Deion Sanders Breaks Silence on Colorado Buffaloes Quarterback Competition

Coach Deion Sanders is set to hold a Tuesday press conference to preview the Colorado Buffaloes' Big 12 opener against the Houston Cougars and potentially share an update on Colorado reportedly starting quarterback Ryan Staub over Julian Lewis and Kaidon Salter.

Sep 6, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the game against the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

BOULDER — The stakes are now a little higher for the Colorado Buffaloes as they prepare for their Big 12 Conference opener against the Houston Cougars.

In a conference that appears wide open, Friday's week 3 matchup at Houston gives Colorado an important opportunity to begin Big 12 play on the right foot against a beatable Cougars squad. Although Houston has taken great strides since winning four games last year, these are the types of games that coach Deion Sanders must win to keep Colorado on track.

Ahead of Colorado's Big 12 opener, "Coach Prime" will hold his weekly press conference on Tuesday in Boulder. Before speaking to the media, reports of the Buffaloes starting quarterback Ryan Staub over Kaidon Salter and Julian "JuJu" Lewis surfaced. What will Sanders have to say about Colorado's quarterback battle?

Sep 6, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders (center) leads the team onto Folsom Field before the game against the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

This article will be updated throughout Sanders' pre-Houston press conference:

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Memorable End To Presser

When asked to share what he liked most about each of his three quarterbacks against Delaware, "Coach Prime" responded with, "That's a setup" and walked out.

Injury Update On Dallan Hayden, Micah Welch

"Coach Prime" said that wide receiver Omarion Miller (hamstring) and running back Dallan Hayden (hand) are both practicing this week, but the former is closer to returning.

One Quarterback Is Ideal

Coach Prime on if he wants only one quarterback to play vs. Houston.

“That’s the goal. I don’t want to play musical chairs with the quarterbacks. Hopefully we get to that point. I’m proud of where we are offensively.”

— Jake Schwanitz (@JakeDNVR) September 9, 2025

More On Quarterback Room

While many outside of CU's walls see some uncertainty in the room, "Coach Prime" likes what he has in his three scholarship quarterbacks.

"I like where we are. I like what we have. I like what we're playing with."

Unwilling To Confirm Ryan Staub

Deion Sanders was not willing to confirm ESPN's report that Ryan Staub will start Colorado's Week 3 game against Houston. "I haven't made that assessment or decision yet."

"I'm not confirming that to y'all... Staub has been doing a phenomenal job and getting the majority of the reps, but I haven't made that assessment and decision yet." - Deion Sanders on the report that Ryan Staub will start at QB for Colorado vs. Houston #CUBuffs

— Ryland Scholes (@rylandscholes) September 9, 2025

Praise For Willie Fritz

"Coach Prime" began his Tuesday presser with some praise for Houston coach Willie Fritz, who previously coached at Tulane. "What he accomplished at Tulane and so forth has been astonishing."

Ryan Staub To Start?

Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Ryan Staub (16) runs against Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker John Bullock (5) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Third-year Buff Ryan Staub made a very strong case to assume Colorado's starting quarterback job in a breakout game against Delaware on Saturday, throwing for 157 yards and two touchdowns.

“I had a dream, and I saw something, and I just wanted to chase it," Staub said after CU's 31-7 win over Delaware. "I love being here, I love playing for Coach Prime, and I’m just so blessed I got the opportunity. All I needed was that opportunity, and we got more work to do.”

Meanwhile, Colorado offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur has struggled to unlock Kaidon Salter's full potential, and Julian Lewis may be headed toward a redshirt.

MORE: Three Key Takeaways From the Colorado Buffaloes' Statement Win Over Delaware

MORE: Quarterback Julian Lewis Makes History But Underwhelms In First Colorado Buffaloes Drives

MORE: How No Rookie Reps Could Shape Colorado Star Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Future

MORE: Deion Sanders Reacts To Ryan Staub's Breakout Game, Colorado Buffaloes Quarterback Situation

MORE: Colorado Buffaloes Quarterback Ryan Staub Turns Heads in Win Over Delaware

Closer Look At Houston Cougars

Aug 28, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars defensive back C.J. Douglas (13) hands the ball to head coach Willie Fritz after an interception during the fourth quarter against the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Led by second-year coach Willie Fritz, the Houston Cougars are 2-0 after beating Stephen F. Austin and Rice to begin the season. Quarterback Conner Weigman, a transfer from Texas A&M, has so far fit in well with his new team, throwing for 347 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in the two wins.

Defensively, the Cougars totaled three interceptions, five sacks and two forced fumbles in their first two games, albeit against lesser competition.