

Deion Sanders enters his third season steering the Colorado Buffaloes, having turned a 1-11 program in 2022 into a 9-4 squad ranked in the AP Top 25 in 2024-their best showing since 2016. With quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman winner Travis Hunter now in the NFL, the team faces a critical transition. The quarterback race pits Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter, who amassed nearly 8,000 yards and 77 touchdowns in three years as a starter, against five-star freshman Julian “JuJu” Lewis, who threw for over 11,000 yards and 144 touchdowns in high school.
Sanders’ Deep Dive on Quarterback Competition
On Friday, during Fall Sports Media Day, Deion Sanders provided a detailed update on the intense battle to replace Shedeur Sanders as the Buffaloes’ starting quarterback, emphasizing that Kaidon Salter, Julian Lewis, and Ryan Staub are all in contention.
With two weeks of fall camp in the books, Sanders made it clear he’s in no rush to name a starter for the August 29 opener against Georgia Tech. “I’m looking for these guys to shine in practice, and the best will rise to the top,” Sanders said. “There’s no pressure to decide now. Both Salter and Lewis can play at a high level, and we’re focused on putting the team in the best position to win.”
Salter, a proven veteran, brings a wealth of experience, having thrown for 5,986 yards and 44 touchdowns while rushing for 1,986 yards and 33 scores at Liberty. His dual-threat ability fits Sanders’ vision for a dynamic offense under Leftwich’s play-calling. Lewis, meanwhile, is a rare talent-a two-time Gatorade National Player of the Year finalist who skipped his senior year of high school to join Colorado early. At Carrollton High in Georgia, he posted a staggering 11,563 passing yards, 144 touchdowns, and just 19 interceptions, showcasing pinpoint accuracy and poise.
Staub, though likely third in the depth chart, earns high praise from Sanders for his veteran presence. “Don’t sleep on Ryan Staub,” Sanders noted. “He’s been in our system for two years, bringing consistency and leadership to the room that helps guide these younger guys.” Staub, who saw limited action last season (3-of-7 for 29 yards), offers stability as a backup who knows the playbook inside out.
New Talent and Playoffs Hopes for Colorado
The biggest question mark remains at the quarterback position. The team faces a tougher road to replicating last year’s success. To counter these challenges, Sanders has assembled a dream team of coaches. NFL legend Warren Sapp is training the defensive linemen, Marshall Faulk is coaching the running backs, and Byron Leftwich, Tom Brady’s last offensive coordinator, is designing the offensive plays.
Colorado’s schedule provides early chances to gain momentum, with four of their first five games at home. They will face Georgia Tech on August 29 and Delaware on September 6. A strong start could propel the Buffaloes toward a bowl game and potentially a national ranking by October.
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