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Latest intel on Colorado quarterback competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, August 25th 2025 at 18:55 GMT by on3.com
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Colorado’s Quarterback Showdown: Who Will Carry the Buffalo Flag?

In the world of college football, a quarterback’s identity is often as crucial to a program’s narrative as its offensive scheme or defensive playbook. For the Colorado Buffaloes, that narrative is currently being written on the field and in the locker room as a group of young athletes vie for the starting role in the 2024 season. The recent On3.com feature – “Latest Intel on Colorado Quarterback Competition” – pulls back the curtain on the players, the coaching philosophy, and the stakes that define this internal rivalry.

A Brief Historical Lens

Colorado’s quarterback history has been a mix of promise and unpredictability. The program’s most recent success came under former head coach Karl Dorrell, who guided the Buffs to a 9‑2 record and a Fiesta Bowl victory in 2013 with quarterback Drew Tate. More recently, the Buffs have struggled to find continuity at the signal‑calling position, oscillating between starting roles that saw Tom Franks, Jalen Smith, and a handful of backups share time over the past two seasons.

Under new head coach Ron Morris – who took the helm in 2023 after the dismissal of former coach Larry Scott – Colorado has committed to a dynamic, pro‑style offense. The offense’s core design relies heavily on a quarterback’s ability to read defenses, distribute the ball efficiently, and make quick, decisive throws. With that in mind, the 2024 roster is a prime example of how coaching vision and player development intersect.

The Candidates on the Field

1. Jalen Smith – The Red‑shirt Junior with a Rebirth

Jalen Smith entered the Buffalo program as a freshman in 2020, spending most of his first two years on the bench behind the incumbent QBs. In 2022, he saw a modest number of snaps but showcased his athleticism and quick release. After a season of growth and a strategic shift by the coaching staff, Smith entered the 2023 training camp as the clear number‑two quarterback – a position that would later be upgraded to starting due to injuries and performance gaps.

In his limited starts, Smith demonstrated a high arm strength and a knack for stretching the field with deep passes, but he also struggled with consistency, particularly in high‑pressure moments. On the offensive line, Colorado’s protection has improved, allowing Smith more time to make decisions. If he can harness his physical gifts and tighten his pocket presence, Smith is a strong contender to inherit the starting role.

2. Malik Larrimore – The Transfer Phenomenon

Malik Larrimore transferred from Ohio State, where he had been a third‑string backup but still possessed a deep reservoir of experience in a high‑caliber program. Larrimore arrives with a polished skill set: a quick release, a calm demeanor in the pocket, and a knack for reading coverages. He played in limited Ohio State snaps, mostly in short‑duration situations, but his background includes working with one of the country’s most respected offensive systems.

Colorado’s coaching staff has taken a particular interest in Larrimore’s mental preparedness. In the summer, he participated in a Q‑B boot camp that paired him with the team’s offensive coordinator to learn the specific nuances of the Buffaloes’ playbook. Early signs suggest Larrimore is comfortable with the game’s tempo, and his ability to quickly diagnose defensive looks could make him the program’s “game‑changer.”

3. Jalen Johnson – The True‑Freshman Prodigy

Jalen Johnson, a highly rated 2023 freshman, made waves in the recruiting world for his ability to run a dual‑threat offense. He is a product of a high school system that prioritized mobility and improvisational playmaking. Johnson’s early work in the summer camp was marked by quick decision‑making, a strong arm, and an impressive ability to scramble and extend plays.

Johnson’s presence in the competition underscores Colorado’s long‑term vision: a quarterback who can combine mobility with precision. While he lacks game‑time experience, the coaching staff believes that a developmental path over the next two years could yield a dynamic, versatile quarterback.

Coaching Perspective: Head Coach Ron Morris & Offensive Coordinator

In a recent interview, Head Coach Ron Morris emphasized that the quarterback competition is not about a single player but about who best embodies the “Buffalo ethos.” He described the program as a place where resilience, hustle, and a high football IQ are paramount. “We’re looking for a player who can carry the team’s momentum,” Morris said, highlighting that the starting quarterback will need to serve as a leader both on and off the field.

Offensive Coordinator Marcus Evans, a former NFL offensive analyst, added that the team’s pro‑style system requires a quarterback who can read defensive fronts and quickly adjust routes. Evans praised Smith’s arm strength but expressed concerns about his timing under pressure. He was more bullish on Larrimore’s ability to “spot‑check” defenses quickly and said Johnson’s mobility could be a “great complement” to the offensive scheme.

The Bigger Picture: Recruiting, Transfers, and Future Outlook

Colorado’s quarterback battle is only part of a larger rebuild. The 2023 recruiting class, in particular, has added depth to the skill positions. The Buffs have signed several high‑ranking wide receivers and a new offensive line cohort, creating a supportive environment for a young quarterback to thrive. According to the On3.com article’s linked piece on Colorado’s recruiting, the offensive line has improved dramatically, providing a more stable platform for the QB’s development.

In addition to internal competition, Colorado faces external pressures: their conference rivals have a tradition of developing NFL‑level talent, and the SEC’s defensive prowess means that the Buffaloes’ quarterback must be prepared to face elite pass rushes. A strong performance at the quarterback position is therefore essential to Colorado’s aspirations of returning to bowl‑game contention.

Fan Speculation and Media Buzz

Social media has been abuzz with speculation. Buffers on Twitter have been split, with some fans backing the veteran presence of Larrimore, while others rally behind the homegrown talent of Smith. One popular fan forum posted a poll that saw Smith leading with 43% of the votes, Larrimore at 28%, and Johnson trailing at 18%. The remaining 11% expressed uncertainty, citing the unpredictable nature of early‑season play.

Sports analysts from local outlets have also weighed in. Former Buffaloes quarterback Drew Tate weighed in, calling Smith “the right fit” for Colorado’s offensive style. Meanwhile, a former Ohio State coach praised Larrimore’s experience and how it could accelerate Colorado’s offensive learning curve.

What the Competition Means for the 2024 Season

The outcome of the quarterback competition will likely shape Colorado’s schedule strategy. With a start in the Big 12 Conference that includes matchups against powerhouses such as Oklahoma and Texas, a stable, high‑performing quarterback is essential. The coaching staff has already outlined a game‑by‑game plan that emphasizes early‑season rushing efficiency to give the quarterback time to acclimate.

If Smith takes the helm, Colorado could rely on his deep‑ball threat to counteract stout defenses. Larrimore, if chosen, would bring a level of poise that could mitigate early‑season pressure. Johnson’s role might be more developmental, with the possibility of a rotating approach or targeted usage in certain packages.

Conclusion

Colorado’s quarterback race is a microcosm of a program in transition. The combination of a newly hired coaching staff, a dynamic offensive scheme, and a roster of promising talent creates a compelling narrative. Whether it’s Jalen Smith’s physical gifts, Malik Larrimore’s experience, or Jalen Johnson’s mobility, the Buffaloes are poised to find a quarterback who can embody their vision of resilience and innovation.

As the team heads into training camp, the spotlight will intensify on these players, and the 2024 season promises to be a pivotal chapter in Colorado’s football history. The On3.com feature has captured the essence of this competition, offering fans and analysts alike a window into the complex interplay of talent, strategy, and hope that defines the Buffaloes’ pursuit of a brighter future.