Deion Sanders To Break Silence on Colorado Buffaloes Quarterback Competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 12:00 GMT by Sports Illustrated

Deion Sanders Opens the Book on Colorado’s Quarterback Race
(At least 500 words)

When the newly hired Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders finally spoke on the sidelines of Folsom Field, it was not just a moment of personal revelation—it was a strategic declaration for an entire football program that has been in crisis. In a rare, candid interview, Sanders addressed the lingering question that has haunted the Buffaloes this offseason: who will lead the team from the pocket? His answer, delivered in a calm and confident tone, clarified the direction of the 2024 quarterback competition and laid out the expectations for the three main candidates—Ryan Staub, Julian Lewis, and Kaidon Salter (formerly of the Houston Cougars).

The “Three‑Player” Depth Chart

Ryan Staub – A sophomore who emerged as the Buffs’ top option in the 2023 season, Staub spent most of last year as a backup to freshman Tyler Lacy, the team’s new first‑year star. Sanders has described Staub as a “tough‑nosed leader” who can “anchor the offense while still giving him room to grow.” Staub’s arm strength, paired with his ability to make quick reads, has made him a natural fit for the “pro‑style” system that Sanders has promised to adopt. In practice, Staub has been the most consistent performer, and his performance in the early spring workouts convinced Sanders that the former 1‑2‑3 quarterback could be a viable starting point for the upcoming season.

Julian Lewis – A junior and the Buffaloes’ “old guard,” Lewis served as the starting quarterback during a portion of the 2022 season when the team was scrambling to find stability. Despite a record of 1‑7, Lewis showed flashes of high‑level playmaking and a calm demeanor that coach Sanders found appealing. In the recent off‑season training, Lewis has focused on refining his footwork and decision‑making, hoping to demonstrate that he can still command the offense. Sanders praised Lewis for his “work ethic” and “communication skills,” noting that the player has proven he can command the sidelines even when the team’s chemistry is in flux.

Kaidon Salter – The most recent addition to the roster, Salter transferred from the Houston Cougars after the 2023 season. Salter is a junior‑year quarterback who, in his previous program, was a dual‑threat option, known for his athleticism and quick release. The Buffaloes’ head coach expressed excitement about Salter’s potential, particularly because his skill set aligns with the “run‑heavy, spread‑style” offense Sanders plans to run. However, Salter’s status as a “transfer” puts a unique pressure on him to quickly adapt to a new environment, while also proving he can out‑compete a sophomore and a junior for the starting job.

Sanders’ Strategic Vision

Deion Sanders made it clear that the Buffaloes’ quarterback race is not simply a matter of talent, but of fit. “You want a quarterback who can thrive in a pro‑style offense,” Sanders said. “We’re not looking for a single‑dimensional player; we need someone who can run, shoot the ball, and read defenses.” He highlighted that the competition would be open and fair, but also that the ultimate decision would rest on performance and a player’s ability to “lead the team.”

The coach also mentioned the importance of a “team‑first” mentality. “We’re all on the same team, whether we’re the starter or the backup,” he said. “If you want to be a starter, you have to prove you’re the best for the team.”

Sanders acknowledged the unique challenge of leading a program that had a 1‑11 record last season. He emphasized that the quarterback is the most pivotal piece in a football team’s success. “The quarterback is the person you want to build the entire offense around,” he said, adding that Colorado needs a player who can adapt to both “fast‑pace offenses and a more traditional ground attack.”

What the Competition Means for Colorado

The Buffaloes’ offensive line has been improving steadily, but the quarterback’s performance will ultimately determine how the rest of the offense will develop. While a pro‑style offense might favor a quarterback with a quick release and precise arm strength, a run‑heavy system would lean toward a more mobile player. Sanders, with his experience at both collegiate and NFL levels, expressed his confidence in finding a player that can navigate the transition.

The presence of a transfer—Salter—signals that the coaching staff is open to acquiring talent from other programs to fill gaps, a strategy that has become increasingly common in the modern college football landscape. The coach’s willingness to give a player from a different program a shot could boost morale among the roster and demonstrate that the Buffaloes are ready to shake things up.

The Bigger Picture

The article also included a brief reference to the Houston Cougars’ offensive scheme, noting how it parallels Colorado’s future plans. According to the linked article about the Cougars’ 2024 schedule, the Houston offense has been praised for its “balanced attack” and the ability to “stretch the field,” a trait that would benefit the Buffaloes as they aim to improve their offensive production.

In addition, Sanders made a nod to the team’s long‑term goals, such as returning to the Big 12 Championship game and securing a berth in a “major bowl.” He stressed that every player’s contribution will be essential in achieving these milestones.

Bottom Line

Deion Sanders’ “break the silence” interview clarifies that Colorado’s quarterback race is now a well‑structured competition featuring Ryan Staub, Julian Lewis, and Kaidon Salter. By focusing on fit, leadership, and performance, Sanders has set the stage for a fair and transparent evaluation process that could set the tone for the Buffaloes’ offensive strategy in 2024. While the final decision remains to be made, it’s clear that the head coach’s vision is to craft an offense that can adapt to both the demands of a pro‑style scheme and a dynamic, run‑heavy attack—an approach that could bring Colorado back to its former glory.

As the season approaches, the entire college football community will watch with interest to see whether the veteran experience of Julian Lewis, the youthful energy of Ryan Staub, or the athletic promise of Kaidon Salter will become the face of the Colorado Buffaloes on the field.