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The Colorado Buffaloes' defense left much to be desired last season. On a team that struggled across the board, the defense was particularly vulnerable. Yet one player could help change that narrative next season: linebacker Kylan Salter.
Some fans and analysts expected Kylan to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, quarterback Kaidon Salter, and enter the transfer portal.
Instead, the young linebacker chose to remain loyal to head coach Deion Sanders, staying in Boulder in search of redemption after last season's disappointing 3-9 record.
To emphasize his commitment, Salter recently posted a series of photos on X (formerly Twitter) from the team's weight room, captioned "Stay down" with an alarm clock emoji.
Salter will face fierce competition this year
The sophomore linebacker arrived in Colorado in 2025 from TCU. He saw limited action with the Horned Frogs, recording just two tackles in seven games.
Things changed under Coach Prime. In his first season in Boulder, Salter tallied six tackles in 10 games and became a reliable contributor on special teams.
However, the road ahead won't be easy. The Buffaloes' 2026 roster features an impressive transfer class, including Liona Lefau (Texas), Tyler Martinez (New Mexico State), and Gideon Lampron (Bowling Green).
On top of that, the incoming recruits include linebackers Carson Crawford, Rodney Colton Jr., and Colby Johnson. To earn a spot on defensive coordinator Robert Livingston's rotation, Salter will need to prove himself against stiff competition.
What will Kylan Salter's role be in 2026?
Despite praise from teammates like Jeremiah Brown, who even called him a Butkus Award candidate, Salter is unlikely to secure a starting role.
Analysts such as Jack Carlough of Sports Illustrated project Salter as a valuable depth piece for Livingston's defense, while continuing to play a key role on special teams.
The Buffs begin spring training this Monday, and by the spring game on April 11, fans will have a clearer picture of Kylan Salter's role in Colorado.