Ryan Staub Steals Show As Colorado Buffaloes Beat Delaware Blue Hens

BOULDER — Colorado Buffaloes fans will get a glimpse into the future on Saturday as former five-star prospect Julian "JuJu" Lewis will make his college football debut against the Delaware Blue Hens.

While Kaidon Salter is largely expected to get the start at quarterback, the freshman Lewis could see significant playing time off the bench. Coach Deion Sanders shared earlier this week that Lewis will play regardless of how the game develops.

"He's playing this week for sure," Sanders said. "I know what I'm gonna see. You just don't know what you're gonna see."

Live Updates Julian Lewis Colorado Buffaloes Debut Delaware Blue Hens Kaidon Salter Deion Sanders Quarterback Football Folsom — 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

This article will be updated throughout Colorado's Week 2 showdown against Delaware:

Micah Welch Scores Colorado's Fourth Touchdown

Score Update: Colorado 31, Delaware 7 (Q4, 14:13)

Colorado turned three points into seven when a Delaware penalty wiped out a field goal and gave the Buffs a first down at the Blue Hens' 11-yard line. Two plays later, running back Micah Welch scored a 10-yard rushing touchdown.

End Quarter 3: Colorado 24, Delaware 7

At the end of three quarters, Colorado holds a 24-7 lead over the Blue Hens. Ryan Staub has thrown for 157 yards, wide receiver Sincere Brown has 120 yards and a touchdown and Jeremiah Brown leads the Buffs with eight tackles.

Ryan Staub Stays Hot, Connects With Sincere Brown For Touchdown

Score Update: Colorado 24, Delaware 7 (Q3, 13:47)

It took Ryan Staub just over one minute to throw another touchdown pass after beginning the second half at quarterback. On a third-down play, Staub hit Sincere Brown for a 71-yard touchdown.

Halftime Score Update: Colorado 17, Delaware 7

"Coach Prime" likely wasn't pleased with what he saw from his team in the first half. Colorado's defense faltered late in the second quarter and neither Kaidon Salter no Julian Lewis performed exceedingly well.

Ryan Staub and DeKalon Taylor helped Colorado regain some momentum late in the second quarter when they connected for a 21-yard score.

Ryan Staub Enters, Throws Touchdown

Score Update: Colorado 17, Delaware 7 (Q2, 0:09)

Shockingly, third-string quarterback Ryan Staub entered the game late in the second half after a pair of shaky drives from Julian Lewis. Staub's first two passes fell incomplete but he bounced back with a 31-yard strike to wide receiver Joseph Williams and a 21-yard touchdown pass to DeKalon Taylor.

Delaware's Jo Silver Scores Touchdown

Score Update: Colorado 10, Delaware 7 (Q2, 0:45)

Aided by some atrocious tackling by Colorado's defense, Delaware traveled 80 yards on only seven plays to score its first points. Running back Jo Silver caught a shovel pass from quarterback Nick Minicucci for a 4-yard score.

Julian Lewis Enters Game

JuJu’s first snap 🙌

1️⃣0️⃣ becomes the third youngest Buff at Colorado to play in the last 20 years@JulianLewis10 x #GoBuffs

🖥️: FOXpic.twitter.com/xlIwRtO7qQ
— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) September 6, 2025

To the excitement of the Folsom Field crowd, Julian Lewis entered the game late in the second quarter.

Alejandro Mata Extends Colorado's Lead

Score Update: Colorado 10, Delaware 0 (Q2, 13:03)

Kicker Alejandro Mata extended Colorado's lead to 10-0 on a 28-yard field goal.

End Quarter 1: Colorado 7, Delaware 0

After one quarter of play, the Colorado Buffaloes lead the Delaware Blue Hens, 7-0. Quarterback Kaidon Salter was 10-of-11 passing for 70 yards and scored a 9-yard rushing touchdown.

Defensively, linebackers Martavius French and Jeremiah Brown each have three tackles.

Colorado's Defense Forces Turnover On Downs

Score Update: Colorado 7, Delaware 0 (Q1, 2:02)

Late in the first quarter, Colorado's defense came up big on a 4th-and-7, forcing an incompletion and a turnover on downs. The play prior, Makari Vickers recorded his first pass breakup in a Buffs uniform.

Kaidon Salter Scores Rushing Touchdown On Colorado's Frist Drive

Score Update: Colorado 7, Delaware 0 (Q1, 5:33)

Quarterback Kaidon Salter capped off a 12-play 87-yard opening drive with a 9-yard rushing touchdown, his second ground score of the year. Wide receivers Isaiah Hardge and Joseph Williams also showed well in the Buffs' first drive with two catches each.

Notable Buffs Not In Uniform

Defensive end Samuel Okunlola, wide receiver Omarion Miller, defensive tackle Gavriel Lightfoot, running back Dallan Hayden, safety Terrance Love and linebacker Kylan Salter are among those not in uniform for Colorado.

What To Know About Julian Lewis

Born in 2007, Julian Lewis played only three seasons at Carrollton High School in Georgia before enrolling early at CU. The two-time Gatorade Georgia Football Player of the Year was initially committed to the USC Trojans but flipped to Colorado last November.

Lewis went 39-4 as Carrollton's starting quarterback, throwing for 11,010 yards and 144 touchdowns.

Although Lewis has impressed many in Boulder with his maturity, "Coach Prime" hopes to develop his prized quarterback at a safe pace, which has been made possible by Salter.

"First of all, I gotta protect this kid," Sanders said on CBS Colorado's "Coach Prime's Playbook." "This kid is 17 years darn old. I gotta really make sure he's successful. You can't throw him out there and the next thing you know, you guys out there watching are eating him alive on social media. He's never been through that. I gotta make sure I protect this kid as well as make sure he's ready to go out there and do what he's capable of doing."

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Closer Look At Delaware Blue Hens

Led by coach Ryan Carty, Delaware will be playing in only its second game as an FBS program. The Blue Hens were a top FCS program, highlighted by a 2003 national championship, before moving to the Conference USA earlier this year.

Quarterback Nick Minicucci, who relieved the injured Zach Marker in last week's win over Delaware State, should challenge Colorado with his legs and capable right arm. Other Blue Hens to watch include running back Jo Silver, wide receiver Jake Thaw, safety KT Seay and linebacker Gavin Moul.