The Colorado Buffaloes have been actively engaging with the NCAA Transfer Portal, making efforts to bring in several players for official visits. Among those being considered is Lamont Lester Jr., a former edge defender from the Monmouth Hawks. According to 247Sports, Lester is rated as a three-star transfer and has already received attention from multiple programs.

Lester has three official visits scheduled, according to The Business of Athletes, which include the Colorado Buffaloes. In addition to Boulder, he will also be visiting the Wisconsin Badgers and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. These visits are set to take place from January 3 to January 7.

What Lamont Lester Jr. Brings To Colorado

As a transfer, Lester is ranked as the No. 35 edge by 247Sports and is considered a three-star prospect. His potential to add depth and physicality to the defensive line makes him an attractive option for the Buffaloes. If he were to join the team, he could play a key role in improving Colorado’s defense in the 2026 season.

In his first year as a redshirt freshman, Lester recorded impressive stats, including 37 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks. He also forced two fumbles and earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 91.4. His performance showed that he can make significant contributions on the field.

One of the most challenging games for the Hawks this season was against the Charlotte 49ers. Despite the loss, Lester made a strong impact, recording four total tackles, one sack, and one tackle for loss. This demonstrated his ability to make big plays in critical moments.

The Colorado Buffaloes as a whole posted just 13 sacks during the season. Defensive linemen Keaton Wade and Arden Walker led the team with 2.5 sacks each. The Buffaloes need to increase their pressure on defense in 2026, and Lester’s physicality and ability to make tackles would be a positive addition to the team.

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Although Lester may be seen as a developmental player after only one season in the FCS, he has a high ceiling. With the opportunity to play at Colorado, he has the chance to grow into a talented athlete over the course of the 2026 season.

Colorado Working To Build Defensive Line

The Buffaloes are facing a significant exodus through the portal, with over half of their 2025 recruiting class leaving. The defensive line must be a priority, and by hosting Lester for a visit, the program is showing its commitment to addressing a major need on the roster.

Currently, the defensive line has only two returners—seniors Quency Wiggins and Nikhil Webb Walker—and the program is bringing in two freshmen, Domata Peko Jr. and Joseph Peko. The team lacks both depth and experience, which makes Lester a crucial addition for the Buffaloes.

With the Buffaloes bringing in Lester for an official visit, it is evident that Colorado coach Deion Sanders and the program are working to build the defensive line through the portal.

Lester is not the only defensive lineman who will be visiting Boulder, as Colorado has not wasted any time building the position. Sanders and the Buffaloes will be hosting several players through the portal opening, such as Appalachian State transfer Dylan Manuel, as reported by On3’s Pete Nakos.

The Buffaloes have lost 20 scholarship players through the portal from the defense as of the portal officially opening on January 2. Sanders and the program are putting in the work to rebuild a defense that led the Big 12 in sacks just two years ago.

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