The Battle for Colorado’s QB1: A Pivotal Moment in Buffaloes Football

The Colorado Buffaloes stand at a crossroads in 2025. With the departure of Shedeur Sanders, the program faces a critical juncture that will define its trajectory in the Big 12 Conference. The spotlight now shifts to the quarterback position, where a captivating duel is unfolding between seasoned transfer Kaidon Salter and highly touted freshman Julian “JuJu” Lewis. This competition transcends the mere allocation of snaps; it is about shaping the future of the Buffaloes’ offense and determining the team’s identity in the coming years.

The Post-Sanders Era: Opportunity and Challenge

Deion Sanders’ arrival in Boulder brought a whirlwind of change, transforming the program’s landscape. While the Sanders era had its moments of brilliance, it also came with its share of inconsistencies. The departure of Shedeur Sanders leaves a significant void—one filled with experience, leadership, and a proven track record. However, this void also presents an opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to rebuild the offense around a new quarterback who can inject a different dynamic into the team.

The 2025 quarterback competition is thus one of the most pivotal storylines for the Buffaloes. The choice between Salter and Lewis will not only determine the starting quarterback but also shape the team’s offensive strategy, player development, and overall success in the Big 12. The stakes are high, and the decision will reverberate throughout the program.

Kaidon Salter: The Experienced Transfer with a Point to Prove

Kaidon Salter arrives in Boulder with a resume that speaks to both his potential and his challenges. His journey through the collegiate ranks has been marked by moments of brilliance and periods of inconsistency. As a senior transfer from Liberty University, Salter brings a level of maturity and game understanding that Julian Lewis, as a true freshman, cannot yet match. The Analyst has identified Salter as the strong outside favorite to begin the season as Colorado’s starting quarterback, a testament to his experience and proven ability.

The Liberty Years: A Mixed Bag of Success

Salter’s time at Liberty was a rollercoaster ride. In 2023, he showcased his potential, earning the Conference USA Most Valuable Player award. His performance that season demonstrated his ability to lead an offense and make plays under pressure. However, his 2024 campaign was considered disappointing, leading him to seek a fresh start at Colorado. This mixed bag of experiences is both a strength and a weakness for Salter. His highs prove his capability, while his lows highlight areas that need refinement.

Strengths: Poise and Pocket Presence

Salter’s strengths lie in his athleticism and arm strength. He is a dual-threat quarterback capable of extending plays with his legs when the pocket collapses. His arm talent allows him to make throws to all levels of the field, giving the Buffaloes a versatile offensive weapon. The key for Salter will be to harness these physical gifts within a structured offense, making smart decisions and minimizing turnovers. His ability to read defenses and make quick, accurate throws will be crucial in the Big 12, where defenses are both fast and sophisticated.

The Intangibles: Hunger and Leadership

Beyond his physical tools, Salter possesses the intangibles that separate good quarterbacks from great ones. He has a hunger to prove himself, driven by the knowledge that this is a pivotal moment in his career. This desire, combined with his experience, makes him a formidable competitor. His leadership qualities will also be vital in guiding a young team through the challenges of the Big 12. The ability to command the huddle, inspire his teammates, and maintain composure under pressure will be essential for Salter’s success.

Julian Lewis: The Five-Star Freshman with Sky-High Potential

Julian “JuJu” Lewis arrives in Boulder as one of the most highly touted recruits in the nation. A five-star prospect with immense potential, Lewis represents the future of the Buffaloes’ offense. His talent is undeniable, but the question is whether he is ready to lead a Power Five program as a true freshman. The hype surrounding Lewis is not unwarranted; his high school career was nothing short of spectacular, and his presence at Big 12 Media Days as a true freshman speaks volumes about the expectations surrounding him.

The Hype is Real: Talent and Poise

Lewis’s high school career was marked by moments of brilliance. He possesses a rare combination of arm talent, accuracy, and poise. His ability to make difficult throws look effortless and his maturity in reading defenses are qualities that set him apart from his peers. Lewis’s presence at Big 12 Media Days as a true freshman is a testament to his potential and the confidence the coaching staff has in his ability to contribute immediately.

The Learning Curve: Adjusting to the College Game

Despite his prodigious talent, Lewis faces a steep learning curve. The speed and complexity of college football are vastly different from high school. He will need time to adjust to the playbook, learn to read complex defensive schemes, and develop chemistry with his receivers. This adjustment period could be challenging, and patience will be key. The coaching staff will need to provide Lewis with the support and guidance necessary to navigate this transition successfully.

