Why Deion Sanders Named Kaidon Salter As Colorado Buffaloes' Starting Quarterback

BOULDER — As expected, Kaidon Salter will start at quarterback in the Colorado Buffaloes' season opener against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Friday evening.

Coach Deion Sanders announced his decision during a press conference on Tuesday, stating that Salter's experience helped give him the edge over fellow quarterbacks Julian "JuJu" Lewis and Ryan Staub. Salter transferred to Colorado after four seasons at Liberty, where he threw for 5,887 yards and 56 touchdowns.

Why Deion Sanders Is Rolling With Kaidon Salter

Deion Sanders Said About Naming Colorado Buffaloes Starting Quarterback Kaidon Salter Julian Lewis Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket — Jul 9, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Colorado quarterback Kaidon Salter speaks with the media during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

With Colorado entering another season with high expectations, Salter gives the Buffs a win-now type of quarterback who won plenty at Liberty. Most notably, the Cedar Hill, Texas, native helped the Flames to an undefeated regular season and a Conference USA championship in 2023.

"The kid has a ton of experience, dual-threat, he can throw the heck out of the ball as well," Sanders said of Salter. "He's the guy at this point."

Salter will succeed former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who threw for 7,364 yards and 64 while leading the Buffs to 13 wins over the past two seasons. Shedeur was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of April's NFL Draft.

While Shedeur used his legs on occasion, Colorado's offense will look considerably different with Salter being a true dual-threat quarterback. Opposing defensive ends and linebackers now must respect the run and possibly implement a quarterback spy.

Ultimately, Salter's experience at the college level made him the clear choice over Lewis, who played only three seasons of high school football before joining the Buffs in December.

"He's done it before," Deion Sanders said. "This is not his first time running down the tunnel and getting to start. He's done it before, and his experience is vital. We don't tend to seem like a young team. We have a ton of experience on offense and the defensive side of the ball, especially the coaching staff as well. I like what he's been doing in camp, I like what he did in the spring. He's growing and growing and growing."

"Coach Prime" added that offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Pat Shurmur and assistant Byron Leftwich played key roles in helping Salter acclimate to Colorado.

"Pat has done a wonderful job with him," Sanders said. "He's (Salter) going to do well. Byron Leftwich has brought a lot to the table when he's available and he's able to come and work with him. I defer to those two coaches to allow me to understand what I see as valid."

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Deion Sanders Shares Plan For Julian Lewis

Depending on how the game goes, Sanders hopes to also give the 17-year-old Lewis some time under center in Friday's season opener.

"We're praying and we're hoping that you see some JuJu periodically through the game as well," Sanders said. "We would like to get him some reps as well, but the game predicates that."