The Colorado Buffaloes are tasked with shutting down one of the best quarterbacks in college football against the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Saturday. North Texas Mean Green transfer Drew Mestemaker has thrown for 1,940 yards and 16 touchdowns, with six interceptions and 136-for-203 passes.

Colorado’s secondary is going to need help shutting down the Cowboys’ passing game, and that’s where defensive linemen Dylan Manuel and Santana Hopper come in to play. Ahead of the Buffs’ Week 8 matchup, defensive coordinator Chris Marve praised the duo as he prepares to lean on them against Oklahoma State.

What has led Dylan Manuel and Santana Hopper to so much success

Sep 12, 2026; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive lineman Santana Hopper (97) tackles Weber State Wildcats quarterback Nate Dahle (13) in the first quarter at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Manuel and Hopper have been two of the Buffaloes’ defensive cornerstones this season.…