Building a Bond: Learning from Salter

Lewis is not shying away from the competition. He recognizes the value of having a talented competitor like Salter pushing him. Building a strong relationship with Salter will be crucial for Lewis’s development. Learning from Salter’s experience and embracing the competition can accelerate his growth and prepare him for the future. The dynamic between the two quarterbacks will be a key storyline throughout fall camp, as they push each other to improve and elevate the entire offense.

The Deion Sanders Dilemma: Experience vs. Potential

Deion Sanders faces a complex decision. Does he opt for the experienced transfer in Salter, providing stability and a higher floor for the offense? Or does he gamble on the raw talent of Lewis, potentially unlocking a higher ceiling but risking growing pains? Sanders has never been afraid to make bold decisions, and his coaching style is characterized by a willingness to take risks and trust his instincts. This could lead him to lean towards Lewis, betting on his potential to transform the offense.

Weighing the Options: Performance and Leadership

Ultimately, Sanders’ decision will depend on several factors. He will need to assess each quarterback’s performance in fall camp, evaluate their leadership qualities, and consider the overall makeup of the team. The decision will not be solely based on talent but on who gives the Buffaloes the best chance to win in 2025. Sanders will also need to consider the long-term implications of his choice, as the quarterback position is the most critical in shaping the team’s identity and success.

The Impact on the Offense: Strategy and Development

The choice between Salter and Lewis will have a significant impact on the Buffaloes’ offensive strategy. Salter’s dual-threat ability could lead to a more run-oriented approach, utilizing his athleticism to create opportunities on the ground. Lewis, with his exceptional arm talent, could unlock a more explosive passing game, stretching the field and challenging defenses vertically. The offensive coordinator will need to tailor the playbook to the strengths of the starting quarterback, ensuring that the offense is optimized for success.

Offensive Line Stability: The Foundation of Success

Regardless of who wins the job, the success of the offense will hinge on the performance of the offensive line. Protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes will be crucial for both Salter and Lewis. The development of the offensive line will be a key storyline throughout the season, as the unit’s performance will directly impact the effectiveness of the offense. The coaching staff will need to prioritize the growth and cohesion of the offensive line, ensuring that it can provide the necessary support for the quarterback.

Playmaker Development: Identifying and Nurturing Talent

The emergence of playmakers at the wide receiver and tight end positions will also be critical. Both Salter and Lewis will need reliable targets to throw to, players who can make contested catches and create yards after the catch. The coaching staff will need to identify and develop these playmakers during fall camp, ensuring that the offense has the necessary weapons to succeed. The dynamic between the quarterback and the receiving corps will be a key factor in the team’s offensive success.

Managing Expectations: A Team-First Mentality

The quarterback competition will undoubtedly be a major talking point throughout the fall. Managing expectations will be crucial for both Salter and Lewis. The media attention and fan pressure can be overwhelming, especially in a market like Colorado. Both quarterbacks will need to embrace the process, focusing on improving each day and trusting the coaches’ decisions. They must avoid getting caught up in the hype and stay grounded in their preparation.

Embracing the Process: Focus and Resilience

Both quarterbacks will need to embrace the process, focusing on improving each day and trusting the coaches’ decisions. They must avoid getting caught up in the hype and stay grounded in their preparation. The ability to handle adversity and maintain a positive mindset will be crucial for their success. The coaching staff will need to provide the necessary support and guidance to help the quarterbacks navigate the challenges of the competition and the season.

Team First Mentality: Prioritizing the Collective

Ultimately, the success of the Buffaloes’ offense will depend on teamwork and a commitment to a team-first mentality. Both Salter and Lewis must prioritize the team’s goals above their individual aspirations. The ability to work together, support each other, and put the team’s interests first will be crucial for the offense’s success. The dynamic between the quarterbacks will set the tone for the entire team, and their ability to foster a positive and collaborative environment will be essential.

Conclusion: The Dawn of a New Era

The quarterback competition between Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis represents more than just a battle for a starting position. It symbolizes the dawn of a new era for the Colorado Buffaloes. The decision will shape the team’s identity and determine their trajectory in the Big 12 Conference. Whether it’s the experienced grit of Salter or the sky-high potential of Lewis, the future under center in Boulder promises to be anything but boring. The duel under the Flatirons is about to begin, and the Buffaloes are poised to take a significant step forward in their journey. The anticipation is palpable, and the stage is set for a captivating chapter in Colorado football history.