After Shedeur Sanders rewrote the Colorado football record books, setting 90 school records—including most passing yards and touchdowns in a season—the Buffs face a thrilling yet challenging dilemma: Who will take the reins as the next starting quarterback?
The pressure is on as Coach Deion Sanders prepares to fill his son’s shoes, with two standout quarterbacks vying for the role. Fresh off a 36-14 loss in the Alamo Bowl, Shedeur is primed to enter the NFL Draft, and his departure leaves a massive void at the helm of Colorado’s offense. Enter 17-year-old Julian Lewis, a blue-chip recruit, and 21-year-old Kaidon Salter, a Liberty transfer with one season of eligibility left. Both are eager to prove they’re ready to lead.
Lewis, the nation’s No. 2 pocket-passer, arrived with the goal of starting as a freshman. “I wouldn’t have much fun sitting on the bench,” he boldly declared before signing with Colorado in December. Salter, however, brings a dual-threat style to the table, boasting 2,876 passing yards and 1,089 rushing yards in 2023. Despite his age, Salter’s maturity and experience give him an edge as a potential immediate starter.
The big question is, how will Coach Prime manage this quarterback controversy? With the ever-evolving transfer landscape, the Buffs may find themselves in a tough position if one of these stars decides they want more playing time or money elsewhere. Salter is ready to compete for the starting job, but will Lewis, still so young, be content with waiting until 2026?
The situation is more than just about talent—it’s about navigating egos, expectations, and the high stakes of college football in 2025. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur put it perfectly: “When you lose somebody like Shedeur, you need four or five guys to replace him, but we’re really excited.”
For Colorado, adding Salter provides a safety net, ensuring the team isn’t relying solely on a freshman. The potential to play both quarterbacks based on their strengths could be a game-changer, making the Buffaloes unpredictable and dangerous. But in the end, it’s a decision that will define Deion Sanders’ third season at Colorado.
One thing’s for sure: The next chapter of Colorado football will be one of fierce competition, high stakes, and potential greatness. Stay tuned.
