Deion Sanders Reveals Colorado Buffaloes' Starting Quarterback Against Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

BOULDER — Coach Deion Sanders' third season leading the Colorado Buffaloes has just about arrived.

On Friday evening, the Buffs will host the ACC's Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in what should be one of college football's best Week 1 matchups. Colorado is beginning a new era without the likes of quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, and Georgia Tech received 63 votes in the preseason AP Top 25.

"Coach Prime" Names Colorado's Starting Quarterback

Deion Sanders Previews Colorado Buffaloes Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Live Updates Coach Prime Kaidon Salter College Football — 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

During his first game week presser of the season on Tuesday, "Coach Prime" announced that Kaidon Salter will start at quarterback on Friday, although freshman Julian "JuJu" Lewis may also see some action.

Previewing Colorado's Week 1 Opponent

Friday's season opener will arguably be the toughest of the "Coach Prime" era. Led by coach Brent Key, Georgia Tech prides itself on winning the trenches and playing strong team football. Quarterback Haynes King and running back Jamal Haynes will both be difficult to contain, and the Yellow Jackets have some intriguing talent on defense, including linebacker Kyle Efford and cornerback Ahmari Harvey.

"It'll take everybody," Colorado defensive coordinator Robert Livingston said. "We talk about it all the time: The reason that we love defense is it takes all 11 guys. You can have 10 guys do their job and somebody messes up, he's going 70 yards, and I'm getting booed out of the stadium. It takes all 11, and I'm excited to see that. Each play will be a little bit different (with) who has maybe the pressure point and do enough to try to keep them guessing."

MORE: What Colorado Buffaloes' Julian 'JuJu' Lewis, Kaidon Salter Said About Byron Leftwich

MORE: Jerry Jeudy Shares True Feelings On Shedeur Sanders' Cleveland Browns Debut

MORE: Where Colorado Buffaloes Landed In Preseason AP Top 25 College Football Poll

MORE: What Todd Bowles Said About Shilo Sanders' Tampa Bay Buccaneers Debut

Kickoff on Friday is set for 6 p.m. MT at Folsom Field in Boulder. The game will be televised on ESPN.

This article will be updated throughout Deion Sanders' first game week press conference of the season:

Kaidon Salter Named Starting Quarterback

"Coach Prime" officially named Kaidon Salter as Colorado's Week 1 starting quarterback.

Kaidon Salter will start at quarterback for Colorado this week. No shocker here.

Sanders said that we may see some Julian Lewis sprinkled in throughout the game against Georgia Tech. #CUBuffs
— Ryland Scholes (@rylandscholes) August 26, 2025

"Coach Prime" Reveals Biggest Key To Beating Georgia Tech

Coach Primes key to beating Georgia Tech:

“Mistake free football.” pic.twitter.com/XcCjTmpsuD
— DNVR Buffs (@DNVR_Buffs) August 26, 2025

Update On Shilo Sanders

"Coach Prime" was asked about his son and former Colorado safety Shilo Sanders being released from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The elder Sanders affirmed that Shilo will be just fine regardless of if he sees another NFL opportunity.

"I prepare my kids for everything and everything that can happen in life and sports," Deion Sanders said.

Kaidon Salter Ready For Bright Lights

"Coach Prime" isn't worried about Salter, a transfer from Liberty, adjusting to the bright lights of a nationally televised game at Folsom Field.

Coach Prime on starting QB Kaidon Salter: "He has a serious but fun loving nature. He wants to win, shine on this stage. This is the largest stage he's ever been on. He wants that smoke."
— Adam Munsterteiger (@adamcm777) August 26, 2025

Deion Sanders Pleased With Colorado's Depth

When asked to share what makes this Colorado team different than past years, "Coach Prime" pointed out the increased depth, particularly on the offensive line. "I'm proud of the staff to assemble the amount of depth that we have."

Praise For Georgia Tech's Haynes King

Coach Prime on Georgia Tech QB Haynes King.

“He’s unbelievable. He doesn’t make many mistakes. He’s a winner, he’s leader. That team believes in him. The kid is a dawg, he can play, I love him. He can play.”
— Jake Schwanitz (@JakeDNVR) August 26, 2025

Deion Sanders Reaches Out To Brent Key

At the start of his presser, "Coach Prime" said he reached out to Georgia Tech coach Brent Key.

"They've played their butts off under his leadership the past few years," Sanders said.

Uniform Reveal, Tribute To Bill McCartney

In honor of the late Bill McCartney, who led Colorado to its lone national championship in 1990, Colorado will wear its traditional home uniforms (black jerseys, gold pants, gold helmet) on Friday.