Deion Sanders' Quarterback Dilemma: Who Will Start at Colorado?
During Big 12 Media Days, most of the national analysts discussed who would be the next quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes. Deion Sanders decided to bring both Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis to the event, which signaled he's not sold on either as the starter. Both present different arguments and could actually split time under center, according to Sanders.
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However, CBS Sports' Brad Crawford believes Salter will move forward as the starter before facing Georgia Tech to open the season on August 29th. Here's his thoughts on the situation ahead of fall camp in Boulder.
"Assuming the former Liberty superstar beats out freshman Julian Lewis, Colorado's offense will look substantially different this fall," Crawford said. "Both players can move, but Salter's experience edge is substantial -- as are his 56 career touchdown passes and nearly 8,000 yards of total offense. Sanders offered no details this week on how the competition will play out."
Crawford also ranked Colorado as having the 12th-best QB situation in the Big 12.
Lewis could be one of the youngest starting passers in the nation after reclassifying up a year to the 2025 class. The true freshman five-star was a two-time national Gatorade Player of the Year finalist at Carrollton (Georgia) with over 10,000 career passing yards and 144 touchdowns.
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Related: Deion Sanders Sends Blunt Message About Replacing "His Sons"
On the other hand, Salter came to Colorado as an experienced three-year starter at Liberty. He has accounted for 7,900 yards, 77 total touchdowns, and 17 interceptions during his time with the Flames. One of the most experienced transfer players from the last cycle with the capability to throw 70-yard bombs.
Related: Will Deion Sanders Pass The Nike Torch to Shedeur Before NFL Season?
Sanders and Colorado are on the verge of opening up fall camp with a few clear objectives before the season, but none bigger than naming the heir apparent to Shedeur Sanders.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
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