Edwards played four seasons of varsity football, splitting time between Wilmer Hutchins and Duncanville, appearing in 46 career games and totaling 224 tackles, 37 pass breakups, seven interceptions, six tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one sack. He helped lead Duncanville to a 13-1 record and a Texas 6A State Championship appearance as a junior and followed with a 10-1 season as a senior. Known for his physical tackling and ball production, he brings immediate size, physicality and positional flexibility to the Buffaloes secondary.

Ben Finneseth
Year: Senior
High School: Durango
Hometown: Durango, Colo.

Finnesseth: is a veteran safety and core special teams contributor who has appeared in games across five seasons at Colorado. During the 2025 season, he played in the first 10 games with six starts, missing the final two due to injury. He finished the year with 27 total tackles, including 18 solo stops, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one quarterback hurry. Despite missing time, he ranked third on the team with 182 special teams snaps across five units and finished sixth on the team with 14 special teams points. In 2024, he appeared in all 13 games, contributing primarily on special teams and totaling 12 tackles while ranking among the team leaders in special teams snaps. His 2023 season was cut short due to injury after appearing in two games. As a redshirt freshman in 2022, he played in three games on defense, recorded one tackle, ranked third on the team in special teams points and served as special teams captain against California. He redshirted in 2021. A graduate of Durango High School, Finneseth was a multi position standout and multi-sport athlete, earning All State and All Conference honors on both offense and defense while helping lead his team to league and state championships. He brings experience, leadership and consistent production on special teams to the Buffaloes secondary. This past winter, he was invited to tryout for the WWE.

Emory Floyd
Year: Senior
High School: Hillgrove
Previous School: South Carolina, Appalachian State
Hometown: Marietta, Ga.

Floyd: is a versatile defensive back who spent three seasons at South Carolina before transferring to Appalachian State, where he played one season as a full-time starter. His 2024 season at South Carolina was limited by a hamstring injury, appearing in two contests. As a freshman in 2023, he appeared in three games, recording two tackles and one pass breakup, while also joining the Carolina track team as a short sprinter. He posted season bests of 6.89 in the 60 meters indoors and 10.86 in the 100 meters and 21.33 in the 200 meters outdoors while continuing through spring football drills. In 2025 at Appalachian State, he started all 13 games and recorded 57 tackles, including 35 solo stops, one tackle for loss, one interception and six pass breakups. A graduate of Hillgrove High School, Floyd earned all-conference honors and recorded 24 tackles and four interceptions as a senior. He was rated among the top safeties in Georgia by national recruiting services and brings experience, speed and multi-sport athleticism to the secondary.

Randon Fontenette
Year: Senior
High School: Brazosport
Previous School: TCU, Vanderbilt
Hometown: Freeport, Texas

Fontenette: is a physical safety with extensive Power Four experience who has appeared in 37 career games with 24 starts. After spending his freshman season at TCU, he transferred to Vanderbilt, where he emerged as a key contributor in the secondary. During the 2024 season, he played in 12 games with 11 starts, finishing third on the team with 73 tackles and tying for the team lead with eight tackles for loss. He led the team with eight pass breakups and recorded his first career interception, returning it for a touchdown on the opening possession against Alabama. He posted multiple career highs throughout the season, including eight tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss against Texas and 1.5 sacks, also a personal best. In 2025, he started all 13 games, totaling 52 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and six pass breakups. A consensus four star recruit out of Brazosport High School, Fontenette was rated among the top safeties nationally and was a multi-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball and track and field. He was a full-time two-way starter in high school at quarterback and in the secondary and brings size, versatility and physicality to the defensive backfield.

Jaydan Hardy
Year: Junior
High School: Lewisville
Previous School: Oklahoma
Hometown: Lewisville, Texas

Hardy is a defensive back with SEC experience who spent two seasons at Oklahoma, appearing in all 26 games during his time with the Sooners while contributing on special teams and in a rotational role in the secondary. In 2024, he played in all 13 games, recording six tackles, one interception and two pass breakups, including his first career interception against Temple, which he returned 26 yards. In 2025, he again appeared in 13 games, totaling 11 tackles, one interception, one pass breakup and one forced fumble, logging 163 defensive snaps as a rotational safety. A member of Oklahoma's 2024 signing class, Hardy was rated a four-star recruit and ranked among the nation's top safeties by the 247Sports Composite. A product of Lewisville High School, he earned Under Armour All-American honors and multiple district awards. His father, Darryl Hardy, played linebacker at Tennessee and spent time in the NFL with Arizona, Dallas and Seattle, winning Super Bowl XXX with the Cowboys. Hardy has two years of eligibility remaining.

