The Colorado Buffaloes are preparing for their upcoming game against the Wyoming Cowboys on September 12, 2025, but head coach Deion Sanders has not yet disclosed who will start at quarterback. Following a disappointing 36-20 loss to the Houston Cougars, Sanders expressed uncertainty regarding the quarterback situation, stating he had “no idea” about the future direction for the position.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Sanders confirmed he has made a decision but refrained from revealing the chosen starter for the Buffs (1-2) as they host Wyoming (2-1) at Folsom Field at 20:15 (local time). “Most definitely I have (decided),” he asserted.
Fifth-year senior Kaidon Salter, who joined the Buffaloes from Liberty in December, started the first two games of the season. Last week, redshirt sophomore Ryan Staub stepped in as the starter against Houston. Freshman JuJu Lewis, a highly touted recruit from the 2025 class, is also under consideration. Lewis will turn 18 just days before the game, adding an intriguing element to the competition.
Salter showed potential in a narrow season-opening loss to Georgia Tech, throwing for 159 yards and a touchdown while also adding 43 rushing yards and another score. Despite nerves, he kept the team competitive until the final quarter. In the subsequent game against Delaware, Salter was initially effective, helping the team establish a quick 10-0 lead. However, he was benched following a pre-determined rotation and later returned to finish with 13 completions on 16 attempts for 102 yards, along with a rushing touchdown.
Lewis faced challenges in his limited playing time against Delaware, paving the way for Staub, who excelled in his opportunities. Staub led the Buffaloes to three touchdowns in four possessions against Delaware, completing 7 of 10 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns. However, when he took the field against Houston, Staub struggled, completing only 19 of 35 passes for 204 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. After the game, Sanders acknowledged Staub’s performance, saying, “He did not play well.”
As Sanders contemplates his options, he emphasized that he is looking for two critical traits in his quarterback: “Leadership and consistency. That’s it,” he noted. This clarity highlights the coach’s expectations as the team continues to seek a reliable offensive identity.
Despite the individual performances, the Buffaloes currently rank 15th in scoring within the Big 12 Conference at 23.7 points per game, and 14th in total offense, averaging 334.3 yards per game. While the run game has shown significant improvement, ranking 15th in the conference with 124.0 rushing yards per game, the passing offense remains a concern, sitting in 12th place with an average of 210.3 yards and a passer rating of 126.53.
“I’m just as upset as some of you watching,” Sanders remarked, addressing the frustrations of fans and stakeholders. His commitment to improving the team’s performance is evident, as he reassured, “We’re gonna get it together. I know we have the young men inside that locker room and the coaching staff to get it together.”
With the upcoming match against Wyoming, all eyes will be on Sanders to see which quarterback he selects and how they will address the team’s offensive challenges.
