Why Deion Sanders' Colorado Offense Earned 'Biggest Loser' Label

The Colorado Buffaloes offense has struggled out of the gate, leaving Coach Deion Sanders searching for answers. After a 36-20 loss to Houston, questions are mounting about who should lead the offense moving forward.

Sep 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Colorado Buffaloes haven’t gotten off to the start they were hoping for, sitting at 1-2, and the offense has been especially rough. Coach Deion Sanders has already gone through three different quarterbacks in as many games.

Liberty transfer quarterback Kaidon Salter started the first two games, while five-star freshman Julian Lewis got a few snaps against Delaware. Redshirt sophomore Ryan Staub looked solid against the Blue Hens but struggled in his first start against the Houston Cougars.

Colorado fell 36-20, with the offense failing to find any rhythm. After the game, Sanders described the performance in one word: “speechless.”

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffalos quarterback Ryan Staub (16) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

With just three games in, Sanders is facing his biggest challenge yet — getting some stability at quarterback before the season slips away.

Bleacher Report Calls Out Colorado’s Offense After Week 3 Struggles

Sep 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Ryan Staub (16) attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Year three of the Deion Sanders era in Boulder hasn’t exactly gotten off to the start fans were hoping for. The Buffaloes’ offensive struggles have quickly become the story of the season. 

Even Bleacher Report’s Ben Sheppard called out Colorado’s offense, naming it one of the biggest losers from this past weekend.

“Life without Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter at Colorado never was going to be easy, and coach Deion Sanders is seeing that firsthand,” Sheppard wrote. 

He used last season as a reminder of just how fast things can change in Boulder.

“That's when Prime's Buffaloes rebounded in '24, with stars all over the offense,” Sheppard added. “Now, with guys like quarterback Sanders and do-it-all Hunter off to the NFL, restocking the shelf hasn't been easy.”

With the spotlight squarely on Coach Prime, the big question now is whether he can steady the ship and get an offense that’s still searching for answers moving again.

Sep 6, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis (10) before the game against the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

MORE: Three Concerning Takeaways From Colorado’s Tough Loss to Houston

MORE: Houston Coach Willie Fritz Addresses Missed Postgame Handshake With Deion Sanders

MORE: Deion Sanders Explains Cautious Approach For Colorado Quarterback Julian Lewis

MORE: Colorado Quarterback Ryan Staub Reveals How Loyalty to Buffaloes Paid Off

Jul 9, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Colorado head coach Deion Sanders 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

Quarterback Decisions Loom Large for Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes

Aug 29, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders congratulates Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) following a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

At some point, Sanders needs to pick a quarterback and stick with him. 

Staub might not be the answer, but Lewis could be. And at the very least, Salter offers a steady hand and some dual-threat upside to keep the offense moving.

Lewis carries big expectations and even bigger potential, and Colorado could really use a jolt right now. Getting someone with his skill set under center might be the best way to finally get the offense going.

Waiting too long to make a decision only drags out the uncertainty and keeps the offense from finding any rhythm. If Sanders is serious about setting the program up for long-term success, the Lewis era shouldn’t wait. 

Aug 29, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis (10) warms up in the second quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The clock is ticking, and the sooner Sanders makes a move, the sooner Colorado can start turning potential into production.

How Much Pressure Is Deion Sanders Under to Turn This Season Around?

Aug 29, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during the first quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Going into his third year in Boulder, you’d think the pressure on Deion Sanders would be through the roof. But honestly, he’s just doing the best he can with the roster he has.

Putting a true freshman in the starting role is tough enough, and doing it while following in Shedeur Sanders’ footsteps? That’s a whole other level of expectations.

For now, though, the pressure isn’t too crazy. But if Sanders can’t start winning next season with Julian Lewis as the full-time starter, that’s when questions will start to arise about whether he can truly turn the Buffaloes into a contender.

Coach Prime still has time and trust on his side, but that clock is ticking. Eventually, results will have to match the hype.