RJ Johnson
Year: Junior
High School: Eagle's Landing Christian Academy
Previous School: Arkansas
Hometown: McDonough, Ga.

Johnson is a cornerback with experience in multiple roles who joined Colorado after beginning his collegiate career at Arkansas. During the 2025 season, he appeared in four games, starting the first three at cornerback before missing eight games due to injury. He finished the season with eight total tackles, including five solo stops, one interception and one pass breakup, recording his first career interception at home against Delaware. Despite being limited to games played, he logged 20 special teams snaps across five units, including kickoff, kickoff return, punt, punt return and field goal block, forcing one fair catch. As a redshirt freshman in 2024, Johnson played in all 12 regular season games, totaling nine tackles and leading the team with 212 special teams snaps across four units. He made his collegiate debut during the 2023 season at Arkansas, appearing in one game and utilizing a redshirt year. A three-star prospect out of Eagle's Landing Christian Academy, Johnson earned All Region honors and was a two-way contributor in high school, totaling 56 tackles and two interceptions as a senior while also producing offensively as a receiver. He was rated among the top prospects in Georgia by multiple recruiting services and brings length, versatility and special teams experience to the defensive backfield.

Kole Mathis
Year: Sophomore
High School: Fairview
Hometown: Arlington, Texas

Mathis: is a young cornerback who appeared in one game during the 2025 season, making his collegiate debut on kickoff coverage against Wyoming. He redshirted during the 2024 season. A product of Fairview High School, Mathis transferred from Grace Prep Academy and played his senior season under head coach Tom McCartney, totaling 31 tackles, two tackles for loss, four interceptions and four pass deflections in 11 games. He brings developmental upside and football pedigree to the secondary. Mathis is the son of cornerbacks coach and former NFL player Kevin Mathis, and his older brother, Kaleb, is also a member of the team.

Naeten Mitchell
Year: Junior
High School: Temple
Previous School: New Mexico St.
Hometown: Temple, Texas

Mitchell: is a back-end safety who emerged as a productive defender during the 2025 season, leading his team with 93 total tackles while adding six pass breakups, three interceptions and four forced fumbles. He appeared in 12 games during the season and recorded double-digit tackles in four contests, including a career-high 12 tackles at New Mexico. He posted two interceptions against Missouri State, returning them for 15 yards, and recorded a season-long 71-yard interception return that resulted in a touchdown. Mitchell also forced fumbles in four separate games and earned Conference USA all-conference recognition for his performance. He previously appeared in nine games during the 2024 season, recording nine tackles, and redshirted as a freshman in 2023. A three-star transfer, Mitchell brings experience, physicality and ball production to the defensive backfield.

Paul Omodia
Year: Junior
High School: George Bush
Previous School: Illinois State, Lamar
Hometown: Richmond, Texas

Omodia: is an experienced defensive back who has spent time at both Illinois State and Lamar. He spent two seasons at Illinois State, utilizing a redshirt year before emerging as a contributor, appearing in 12 games and totaling 32 tackles, including 14 solo stops, 1.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, a pass breakup, a quarterback hurry and two fumble recoveries. He later transferred to Lamar, where he appeared in two games during the 2025 season, recording five tackles and two pass breakups. A graduate of George Bush High School, Omodia was a three-year letterwinner who earned first team all-district honors as a senior and was named league all-purpose player of the year and team MVP. He was also named Bush High School Defensive Back of the Year as a junior after recording 50 tackles and helping lead his team to the playoffs. Omodia brings size, experience and ball production to the defensive backfield.

Donavon Stephens
Year: Freshman
High School: Collins Hill
Previous School: Georgia Military
Hometown: Milledgeville, Ga.

Stephens: is a defensive back in the 2025 class who brings speed, athleticism and developmental upside to the secondary. He recorded a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, a 4.3 shuttle, a 10.7-second 100-meter dash and a 51-second 400 meters, while also posting a 225-pound bench press and a 365-pound squat. He played varsity football at Collins Hill High School under head coach Drew Swick, whereas a senior he totaled 18 tackles, nine pass breakups, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions, while also contributing offensively with nine receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown. Stephens also spent time at Georgia Military College, gaining collegiate-level experience before joining Colorado. He adds track speed, ball skills and positional versatility to the defensive backfield.

Cree Thomas
Year: Freshman
High School: Brophy College Preparatory
Previous School: Notre Dame
Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.

