Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, better known as Coach Prime, is playing the long game when it comes to naming his starting quarterback for the 2025 season. While fans eagerly anticipate who will lead the Buffaloes offense this fall, Sanders has made it clear: there’s no rush. With spring practice wrapped and summer workouts on the horizon, the Buffs’ quarterback competition is heating up—but the decision will come only when it feels right. “We’re not handing anything out,” Sanders said. “Everything here is earned.”
Leading the QB race is returning starter Shedeur Sanders, who has shown flashes of brilliance and toughness during his time under center. However, with new talent arriving through the transfer portal and promising freshmen eager to make their mark, Coach Prime is keeping the competition open. “We’ve got some guys that can really play,” Sanders added. “But I want to see who leads, who commands the offense, and who makes this team better every day.” It’s a mindset that reflects the culture he’s building in Boulder—one rooted in accountability, performance, and resilience.
What makes this QB battle even more intriguing is the spotlight that comes with playing under Sanders, one of college football’s most recognizable figures. Every rep in practice is watched. Every throw is evaluated. But Sanders isn’t interested in hype—he’s focused on substance. “I don’t care about stars or status,” he said. “I care about wins.” That message is resonating throughout the locker room, where players understand that leadership will be just as important as arm strength in earning the job.
With a revamped roster, high expectations, and a national spotlight following the Buffs into 2025, the quarterback question remains front and center. But for Coach Prime, patience is part of the plan. “We’ll name a starter when it’s time,” he said with a smile. “Until then, it’s competition—and that’s exactly how we like it.” One thing is certain: when the decision is made, it’ll be because the right man earned it, not because the clock was ticking.