As fall approaches, the Colorado Buffaloes are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting quarterback battle, one that could shape the direction of their season. With the addition of Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter, head coach Deion Sanders has sparked a competitive atmosphere that includes highly-touted true freshman Julian Lewis. This scenario sets the stage for a fascinating showdown as both players bring unique strengths to the field.
At the recent Big 12 Media Days, Coach Sanders addressed the situation head-on, displaying confidence in both players while acknowledging the unpredictability that accompanies the competition. “We brought both of them because I don’t know which one is going to start,” he stated candidly, emphasizing his commitment to finding the right fit for his team.
The discussion didn’t stop there. When asked about the possibility of utilizing both quarterbacks during games, Sanders kept the door wide open. “Yeah. As long as they’re doing their jobs and we’re winning,” he affirmed. Maintaining the development of Lewis, whom he affectionately referred to as “JuJu,” seems to be a priority. Yet, Sanders also had high praise for Salter, calling him “unbelievable” and noting, “He’s been there, done that; he can get the job done.” With a coach willing to adapt based on performance, it’s clear that winning is the ultimate goal, no matter who’s under center.
The new starter will have some significant expectations to meet. Last year’s quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, left big shoes to fill. After throwing for over 4,100 yards and racking up 37 touchdown passes—alongside his contributions on the ground—he solidified his status before moving on to the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick. Those figures illustrate just how high the bar has been set, especially when considering the impact he had on the team’s overall identity.
Looking at Kaidon Salter’s credentials, he appears well-positioned to step into that role. During his time at Liberty, he amassed an impressive 4,762 passing yards and 47 touchdowns with just 12 interceptions, showcasing not just his arm strength but also his game management skills. Additionally, his running ability adds a dynamic element to the offense that could allow Colorado to diversify their play-calling.
On the other end of the spectrum, Julian Lewis enters with a wave of expectations as a highly-recruited prospect, ranked No. 56 overall in the 2025 class and No. 7 among quarterbacks. Coming from Carrollton, Georgia, he arrives with a pedigree that suggests he has the potential to make a significant impact sooner rather than later.
As the Buffaloes dive deeper into their season preparations, one thing is certain: the competition at quarterback is bound to electrify players and fans alike. With two capable options, and a coaching staff that prioritizes winning while emphasizing growth, whoever emerges as the starting quarterback might just set the tone for a memorable season. The stakes are high, and as the season unfolds, the excitement surrounding this position battle is likely to be a focal point of Colorado football.