Thomas: is a cornerback who appeared in three games during his freshman season, preserving a year of eligibility. He made his collegiate debut on defense against Navy and saw additional action against Pittsburgh. He recorded his first career solo tackle and pass breakup in a win over Syracuse. A product of Brophy College Preparatory, Thomas was a highly regarded prep prospect, earning four-star status from Rivals and three-star ratings from multiple recruiting services. He was ranked among the top cornerbacks nationally and one of the top recruits in the state of Arizona. In high school, he earned First Team All-Region and All State honors in both 2023 and 2024 and served as a varsity team captain as a senior. He recorded five interceptions and 43 tackles as a junior and added six pass deflections and 33 tackles as a sophomore. Thomas brings length, athleticism and developmental depth to the secondary.

Makari Vickers
Year: Sophomore
High School: Robert F. Munroe Day School
Previous School: Oklahoma
Hometown: Tallahassee, Fla.

Vickers: is a defensive back with Power Four experience who joined Colorado after spending two seasons at Oklahoma. During the 2025 season at Colorado, he appeared in eight games with two starts, making his first collegiate start at home against Wyoming. His season was limited by injury, missing four games, but he finished the year with 13 total tackles, including seven solo stops, three pass breakups and one quarterback hurry. Prior to Colorado, Vickers played in 12 games at Oklahoma, recording nine tackles and one pass breakup, including action in eight games during his true freshman season. Coming out of high school, he was a unanimous four star prospect and was ranked among the top safeties nationally by all major recruiting services. A graduate of Robert F. Munroe Day School, Vickers totaled 165 tackles, five interceptions and 23 pass breakups over three varsity seasons while also contributing offensively. He brings length, experience and versatility to the defensive backfield and has three years of eligibility remaining.

Alex Ward
Year: Freshman
High School: IMG Academy, Walton
Hometown: Bradenton, Fla.

Ward: is a versatile defensive back who reclassified from the 2027 class to the 2026 class in order to join Colorado early. Rated a consensus four-star prospect by the recruiting services, he was ranked among the top athletes nationally and one of the top prospects from Florida. He spent his final prep season at IMG Academy, playing both wide receiver and defensive back, while also contributing on special teams. Prior to IMG, he attended Walton High School in Georgia, where he played both sides of the ball, recording 18 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions including a pick six, one sack and one pass breakup on defense, while adding nine receptions for 152 yards and two touchdowns on offense. He also competed in track and field, posting personal bests of 10.9 in the 100 meters and 21.9 in the 200 meters. Ward brings athletic versatility, speed and developmental upside to the defensive backfield.

Mojo Williams Jr.
Year: Freshman
High School: Edna Karr
Hometown: New Orleans, La.

Williams: is a cornerback from Edna Karr High School who signed as part of the 2026 class. He was rated a consensus three-star prospect by the recruiting services and ranked among the top cornerbacks in Louisiana. He played four seasons of varsity football under head coach Brice Brown, helping lead Edna Karr to sustained success, including a 14-0 record and a Louisiana state championship during his junior season. Over his final two seasons, the Cougars went undefeated, posting a combined record of 28 0. He brings championship experience, consistency and developmental depth to the secondary.

The defensive backs room is deeper, faster and more competitive than it has been in recent seasons. With a mix of experienced returners, promising freshmen and impact transfers, Colorado has assembled a unit built to challenge every throw and create takeaways. Length on the outside, versatility at safety and physical play in the nickel position give the Buffaloes multiple matchup options across the Big 12. The expectation is clear: compete, communicate and take the ball away.

"I'm really excited to get going to spring ball and see what we've got," Livingston said.

Up Next: An inside look at the quarterback room.

Julian Lewis returns after appearing in four games last season starting two, throwing four touchdowns with no interceptions. Dominiq Ponder continues to develop and brings athleticism and arm strength that add another dimension to the position. His offseason growth positions him as a quarterback capable of stretching defenses and operating at tempo.

The group also welcomes a transfer in Isaac Wilson from Utah and true freshman Kaneal Sweetwyne . Sweetwyne brings size and poise with the ability to operate within structure while delivering the ball downfield. Wilson adds polish and competitiveness, known for his accuracy and command of the offense. The added depth increases competition and makes the quarterback position one of the key storylines entering the season.

Colorado opens the season Sept. 5 in Atlanta against Georgia Tech. Season tickets are available at CUBuffs.com, renewal deadline is Friday, Feb. 13.