By : Ethan Horner
(Photo/Sabri Haider-The Mojo Network)
This marks the first year under Deion Sanders' tenure at Colorado where there will be a new face at quarterback. Deion has proven he knows how to handle the quarterback position, bringing in Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter and landing 4-star freshman Julian Lewis. But the big question hanging over camp has been: who will get the nod as the starter for the 2025 season?
While Colorado hasn’t officially announced a starting quarterback, the growing consensus is that Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter will be the guy leading the offense. This decision seems almost inevitable, given Salter's experience and status as the most seasoned quarterback in the room. With the Buffs aiming for a strong push in the Big 12, Salter provides the immediate leadership and playmaking ability needed to compete at a high level from day one. On the other hand, true freshman Julian Lewis, while highly talented, is still adjusting to the college game. There's no rush to throw him into the fire when he can instead develop and learn under Salter, absorbing the offense and gaining crucial experience for the future. Salter’s presence not only gives Colorado the best chance to win now but also ensures Lewis isn’t forced into the starting role too soon, allowing him to grow at his own pace.
In Kaidon Salter’s three years as the starter at Liberty, he put up impressive numbers, totaling 5,887 passing yards and 56 touchdowns through the air. With a solid completion percentage of 58%, he proved to be a capable passer. But what really sets him apart is his dual-threat ability—Salter also rushed for 2,013 yards and 21 touchdowns, making him a dynamic weapon who can beat defenses both through the air and on the ground. In 2023, Kaidon Salter guided Liberty to a remarkable 13-1 record and a Conference USA championship, proving his ability to lead a team to success. His performance that season highlighted his leadership and knack for winning, setting a high bar as he looks to bring that same winning mentality to Colorado.
The Buffaloes, and Kaidon Salter, are ready to hit the ground running as they face a scrappy Georgia Tech team in Boulder for week 1. It’s sure to be a tough matchup, but a strong start could set the stage for what’s to come this season. As the post-Shedeur era begins in Boulder, it’s still unclear what the future holds, but one thing is certain: the Buffs faithful are buzzing with excitement for this season and the years to come!